How much does a bridge tender make?

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.

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

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.

School needed: High school plus some training

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

Why does pay differ?

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.