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Bridge Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Velociti Services

Bridge Tender

Charleston, SC · On-site

$14/hr

Positions include drawbridge operators, lock tenders and operators, and slip bridge operators. Requirements: * Must be very flexible and available for any shift Monday-Sunday. * Responsible for ...

New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc.

Employment Status: Full-Time Crane Operator (Bridge) - What Will You Do? * BUILD AMERICA - Assist in multiple aspects of bridge construction across Pennsylvania. * Operate & maintain crane and boom ...

Willbee

Bridge Saw Operator

Clarklake, MI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

About the Role We're looking for a skilled Bridge Saw Operator to join our countertop fabrication team. If you take pride in clean cuts, love working with natural stone, and know your way around a ...

Willbee Transit Mix

Bridge Saw Operator

Clarklake, MI

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

About the Role We're looking for a skilled Bridge Saw Operator to join our countertop fabrication team. If you take pride in clean cuts, love working with natural stone, and know your way around a ...

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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 Jun 12, 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 are bridge operators?

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 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.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A bridge operator typically earns less than $10,000 a month; high-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include specialized roles such as commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or certain sales managers. These positions usually require experience, certifications, or licenses rather than formal college degrees.

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 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.

How much money do drawbridge operators make?

Drawbridge operators typically earn a median annual wage of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often work in environments requiring certification and may work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Bridge operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, certifications, or significant experience. Most bridge operators earn a modest salary, with top earners in the field making significantly less than $500,000 per year.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Bridge operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are more common in specialized fields like certain executive roles, high-level consultants, or skilled trades such as commercial pilots or surgeons. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and work in high-demand environments. Most standard jobs, including bridge operation, have lower daily pay rates.
More about Bridge Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Bridge Operator jobs? Cities with the most Bridge Operator job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Bridge Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Bridge Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Bridge Operator jobs? For Bridge Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Bridge Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bridge Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,181 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Bridge Tender

Bridge Tender

Velociti Services

Charleston, SC • On-site

$14/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Velociti Services rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

203rd of 210 rated facilities management

Job description

Shifts: 12am-8am, 8am-4pm, 4pm-12am
Schedule: Monday-Sunday (VERY Flexible - shifts assigned as needed by the Captain)
Job Description:
Bridge Tenders at Velociti Services operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. This role may include supervising such operations. Positions include drawbridge operators, lock tenders and operators, and slip bridge operators.
Requirements:
  • Must be very flexible and available for any shift Monday-Sunday.
  • Responsible for ensuring safe and efficient passage for marine traffic.
  • Follow all operational and safety protocols.

Success Criteria:
  • Follow all company procedures, policies, and rules.
  • Provide safe, courteous openings for marine traffic.
  • Provide a safe passage for vehicle traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians.
  • Follow all safety protocols.
  • Inform the supervisor immediately of all incidents, malfunctions, and accidents.
  • Ensure the safety of maintenance personnel.

Critical Areas of Collaboration and Influence:
  • A solid commitment to the guest experience.
  • Always remember safety first.
  • Build respectful relationships with all teammates and quests.
  • The ability to read and comprehend FDOT and U.S. Coast Guard manuals, rules, regulations, and procedures.
  • The ability to keep logs and records by FDOT procedures in correct, legible English.
  • The ability to effectively communicate in English on the VHF marine radio.
  • Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic
  • Write and submit maintenance work requisitions
  • Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
  • Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges
  • Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic, then lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates

Ideal Candidate Experience:
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
  • Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
  • High School diploma/GED
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications)
  • Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
  • Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)
  • Attention to detail
  • Passion for customer service
  • A positive attitude
  • Accountability and dependability in all that you do
  • Ability to communicate effectively with teammates
  • A strong commitment to company service values
  • Maintain neat accurate logs
  • Maintain a clean and orderly workspace

Physical Requirements:
Applicants for this role must be able to:
  • Meet and comply with the weight limitation safety rating and recommendations for any equipment associated with performing their duties, including the 300 lb. safety rating for ladders (both portable and affixed) and fall arrest equipment
  • Medium work, depending on location, can lift up to 50 pounds
  • Stoop / bend / kneel / crouch / balance / climb on an occasional basis
  • Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity / tracking / inspection

Benefits:
Velociti Services offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of our team members:
Company-Provided Benefits (Full-Time, 30+ Hours per Week)
  • Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance

Voluntary Benefits:
  • Medical and Dental Insurance
  • Additional Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Hospital Indemnity, Accident, and Critical Illness Insurance

Retirement:
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan available for all team members

Velociti provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Anticipated Job Post End
2/28/2026

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