Bridge and Lock Tenders
Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages.
About the profession
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.
How to Get Started
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Jump to Learning Path →Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Trainee Bridge and Lock Tender → Technician Bridge and Lock Tender → Senior Technician Bridge and Lock Tender → Lead Technician Bridge and Lock Tender
Where are you on this career path?
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Salary Growth
4
Levels
70K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
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Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $28,990 - $39,213/year With equity/bonuses: $31,889 - $47,056 Top markets (SF/NYC): $33,339 - $47,056 Execute core tasks using Monitoring under…
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior — daily schedule breakdown
9am — Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $20,293 - $35,292 Year 2-3: Junior level $39,213 - $46,963 Year 4-6: Mid level $46,963 - $50,918 Year 7-10: Senior level $50,918 - $62,641 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions — answer honestly
You find the craft of a Bridge and Lock Tender genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Monitoring and Active Listening You communicate clearly with…
💰 Salary Range
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