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What Does it Take to Be a Bridge and Lock Tender?

Job Description: Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.

What Do Bridge and Lock Tenders Do On a Daily Basis?

Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.

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What Every Bridge & Lock Tender Should Know

When polled, Bridge and Lock Tenders say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Lock Keeper
Lock and Dam Repairer
Crossing Watchman
Gate Attendant
Lockman

Job Opportunities for Bridge and Lock Tenders

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 3,700 jobs in the United States for Bridge and Lock Tender. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.7% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 100 new jobs for Bridge and Lock Tender by 2026. There will be an estimated 400 positions for Bridge & Lock Tender per year.

The states with the most job growth for Bridge & Lock Tender are Oregon, Kentucky, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, Washington, or Texas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Bridge & Lock Tender

The average yearly salary of a Bridge & Lock Tender ranges between $24,490 and $63,620.

Bridge and Lock Tenders who work in Minnesota, Illinois, or Iowa, make the highest salaries.

How much do Bridge and Lock Tenders make in different U.S. states?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Arkansas	$48,410
California	$51,520
Florida	$34,090
Illinois	$62,830
Indiana	$54,410
Iowa	$55,230
Kentucky	$51,470
Louisiana	$34,420
Maryland	$43,420
Massachusetts	$53,430
Michigan	$43,560
Minnesota	$59,860
Mississippi	$43,070
Missouri	$55,960
New Jersey	$49,880
New York	$48,250
Ohio	$50,890
Pennsylvania	$54,010
South Carolina	$46,580
Tennessee	$52,410
Texas	$35,330
West Virginia	$54,680
Wisconsin	$49,890

What Tools do Bridge and Lock Tenders Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Bridge and Lock Tenders:

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Outlook
Email software
Word processing software
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software
Virtual private networking VPN software

How to Become a Bridge & Lock Tender

Individuals working as a Bridge and Lock Tender have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Bridge and Lock Tenders Work?

Bridge and Lock Tenders work in the following industries:

References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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