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Bridge Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Bridge Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$29.1K

$48.6K

$66.4K

How much do bridge operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for bridge operator in Illinois is $48,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $55,200.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Bridge Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Bridge Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bridge Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Bridge Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Bridge Operator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Bridge Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Bridge Operator jobs in IL?

For Bridge Operator jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Bridge Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bridge Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Full Time, 68% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,626 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Lead Movable Bridge /Structural Engineer

WSP

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants

Job description


This Opportunity
Be involved in projects with our Movable Bridge/Complex Bridge/Structural Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges.
WSP USA's Movable Bridge Structures group has an immediate opening for a full-time Lead Movable Bridge /Structural Engineer to join our National Bridges & Structures Practice in our Chicago office, or any office within US. This position is for an engineer who is seeking an opportunity to work within a team-focused local office, for a large world-wide engineering firm. Career development, mentoring and employee satisfaction is key within our local civil group and the firm. WSP USA Operates with a Hybrid-Workplace Model.
Your Impact
  • Lead design, plan development tasks and perform structural analysis and design
  • Actively maintain project scope, design changes and project budget
  • Mentoring and developing junior staff
  • Ability to provide close coordination with others on the project as well as independent QC/QA reviews
  • Visiting clients for growing business and keeping them and other team members well informed
  • Manage planning and/or engineering projects including Bridge Design (Fixed and Movable, Highway and Railroad) and Transit structures and similar projects.
  • Provide oversight with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.
  • Apply high-level structural and civil engineering techniques and processes
  • Remain current in latest structural engineering techniques and practices.
  • Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams of engineers, architects, planners, and scientific professionals to execute project work on mid-level and/or multiple concurrent projects, including budgets, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, cost and quantities of materials/equipment/labor, technical calculations, permit applications, construction, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
  • Perform professional structural engineering work and conduct more complex/comprehensive investigations and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, facilities, pipelines, transportation channels, and operations to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
  • Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing construction safety and phasing plans and updating infrastructure layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
  • Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design, construction, rehabilitation, and remediation of building and infrastructure projects, ensuring durability of materials and structural soundness from loads and pressures caused by environmental or human influence.
  • Lead larger-scale structural engineering projects ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when, preparing and overseeing relevant project budgets, monitoring external events, tracking hours and expenses, ensuring satisfactory performance, and supervising subcontractors, contract work, and employees.
  • Assist with engineering review of permit applications, engineering design plans and specifications, standby plans and engineering contracts, and periodic construction inspections, to ensure that they comply with applicable state and/or federal regulations and sound engineering practice and standards.
  • Meet with various public or private entities or individuals to discuss issues relating to a variety of engineering/construction challenges and programs.
  • Ensure technical reports and presentations explain research, findings, and recommendations to prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or construction issues or opportunities.
  • Develop a client base for providing high level structural engineering services including identifying additional business development opportunities.
  • Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines, other engineers, and infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, local, and privately funded improvement and development projects, as well as proposal and business development opportunities.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
  • 7 to 10 years of relevant post education experience in engineering discipline and prior structural design experience.
  • Engineer license required (multi-state preferred).
  • Highly proficient with structural engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to project work-related issues.
  • Highly proficient with extensive experience in infrastructure planning, design, and program/construction management; including project involvement in a variety of rehabilitation and reconstruction, new design, and construction projects.
  • Strong knowledge of relevant structural and civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Highly proficient with making technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations.
  • Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., Larsa 4D, STADD, MIDAS, CSiBridge, Bentley Open Bridge, MDX, AASHTOWare Bridge Design/Rating MicroStation), technology, math principles, physics, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Experience with planning and conducting inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of buildings, facilities, or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies
  • Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing intricate ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Strong self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with clients, regulators, project managers, and employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Works independently to provide guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior level team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software, technology, math principles, physics, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Experienced with providing critical reviews for documents and preparing technical deliverables and plans with a high degree of complexity.
  • Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MaMaster's Degree in Engineering.
  • Strong technical skills in structural analysis and design of various types of bridge structures including movable bridges
  • Ability to also serve as Key Team Member for major strategic transit and rail opportunities.
  • PE license required, SE within a year is plus
  • Familiarity with AASHTO design criteria (LFD & LRFD) and with DOT work
  • Accustomed to working in a team environment on challenging projects
  • FHWA - NHI - Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges training and Fracture Critical Bridges Training are pluses
  • Familiarity with AREMA design criteria and Railroad experience are pluses

WSP Benefits
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation
Expected Salary (all locations): $98,300-$175,000.
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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