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Bridge Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Chicago

BRIDGE OPERATOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$58K/yr

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT BRIDGE OPERATOR Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) DIVISION OF IN-HOUSE CONSTRUCTION - BRIDGES Number of Positions: 4 Salary: $ $58,728 Applications for this position ...

City of Cleveland

Electric Bridge Operator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$23.37 - $24.91/hr

Description ELECTRIC BRIDGE OPERATOR Examination (OPEN) CS2026-103 Application Open Date: 08/14/2026 Application Close Date: 08/31/2026 SALARY: $23.37 - $24.91 per hour. APPLICATION INFORMATION This ...

Gallatin County

Bridge Equipment Operator

Bozeman, MT

$31.09 - $35.71/hr

POSITION OVERVIEW Under general supervision of the Bridge Foreman, this position is responsible for operating specialized heavy equipment and tools to maintain, repair, and construct County bridge ...

Gallatin County, MT

Bridge Equipment Operator

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$31.09 - $35.71/hr

Road & Bridge Opening Date: 08/05/2026 POSITION OVERVIEW Under general supervision of the Bridge Foreman, this position is responsible for operating specialized heavy equipment and tools to maintain ...

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Bridge Operator information

See salary details

$30K

$50.2K

$68.5K

How much do bridge operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge operator in the United States is $50,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bridge operator?

Bridge operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the operation of movable bridges, such as drawbridges or swing bridges. Their main duties include raising and lowering the bridge to allow the safe passage of boats or ships, ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians, and maintaining clear communication with vessel operators and other relevant parties. They also perform routine inspections and minor maintenance on bridge mechanisms to ensure smooth operation. This role is crucial for both transportation efficiency and public safety in areas where waterways intersect with roadways or railways.

What are some common challenges faced by bridge operators during their shifts?

Bridge operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected mechanical issues, coordinating with marine and vehicular traffic, and responding to emergency situations like severe weather or accidents. Effective communication and quick decision-making are essential to maintain safety and minimize disruptions. Operators also need to stay vigilant during long or overnight shifts to ensure the bridge is operated according to strict safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bridge operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bridge Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with bridge control systems, radio communication equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help operators respond effectively to emergencies and coordinate with vessel crews. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of moveable bridges, protecting both river and road traffic.

What is the difference between Bridge Operator vs Lock Operator?

AspectBridge OperatorLock Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a state license or certification, maritime knowledgeOften requires a state license or certification, navigation skills
Work EnvironmentOperate drawbridges, movable bridges over waterwaysOperate locks to raise and lower boats in canal systems
Industry UsageMaritime, transportation, infrastructureMaritime, transportation, canal systems

Both Bridge Operators and Lock Operators work in waterway transportation, requiring similar certifications and working in maritime environments. The main difference lies in their specific functions: Bridge Operators control movable bridges, while Lock Operators manage water levels in locks. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient waterway navigation.

How do you become a bridge operator?

To become a bridge operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in operating mechanical or electrical systems. Training is often provided on the job, and some positions require certification or licensing, especially for operating drawbridges or complex machinery.

How much do bridge operators make?

Bridge operators in Louisiana typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience and location. They often work in environments requiring knowledge of mechanical systems and may need certification or licensing to operate drawbridges or similar equipment.
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Bridge Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bridge Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,181 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

BRIDGE OPERATOR

City of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$58K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
BRIDGE OPERATOR
Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT)
DIVISION OF IN-HOUSE CONSTRUCTION - BRIDGES
Number of Positions: 4
Salary: $ $58,728
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59 pm CDT on 09/11/202 6
This position is open to the public and all current city employees covered under the City's Collective Bargaining Agreement with the OPERATING ENGINEERS, LOCAL UNION 150 Bridge Operators (BU#31). Only employees currently in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.
BID INSTRUCTIONS:
Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Under supervision, works a rotating shift and operates electric controls to raise and lower bascule draw bridges to allow the passage of waterway traffic on the Calumet River and the Chicago River, and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Operates an assigned bridge, or travels from bridge to bridge, to raise and lower electrically operated drawbridges to permit passage of waterway traffic
• Activates power source and operates levers on operating console to initiate sequence of steps to release and activate locks to lift bridge to appropriate height and to lower and close bridge
• Operates controls that activate signals and alarms and lower gates to halt street traffic
• Ensures locks designed to secure the bridge in lowered position are properly in place before opening gates for vehicular traffic
• Observes and monitors waterway traffic and communicates with vessels traveling through the river; maintains communication with supervisors during boat runs on Chicago River
• Performs visual integrity checks to ensure bridge sidewalks are free of loose concrete, metal objects, and other debris and that lights on bridge are operational
• Visually inspects area around bridge houses to ensure they are properly maintained and secured; informs supervisor of needed repairs
• Maintains the Bridge House by periodically cleaning the house (floors, desk(s), windows, equipment and tools, as well as ensuring documents, supplies, and tools are organized, maintained and easy to access
• Maintains records of the number, time, and duration of bridge lifts and of the names and direction of passing vessels
• Prepare incident reports of accidents occurring on drawbridges
NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are
essential to positions within the class.
Location: 3100 S SACRAMENTO
Days: MON - FRI
Hours: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
  • Willingness and ability to perform the duties of the job.

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
  • A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required.
  • Must have the permanent use of an automobile that is properly insured, including a clause specifically insuring the City of Chicago from accident liability.

Selection Requirements:
This is a non-interview title and WILL NOT REQUIRE A TEST . Bidders who APPLY CORRECTLY will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement. Non-Bidders who APPLY CORRECTLY will be hired in lottery/random order.
For Information on our employees' benefits, please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure, visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf
Application Evaluation: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resources staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state, and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligibility list in lottery order. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor

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