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What is a lock operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a lock operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $16.62 an hour? That's $34,577 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreLock OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $34,577

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.73%

Asian 5.07%

Black or African American 16.37%

Hispanic or Latino 13.26%

Unknown 6.63%

White 55.95%

Gender

female 26.53%

male 73.47%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress level
6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.7

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
9.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a lock operator

  1. Explore lock operator education requirements

    Most common lock operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    42.1 %

    Certificate

    15.8 %

    Associate

    15.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific lock operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Boats85.68%
    Boat Traffic14.32%
  3. Complete relevant lock operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lock operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a lock operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lock operator resumes.
  4. Research lock operator duties and responsibilities

    • Trouble shoot and resolve conferencing issues for schedule and manage videoconferencing customers.
    • Let boats through the locks, maintain equipment and grounds.
    • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
    • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
  5. Prepare your lock operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lock operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a lock operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable lock operator resume templates

    Build a professional lock operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your lock operator resume.
    Lock Operator Resume
    Lock Operator Resume
    Lock Operator Resume
    Lock Operator Resume
    Lock Operator Resume
    Lock Operator Resume
    Lock Operator Resume
    Lock Operator Resume
    Lock Operator Resume
  6. Apply for lock operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a lock operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first lock operator job

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Average lock operator salary

The average lock operator salary in the United States is $34,577 per year or $17 per hour. Lock operator salaries range between $24,000 and $48,000 per year.

Average lock operator salary
$34,577 Yearly
$16.62 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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