As of June 2026, Bridge and Lock Tenders has an AI-exposure score of 64/100 (High exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Bridge and Lock Tenders

64/100
High exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 80% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$57,700. About 300 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How this role compares to similar Transportation roles

Bridge and Lock Tenders (this role)
64
Commercial Pilots
64
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
65
Air Traffic Controllers
63
Recycling Coordinators
66
Airfield Operations Specialists
66
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Data sources, not endorsements: O*NET task data, BLS employment/pay/demand, and Anthropic Economic Index signals.Methodology Data sources
Role snapshot

What this role usually involves

O*NET 29.1 exact occupation

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.

Common titles
Bridge OperatorBridge TenderLock Tender
Typical preparation
Some Preparation Needed: These occupations usually require a high school diploma. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Skills and knowledge
MonitoringCoordinationCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingOperation and ControlSpeaking
Tools and technology
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordOracle PeopleSoftSAP software
Work context
Indoor controlled settingTelephoneFrequent contact with othersConsequence of errorDecision latitude

Source: O*NET 29.1 exact occupation - Bridge and Lock Tenders, SOC 53-6011.00. Context describes the role; the AI-exposure score remains a separate task-exposure estimate.

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Bridge and Lock Tenders tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
  • Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
  • Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
6 more automatable tasks locked in the report.
Augmentable
  • Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
  • Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
7 more augmentable tasks locked in the report.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (50%).

We analyzed all 18 Bridge and Lock Tenders tasks — 9 automatable and 9 augmentable. The full task map — every task with exactly what to do about each — is in your Career Report.

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Every task scored with what to automate, augment, or protect.

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5-10 adjacent roles with salary, demand, and reachability.

30/60/90 plan + PDF

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Safer adjacent roles

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
80% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$68,840
46
7 more safer roles with salary, demand & a reachability map — in your Career Report.
AI-augmentation kit (prompt preview) You are my AI copilot for "Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.". I'll paste the inputs; draft the first version and flag exactly what needs my judgment, then iterate until…
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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.

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