SOC 53-6011
Bridge and Lock Tenders
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ69/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ2,720
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$58K
$33K โ $74K
Projected Growth
๐-3.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค59/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Bridge and Lock Tenders face a risk score of 69/100 โ 25 points above the national average of 44. With 59/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $58K ($12K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 69/100, Bridge and Lock Tenders faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like drone delivery displacing last-mile logistics workers are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 2,720 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in emergency situation response and quick decision-making and manual loading of irregular and fragile cargo to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Bridge and Lock Tenders?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Drone delivery displacing last-mile logistics workers
Autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology
Automated warehouse sorting and loading systems
AI traffic management and fleet coordination
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Emergency situation response and quick decision-making
Manual loading of irregular and fragile cargo
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
๐ป Technology Skills
Electronic mail software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Word processing software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Public Safety and Security
English Language
Telecommunications
Education and Training
Transportation
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 73% |
| Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 29 | $64K | 80% |
| Air Transportation Workers | 31 | $107K | 76% |