Will “Bridge Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

97% Chance of Automation

“Bridge Operator” will almost certainly be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #644 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

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.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-6011.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 46,680.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 22.00
Currently, there are 3,510 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Bridge and Lock Tenders”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Bridge Operator”

Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best utilization of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
Log data such as water levels and weather conditions.
Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
Operate lighthouses to assist marine passage near shores and dangerous waters.
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas such as roadbeds for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Add and remove balance weights to bridge mechanisms as necessary.
Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.
Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Prepare accident reports.
Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
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.
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, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Perform maintenance duties such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.

Related Technology & Tools

Safety-toe boots
Signal bells
Traffic gates
Warning horns
Warning sirens
Laser facsimile machines
Safety gloves
Weather monitoring instruments
Hearing protectors
Very high frequency VHF radiotelephones
Smoke detectors
X ray scanners
Wire ropes
Closed circuit television CCTV monitoring systems
Spot lights
Electric drawbridges
Bitts
Gas powered generators
Gas powered snow blowers
Hard hats
Span lights
Life jackets
Snow plows
Sump pumps
Navigation lights
Motor vehicles
Surveillance binoculars
Putty knives
Radar systems
Traffic directional cones
Loudspeaker warning system
Fall protection equipment
Gas detectors
Bridge traffic signals
Mobile radios
Protective glasses
Step ladders
Wire cutting tools
Cable lines
Television monitors
Balance weights
Megaphones
Intrusion alarms
Lawn mowers
Hand trucks
Adjustable wrenches
Desktop computers
Grease dispensing guns
Signal flares
Signal flags

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