Bridge and Lock Tenders Entry-Level Career Resources

Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).

These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.

4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video .

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.

Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 356 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:

Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Air Traffic Controllers / 78.05% / 54.55% / ($137,380)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers / 40.74% / 32.13% / ($111,970)

Computer Systems Analysts / 56.64% / 31.42% / ($103,800)

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / 99.66% / 38.99% / ($102,420)

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / 47.05% / 41.17% / ($101,800)

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / 80.58% / 72.47% / ($101,750)

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / 84.15% / 36.76% / ($101,740)

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / 67.01% / 62.53% / ($99,710)

Video Game Designers / 45.00% / 40.00% / ($98,540)

Radiation Therapists / 62.46% / 42.76% / ($98,300)

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / 100.00% / 44.44% / ($94,580)

Nuclear Medicine Technologists / 68.68% / 42.91% / ($92,500)

Police Identification and Records Officers / 75.14% / 39.28% / ($91,100)

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / 86.55% / 44.63% / ($88,670)

Dental Hygienists / 75.18% / 69.49% / ($87,530)

Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / 100.00% / 32.59% / ($87,290)

Registered Nurses / 42.65% / 37.83% / ($86,070)

Critical Care Nurses / 35.71% / 60.71% / ($86,070)

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / 97.19% / 71.33% / ($85,420)

Web Developers / 50.01% / 33.33% / ($84,960)

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / 42.07% / 30.56% / ($84,570)

Subway and Streetcar Operators / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($84,270)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / 86.96% / 47.82% / ($83,740)

Signal and Track Switch Repairers / 100.00% / 62.23% / ($82,710)

Online Merchants / 58.72% / 37.80% / ($79,590)

Solar Energy Installation Managers / 93.70% / 75.35% / ($76,760)

Commercial and Industrial Designers / 32.08% / 32.87% / ($76,250)

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / 57.51% / 56.99% / ($76,210)

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / 60.66% / 49.63% / ($75,670)

Coroners / 40.00% / 40.00% / ($75,670)

Funeral Home Managers / 93.51% / 44.25% / ($75,660)

Fire Inspectors and Investigators / 95.76% / 36.53% / ($74,160)

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / 90.91% / 72.73% / ($73,500)

Photonics Technicians / 81.82% / 40.92% / ($73,500)

Customs and Border Protection Officers / 70.66% / 53.52% / ($72,280)

Transit and Railroad Police / 65.67% / 55.34% / ($72,250)

Wellhead Pumpers / 100.00% / 46.56% / ($71,830)

Boilermakers / 100.01% / 55.45% / ($71,140)

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / 100.00% / 80.65% / ($71,130)

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / 89.30% / 37.26% / ($70,530)

Electrical and Electronics Drafters / 57.47% / 46.57% / ($69,260)

Surveyors / 52.63% / 30.00% / ($68,540)

Flight Attendants / 87.65% / 58.72% / ($68,370)

Energy Auditors / 75.86% / 31.04% / ($67,700)

Occupational Therapy Assistants / 96.81% / 82.25% / ($67,010)

Roof Bolters, Mining / 100.00% / 97.75% / ($66,660)

Film and Video Editors / 34.31% / 32.92% / ($66,600)

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / 93.42% / 43.17% / ($66,170)

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / 66.12% / 36.34% / ($65,630)

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / 32.71% / 31.47% / ($65,130)

Rail Car Repairers / 99.99% / 75.83% / ($65,030)

Forensic Science Technicians / 65.60% / 32.02% / ($64,940)

Crane and Tower Operators / 100.00% / 53.05% / ($64,690)

Physical Therapist Assistants / 84.16% / 80.80% / ($64,080)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / 100.00% / 74.51% / ($64,070)

Food Service Managers / 90.26% / 44.19% / ($63,060)

Millwrights / 100.00% / 45.47% / ($62,980)

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / 100.00% / 46.65% / ($61,870)

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / 93.10% / 69.17% / ($61,800)

Wind Turbine Service Technicians / 100.01% / 62.56% / ($61,770)

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / 91.08% / 43.40% / ($61,770)

Electricians / 98.70% / 50.15% / ($61,590)

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 100.01% / 31.51% / ($61,550)

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / 77.54% / 54.49% / ($61,550)

Tool and Die Makers / 100.00% / 33.04% / ($61,490)

Continuous Mining Machine Operators / 100.00% / 48.55% / ($61,420)

