Somewhat Resilient
Last Update: 10/7/2026
AI Resilience Score for Bridge and Lock Tenders:
40.6%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
High
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Low
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Low
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
There are a reasonable number of sources for this result, but there is some disagreement between them.
AI Resilience Report forBridge and Lock Tenders
$57,700 median salary•300 annual openings•SOC Code: 53-6011.00
Bridge and Lock Tenders are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 6 sources.
Bridge and lock tender work is "Somewhat Resilient" because while AI and remote control technology are starting to change how the job gets done, humans are still needed to make real-time safety calls that algorithms simply cannot handle, like spotting a deckhand who falls overboard and responding immediately. The industry moves on very long timelines (think decades, not years), so sweeping changes won't happen overnight, but the routine parts of the job, like logging data and tracking vessel positions, are already being handled more and more by automated systems.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is somewhat resilient
Bridge and lock tender work is "Somewhat Resilient" because while AI and remote control technology are starting to change how the job gets done, humans are still needed to make real-time safety calls that algorithms simply cannot handle, like spotting a deckhand who falls overboard and responding immediately. The industry moves on very long timelines (think decades, not years), so sweeping changes won't happen overnight, but the routine parts of the job, like logging data and tracking vessel positions, are already being handled more and more by automated systems.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Bridge and Lock Tenders
Updated quarterly
How can Bridge and Lock Tenders prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Bridge and Lock Tenders
These articles highlight the evolving role of AI in the field of Bridge and Lock Tenders. For instance, the article on affordable bridge inspection shows how AI can enhance safety by identifying issues like corrosion and cracks more efficiently. Additionally, insights from the AI Job Scanner reveal that while some tasks may be at risk, the overall job outlook remains stable. This indicates that Bridge and Lock Tenders can adapt and thrive by integrating AI tools into their work, fostering resilience in their careers amidst technological changes.
Will AI replace Bridge and Lock Tenders? - AI Job Scanner
aijobscanner.com • 9/20/2026
Explore how AI may affect Bridge and Lock Tenders, including modeled task exposure, BLS median pay, employment outlook, vulnerable tasks, local wage data ...
Affordable Bridge Inspection With AI
cee.umd.edu • 9/20/2026
Oct 30, 2025 — The Ai system, trained using a large database of bridge imagery, can then detect problems such as corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, water ... Read more
How AI Is Reshaping Bridge Design And Infrastructure ...
www.parsons.com • 9/20/2026
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in infrastructure. It is already changing how we design, analyze, inspect, and manage bridges.
Will AI Replace Bridge and Lock Tenders? — Takeover Tracker
aitakeovertracker.com • 9/20/2026
Bridge and Lock Tenders : Medium AI risk (score: 41/100, higher than 83% of occupations). Full task-by-task breakdown, skill gaps, and career alternatives.
A Study Reveals The 10 Jobs Least & Most Threatened By AI
theashlandchronicle.com • 9/20/2026
Aug 2, 2025 — The 10 jobs least and most threatened by AI · Dredge operators (0.00, 940) · Bridge and lock tenders (0.00, 3,460) · Water treatment plant and ... Read more
More Career Info
Career: Bridge and Lock Tenders
They operate bridges and locks to let boats pass safely, ensuring everything works smoothly and on schedule.
Parent Careers
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$57,700
Jobs (2025)
3,100
Growth (2025-35)
-2.3%
Annual Openings
300
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Attach ropes or cable lines to bitts on lock decks or wharfs to secure vessels.
2
Perform maintenance duties, such as sweeping, painting, and yard work to keep facilities clean and in order.
3
Clean and lubricate equipment, and make minor repairs and adjustments.
4
Inspect canal and bridge equipment, and areas, such as roadbeds, for damage or defects, reporting problems to supervisors as necessary.
5
Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.
6
Maintain and guard stations in bridges to check waterways for boat traffic.
7
Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
