How much does a bridge tender make?

In the U.S., pay can differ by region and employer, such as local or state government or railroads. Experience, added responsibility, and extra hours or night and weekend shifts can also affect pay.

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's a typical day like?

They watch for boats, answer radio or whistle calls, stop road traffic, and use controls to open the bridge. They guide vessels through, log crossings, and check equipment for problems.

In the U.S., a high-school diploma or GED is usually enough to apply, and some jobs need little or no experience. New tenders get on-the-job training lasting a few days to about a year.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

In Washington State, boats get priority over road traffic at movable bridges, so bridge tenders may stop cars to let a vessel through.