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / 84.35% / 40.06% / ($61,240)

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / 93.54% / 46.15% / ($61,210)

Paralegals and Legal Assistants / 43.47% / 34.43% / ($60,970)

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / 99.99% / 67.21% / ($60,170)

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / 88.91% / 58.54% / ($59,730)

Brickmasons and Blockmasons / 99.99% / 37.22% / ($59,640)

Postal Service Clerks / 100.00% / 56.00% / ($59,570)

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / 64.62% / 42.16% / ($59,300)

Computer User Support Specialists / 48.31% / 32.44% / ($59,240)

Insurance Sales Agents / 53.10% / 72.73% / ($59,080)

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / 81.54% / 30.91% / ($58,920)

Sheet Metal Workers / 100.01% / 62.55% / ($58,780)

Hearing Aid Specialists / 43.26% / 42.87% / ($58,670)

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / 98.23% / 50.55% / ($58,620)

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / 62.46% / 38.40% / ($58,530)

Quality Control Analysts / 72.10% / 71.31% / ($58,350)

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 53.72% / ($58,210)

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / 100.00% / 81.33% / ($57,070)

Biofuels Processing Technicians / 100.00% / 71.47% / ($56,940)

Chemical Technicians / 56.26% / 47.59% / ($56,750)

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 54.34% / ($56,660)

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / 100.00% / 41.35% / ($56,430)

Postal Service Mail Carriers / 100.00% / 98.83% / ($56,330)

Riggers / 100.00% / 64.67% / ($56,220)

Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 53.07% / ($55,750)

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / 100.00% / 54.17% / ($54,890)

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / 82.35% / 45.13% / ($54,690)

First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / 88.58% / 46.75% / ($54,580)

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / 99.99% / 38.91% / ($54,320)

Tire Builders / 99.47% / 76.18% / ($54,080)

Insulation Workers, Mechanical / 100.01% / 89.76% / ($53,920)

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / 100.01% / 46.62% / ($53,900)

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / 82.43% / 61.59% / ($53,550)

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / 100.01% / 94.65% / ($53,440)

Correctional Officers and Jailers / 100.00% / 77.83% / ($53,300)

Bailiffs / 99.99% / 61.67% / ($53,040)

Plasterers and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 58.97% / ($52,640)

Costume Attendants / 68.86% / 51.62% / ($52,370)

Forest and Conservation Technicians / 85.19% / 50.94% / ($51,880)

Biological Technicians / 31.37% / 52.56% / ($51,430)

Desktop Publishers / 61.30% / 45.93% / ($51,290)

Airfield Operations Specialists / 49.14% / 50.32% / ($51,140)

Glaziers / 100.01% / 55.76% / ($51,100)

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / 88.76% / 81.80% / ($51,030)

Machinists / 100.00% / 38.18% / ($50,840)

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / 99.99% / 76.91% / ($50,720)

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / 31.83% / 68.18% / ($50,660)

Dredge Operators / 100.00% / 46.67% / ($50,440)

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / 92.80% / 59.42% / ($50,270)

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / 68.62% / 43.38% / ($50,270)

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 81.40% / ($50,250)

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / 100.00% / 51.60% / ($50,050)

Transportation Security Screeners / 100.00% / 96.29% / ($50,020)

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($49,990)

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / 100.01% / 39.94% / ($49,230)

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 46.96% / ($49,210)

Bridge and Lock Tenders / 100.00% / 65.00% / ($49,120)

Food Science Technicians / 52.50% / 67.10% / ($49,090)

Tree Trimmers and Pruners / 100.00% / 39.55% / ($49,070)

Tax Preparers / 76.20% / 47.61% / ($49,010)

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / 99.05% / 39.51% / ($48,940)

Tile and Stone Setters / 100.00% / 50.34% / ($48,910)

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / 100.01% / 63.18% / ($48,900)

Public Safety Telecommunicators / 95.26% / 68.18% / ($48,890)

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / 99.99% / 52.68% / ($48,840)

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / 95.84% / 52.32% / ($48,840)

Proofreaders and Copy Markers / 52.69% / 47.90% / ($48,790)

Automotive Body and Related Repairers / 99.99% / 70.29% / ($48,740)

Pourers and Casters, Metal / 100.00% / 83.26% / ($48,690)

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / 96.78% / 49.34% / ($48,550)

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / 100.00% / 65.72% / ($48,480)

