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 you compare to similar Transportation roles

Bridge and Lock Tenders (you)
64
Commercial Pilots
64
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
65
Air Traffic Controllers
63
Recycling Coordinators
66
Airfield Operations Specialists
66
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Your 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.
  • Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
  • Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
  • Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
  • Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
  • Prepare accident reports.
  • Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
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.
  • Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
  • Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
  • Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
  • Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
  • Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
  • Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
  • Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Durable

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

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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.