Hiring guide · Transportation & Logistics
How to Hire a Bridge Tender
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring bridge tenders, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $57,700), recruit through CDL schools and trucking academies, verify Agency training where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for bridge tenders
There are about 3,100 bridge tenders employed in the U.S., with roughly 300 openings each year. Employment is projected to change -2.3% from 2025–35 (a projected decline). Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers, so a steady pipeline matters.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $28,090–$38,640 | $13.50–$18.58 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $57,700 | $27.74 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $69,620 | $33.47 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $75,360 | $36.23 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- High school diploma or equivalent (typical entry level)
- Bridge controls
- Attention
Nice-to-haves
- Agency training
- Marine radio training
- First aid
- Experience with bridge control panels
Where to find bridge tenders
- CDL schools and trucking academies
- Local workforce centers and staffing partners
- Military transition programs
- Referral bonuses for current drivers and associates
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Bridge Operator, Lock Tender, Lock and Dam Operator, Drawbridge Operator
Screening checklist
- CDL, endorsements and DOT medical card for drivers
- Motor vehicle record and FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse query for CDL drivers
- Forklift operator training and evaluation, which OSHA requires employers to provide
- Pre-employment drug screening according to policy and law
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Why this job?”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
2. “Can you work shifts?”
What a strong answer includes: Answer.
3. “How do you stay alert?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
4. “How would you handle a malfunction?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
5. “Have you used radios?”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Open a Drawbridge Safely (see the steps)
- Lock a Boat Through a Canal (see the steps)
- Talk to Vessels on VHF (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as Bascule bridge, Swing bridge, Lift bridge
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Bridge Tender 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Bridge Tender training. Show them the path forward: Bridge Tender → Lead Tender → Lock Master → Operations Supervisor.
Hiring bridge tenders: FAQ
How much should I pay a bridge tender?
The U.S. median wage for bridge tenders is $57,700 per year ($27.74/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($38,640), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($69,620). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should a bridge tender have?
BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education. Look for Agency training and Marine radio training where relevant, plus skills such as bridge controls, lock operation, and marine radio.
How long does it take to train a new bridge tender?
Becoming qualified typically takes A few weeks of training. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “short-term on-the-job training.”