Paperhangers / 100.00% / 49.80% / ($48,460)

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / 100.00% / 88.40% / ($48,410)

Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / 94.78% / 45.81% / ($48,380)

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / 92.30% / 50.00% / ($48,380)

Cargo and Freight Agents / 69.25% / 74.53% / ($48,330)

Logging Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 75.24% / ($48,240)

Agricultural Inspectors / 87.88% / 45.67% / ($48,010)

Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / 100.00% / 48.27% / ($47,950)

Floor Sanders and Finishers / 100.00% / 30.71% / ($47,760)

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / 65.40% / 30.88% / ($47,710)

Painters, Construction and Maintenance / 98.15% / 48.09% / ($47,700)

Dental Laboratory Technicians / 92.45% / 35.15% / ($47,690)

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / 100.00% / 81.05% / ($47,540)

Animal Breeders / 95.94% / 47.64% / ($47,540)

Carpet Installers / 100.00% / 31.43% / ($47,520)

Neurodiagnostic Technologists / 83.87% / 48.40% / ($47,470)

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / 84.34% / 32.98% / ($47,450)

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / 81.29% / 32.20% / ($47,440)

Models / 96.06% / 96.07% / ($47,430)

Travel Agents / 85.65% / 31.99% / ($47,410)

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / 85.70% / 45.00% / ($47,390)

Loan Interviewers and Clerks / 61.75% / 36.81% / ($47,380)

Highway Maintenance Workers / 100.00% / 58.12% / ($47,360)

Pipelayers / 100.00% / 43.07% / ($47,330)

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.01% / 82.14% / ($47,250)

Home Appliance Repairers / 100.01% / 55.34% / ($47,170)

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 90.27% / 50.57% / ($47,110)

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 62.67% / ($47,040)

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / 99.99% / 69.64% / ($46,910)

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / 93.41% / 36.31% / ($46,900)

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / 92.98% / 44.53% / ($46,860)

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / 92.91% / 31.80% / ($46,850)

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / 99.58% / 37.01% / ($46,730)

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / 87.75% / 44.39% / ($46,650)

Dental Assistants / 100.00% / 61.45% / ($46,540)

Rock Splitters, Quarry / 81.02% / 87.71% / ($46,530)

Geothermal Technicians / 100.00% / 47.90% / ($46,500)

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / 61.91% / 52.38% / ($46,480)

Motorboat Operators / 85.14% / 45.12% / ($46,420)

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 43.99% / ($46,340)

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 92.48% / ($46,100)

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / 100.00% / 58.28% / ($45,850)

Semiconductor Processing Technicians / 99.68% / 76.98% / ($45,850)

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / 100.00% / 40.92% / ($45,760)

Bus Drivers, School / 100.00% / 90.59% / ($45,660)

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / 98.16% / 65.88% / ($45,640)

Log Graders and Scalers / 100.00% / 49.41% / ($45,600)

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 67.28% / ($45,560)

Helpers--Extraction Workers / 100.01% / 89.58% / ($45,520)

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 70.42% / ($45,350)

Self-Enrichment Teachers / 45.76% / 33.67% / ($45,330)

Construction Laborers / 100.00% / 83.68% / ($45,300)

Medical Equipment Preparers / 82.92% / 43.14% / ($45,280)

Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / 100.00% / 72.61% / ($44,980)

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / 99.99% / 93.70% / ($44,890)

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / 59.63% / 40.27% / ($44,890)

New Accounts Clerks / 100.00% / 58.40% / ($44,630)

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 92.88% / 48.80% / ($44,620)

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 62.22% / ($44,510)

Endoscopy Technicians / 100.01% / 73.08% / ($44,490)

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / 57.73% / 85.80% / ($44,490)

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / 100.00% / 51.68% / ($44,470)

Fence Erectors / 99.99% / 88.21% / ($44,410)

Foundry Mold and Coremakers / 100.00% / 83.14% / ($44,300)

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / 89.01% / 43.85% / ($44,280)

Bill and Account Collectors / 78.88% / 52.69% / ($44,250)

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 99.79% / ($44,240)

Opticians, Dispensing / 100.00% / 50.00% / ($44,170)

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / 100.00% / 33.69% / ($44,140)

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / 100.00% / 67.03% / ($44,030)

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / 89.60% / 70.52% / ($43,740)

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / 99.99% / 80.47% / ($43,540)

Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / 99.03% / 48.34% / ($43,310)

Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / 99.49% / 87.75% / ($43,270)

Skincare Specialists / 78.15% / 70.98% / ($43,200)

Agricultural Technicians / 63.19% / 40.58% / ($43,180)

Precision Agriculture Technicians / 60.87% / 43.48% / ($43,180)

Animal Control Workers / 96.15% / 42.31% / ($43,170)

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / 90.92% / 36.37% / ($42,800)

Upholsterers / 100.00% / 31.96% / ($42,730)

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 96.10% / 50.94% / ($42,670)

Cooks, Private Household / 100.00% / 42.31% / ($42,590)

Light Truck Drivers / 100.00% / 99.31% / ($42,470)

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / 93.77% / 65.96% / ($42,470)

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 51.07% / ($42,420)

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 36.13% / ($42,400)

Medical Assistants / 82.53% / 81.37% / ($42,000)

Printing Press Operators / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($41,860)

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / 100.00% / 45.45% / ($41,780)

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($41,600)

Social and Human Service Assistants / 44.61% / 60.58% / ($41,410)

Photographers / 81.82% / 36.37% / ($40,760)

Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / 99.42% / 76.21% / ($40,610)

Office Clerks, General / 99.76% / 47.07% / ($40,480)

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / 98.84% / 34.25% / ($40,300)

Pharmacy Technicians / 96.16% / 80.98% / ($40,300)

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / 100.00% / 97.14% / ($40,230)

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / 99.36% / 83.68% / ($40,200)

Etchers and Engravers / 99.99% / 41.69% / ($40,040)

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 65.83% / ($39,850)

Furniture Finishers / 100.00% / 45.95% / ($39,790)

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / 89.25% / 85.10% / ($39,780)

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 96.57% / 85.26% / ($39,740)

Psychiatric Technicians / 68.09% / 75.29% / ($39,700)

Agricultural Equipment Operators / 99.99% / 61.03% / ($39,690)

Customer Service Representatives / 85.79% / 48.94% / ($39,680)

Tutors / 54.54% / 72.73% / ($39,580)

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / 89.50% / 61.98% / ($39,360)

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 70.21% / ($39,340)

Library Technicians / 68.58% / 66.51% / ($39,310)

Conveyor Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 94.70% / ($39,260)

Machine Feeders and Offbearers / 100.00% / 73.86% / ($39,250)

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / 100.00% / 80.06% / ($39,210)

Psychiatric Aides / 95.92% / 72.31% / ($39,160)

Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / 100.00% / 77.97% / ($38,980)

Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / 100.00% / 64.30% / ($38,940)

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 57.82% / ($38,870)

Animal Trainers / 98.25% / 44.20% / ($38,810)

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($38,550)

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / 100.00% / 65.46% / ($38,520)

Food Batchmakers / 99.99% / 83.20% / ($38,460)

Helpers--Electricians / 98.70% / 58.74% / ($38,340)

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 78.21% / ($38,330)

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / 98.28% / 68.80% / ($38,260)

Nursing Assistants / 87.36% / 81.52% / ($38,200)

Slaughterers and Meat Packers / 100.00% / 60.24% / ($38,160)

File Clerks / 91.72% / 39.40% / ($38,130)

Print Binding and Finishing Workers / 100.01% / 42.89% / ($38,100)

Telephone Operators / 100.00% / 45.37% / ($38,080)

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / 100.00% / 70.09% / ($38,000)

Residential Advisors / 59.02% / 65.91% / ($37,950)

Data Entry Keyers / 100.00% / 48.23% / ($37,790)

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / 91.17% / 67.45% / ($37,720)

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / 100.00% / 68.49% / ($37,660)

Recycling and Reclamation Workers / 91.99% / 97.72% / ($37,660)

Butchers and Meat Cutters / 100.00% / 32.98% / ($37,650)

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 90.30% / 60.09% / ($37,650)

Tellers / 91.68% / 92.13% / ($37,640)

Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / 82.57% / 57.68% / ($37,450)

Counter and Rental Clerks / 79.75% / 74.93% / ($37,400)

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / 55.21% / 66.44% / ($37,380)

Concierges / 90.91% / 63.65% / ($37,150)

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 76.39% / ($37,130)

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / 62.81% / 50.90% / ($37,130)

Security Guards / 98.04% / 80.52% / ($37,070)

Medical Transcriptionists / 100.00% / 66.02% / ($37,060)

Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / 100.00% / 58.19% / ($37,040)

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 60.78% / ($37,010)

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 80.85% / ($36,970)

Demonstrators and Product Promoters / 99.34% / 99.34% / ($36,970)

Occupational Therapy Aides / 98.20% / 75.70% / ($36,970)

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / 100.00% / 96.52% / ($36,880)

Parts Salespersons / 86.38% / 35.11% / ($36,860)

Orderlies / 100.00% / 84.96% / ($36,830)

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / 96.96% / 60.95% / ($36,750)

Helpers--Production Workers / 92.38% / 89.55% / ($36,700)

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / 90.54% / 56.27% / ($36,650)

Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 74.10% / ($36,620)

Craft Artists / 86.96% / 34.79% / ($36,600)

Dietetic Technicians / 93.29% / 45.65% / ($36,520)

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / 99.54% / 78.62% / ($36,440)

Crossing Guards and Flaggers / 100.00% / 90.24% / ($36,370)

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / 98.70% / 95.45% / ($36,300)

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / 82.36% / 65.27% / ($36,230)

Pharmacy Aides / 100.00% / 79.83% / ($36,200)

Gambling Cage Workers / 100.00% / 57.48% / ($36,110)

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / 100.00% / 98.78% / ($36,020)

Receptionists and Information Clerks / 100.00% / 47.01% / ($35,840)

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / 80.95% / 57.14% / ($35,820)

Cooks, Restaurant / 99.99% / 83.35% / ($35,780)

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / 94.81% / 66.47% / ($35,620)

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 99.60% / ($35,530)

Driver/Sales Workers / 100.00% / 91.91% / ($35,420)

Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 93.56% / ($35,340)

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / 93.22% / 64.36% / ($35,320)

Motion Picture Projectionists / 89.90% / 90.17% / ($35,160)

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / 99.77% / 54.31% / ($35,120)

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 75.92% / 78.11% / ($35,020)

Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / 100.00% / 95.83% / ($34,910)

Baggage Porters and Bellhops / 100.01% / 80.60% / ($34,840)

Packers and Packagers, Hand / 100.00% / 99.39% / ($34,830)

Telemarketers / 100.00% / 78.19% / ($34,480)

Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / 75.14% / 71.76% / ($34,470)

Sewing Machine Operators / 99.99% / 58.36% / ($34,440)

Recreation Workers / 37.90% / 40.14% / ($34,410)

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / 100.00% / 87.28% / ($34,360)

Manicurists and Pedicurists / 100.00% / 83.60% / ($34,250)

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / 99.99% / 82.18% / ($34,150)

Cooks, Short Order / 100.01% / 81.36% / ($34,130)

Library Assistants, Clerical / 95.43% / 72.18% / ($34,020)

Forest and Conservation Workers / 57.20% / 41.32% / ($33,940)

Funeral Attendants / 88.97% / 69.50% / ($33,850)

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / 100.00% / 62.92% / ($33,820)

Retail Salespersons / 96.00% / 75.39% / ($33,680)

Physical Therapist Aides / 81.30% / 72.78% / ($33,520)

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / 89.23% / 53.66% / ($33,450)

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 89.15% / 79.59% / ($33,450)

Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / 100.00% / 84.76% / ($33,230)

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / 87.18% / 78.54% / ($33,110)

Parking Attendants / 99.04% / 97.27% / ($32,840)

Food Preparation Workers / 95.85% / 88.15% / ($32,420)

Gambling Dealers / 100.00% / 62.42% / ($32,240)

Sewers, Hand / 99.48% / 60.39% / ($32,240)

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / 85.85% / 36.62% / ($32,240)

Waiters and Waitresses / 100.00% / 98.56% / ($31,940)

Bartenders / 98.88% / 57.35% / ($31,510)

Dishwashers / 100.00% / 100.00% / ($31,200)

Animal Caretakers / 86.63% / 65.83% / ($31,200)

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / 100.00% / 93.53% / ($31,180)

Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / 95.41% / 84.96% / ($30,790)

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / 98.78% / 76.80% / ($30,380)

Childcare Workers / 91.29% / 49.53% / ($30,370)

Cashiers / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($29,720)

Fast Food and Counter Workers / 99.96% / 80.65% / ($29,540)

Shampooers / 100.00% / 93.40% / ($29,530)

Amusement and Recreation Attendants / 98.57% / 94.63% / ($29,390)

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / 86.88% / 85.05% / ($29,220)

Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / 100.01% / 72.38% / ($29,170)

Dancers / 100.01% / 62.06% / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Bridge and Lock Tenders.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Bridge and Lock Tenders" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.

Bridge and Lock Tenders

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.

U.S. Total Employment (2023): 3,200	U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.): 3,300
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.): 100 (2.8%)	Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.): 400

Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Bridge and Lock Tenders":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Record names, types, and destinations of vessels passing through bridge openings or locks, and numbers of trains or vehicles crossing bridges.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Log data, such as water levels and weather conditions.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Move levers to activate traffic signals, navigation lights, and alarms.
Importance: 90 (%)	Description: Prepare accident reports.
Importance: 90 (%)	Description: Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
Importance: 85 (%)	Description: Observe approaching vessels to determine size and speed, and listen for whistle signals indicating desire to pass.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Write and submit maintenance work requisitions.

Supplemental Duties

Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 60 (%)	Description: Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
Importance: 58 (%)	Description: Check that bridges are clear of vehicles and pedestrians prior to opening.
Importance: 55 (%)	Description: Stop automobile and pedestrian traffic on bridges, and lower automobile gates prior to moving bridges.
Importance: 55 (%)	Description: Raise drawbridges and observe passage of water traffic or lower drawbridges and raise automobile gates.
Importance: 50 (%)	Description: Turn valves to increase or decrease water levels in locks.
Importance: 50 (%)	Description: Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
Importance: 50 (%)	Description: Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
Importance: 45 (%)	Description: Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.

Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 82 (%)	Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Importance: 80 (%)	Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 78 (%)	Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 75 (%)	Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 73 (%)	Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 71 (%)	Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 68 (%)	Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 65 (%)	Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 61 (%)	Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Arrange maintenance activities.
Clean facilities or work areas.
Clean machinery or equipment.
Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.
Control pumps or pumping equipment.
Direct vehicle traffic.
Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
Monitor traffic signals.
Monitor vehicle movement or location.
Prepare accident or incident reports.
Record operational details of travel.
Report vehicle or equipment malfunctions.
Secure watercraft to docks, wharves or other vessels.

Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance) These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?

Activity: Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas.

Activity: Direct vehicle traffic.

Activity: Maintain operational records.

Activity: Monitor operations to ensure adequate performance.

Activity: Monitor safety or security of work areas, facilities, or properties.

Activity: Monitor traffic conditions.

Activity: Notify others of emergencies or problems.

Activity: Operate pumping systems or equipment.

Activity: Operate transportation equipment or vehicles.

Activity: Prepare reports of operational or procedural activities.

Activity: Schedule operational activities.

Activity: Tend watercraft.

Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?

Emerging Tech Skills

Electronic mail software:

Microsoft Outlook

Enterprise resource planning ERP software:

Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software

Office suite software:

Microsoft Office software

Spreadsheet software:

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software:

Microsoft Word

General Software Tools

Electronic mail software:

Email software

Network security or virtual private network VPN management software:

Virtual private networking VPN software

Preparation Required

Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

These occupations involve following instructions and often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include dishwashers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, counter and rental clerks, dental laboratory technicians, and security guards.

Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 65.0 (%)	Level of Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 20.0 (%)	Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
Frequency of Attainment: 15.0 (%)	Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma

Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 40.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 30.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years

Local Salary Information

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Please select a State to see State and National Salaries

Job Listings

Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings

Bridge and Lock Tenders

Bridgeman

Dam Tender

Leverman

Lock and Dam Operator

Lock and Dam Repairer

Lock Keeper

Lock Master

Lock Tender

Lockman

Marine Tower Operator

Slip Bridge Operator

Station Gateman

Related Careers to Consider

Related Careers to Consider This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Bridge and Lock Tenders" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
2 - Motorboat Operators
3 - Hoist and Winch Operators
4 - Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
5 - Locomotive Engineers
6 - Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
7 - Crane and Tower Operators
8 - Sailors and Marine Oilers
9 - Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
10 - Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
11 - Highway Maintenance Workers
12 - Ship Engineers
13 - Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
14 - Dredge Operators
15 - Riggers
16 - Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
17 - Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
18 - Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
19 - Security Guards
20 - Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Bridge and Lock Tenders". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.

Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.

Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.

Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.

Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.

Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Bridge and Lock Tenders". Use these links to find a job.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Bridge and Lock Tenders". Use these links to find a job.

Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.

Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Bridge and Lock Tenders

Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...

LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.

Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Bridge and Lock Tenders" occupation.

Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page