For the most part, no. If you dream of becoming a lighthouse keeper, the easiest method is travelling 100 years into the past. Most lighthouses are now electrified and automated, run from central offices and inspected once a year.
By no means hang up your lighthouse keeper’s jumper. A few lighthouses still require a hands-on approach; these are usually inaccessible and remote, perfect for anyone who’s grown weary of the modern world.
Lighthouse Automation
Technically, the first lighthouse to be automated was the Oxcars Lighthouse in Fife, Scotland. In 1894, its oil lamp was removed to make way for a new automatic gas light, making it the talk of the town.
However, it was a far cry from the automated lighthouses we see today. Every two weeks, engineers had to journey back and re-wind the clockwork mechanism.
Today, there are centralised hubs which monitor all of the lighthouses. Groups of engineers may check on the lighthouse in-person from time-to-time, checking if it needs any maintenance or repairs.
Lighthouses are cared for by regional organisations. For example, in England and Wales, Trinity House operates lighthouses from their base in Essex. In Scotland, the Northern Lighthouse Board is responsible for them, and in Ireland it’s the Commissioners of Irish Lights.
These organisations are increasingly focused on environmentally friendly adaptations to the lighthouses. This includes adding solar panels, and replacing the bulbs with LEDs, to ensure they are energy efficient. While it’s sad that lighthouse keepers are few and far between, it’s good to know that lighthouses are still being shown the love they deserve.
Are there any lighthouse keepers left?
To this day there are still lighthouse keepers in existence, so please don’t lose faith if this is your lifelong dream.
In Canada, there are a few lighthouses which still have keepers, including British Columbia’s Boat Bluff Lighthouse. In fact, as of 2022 the Coast Guard revealed that there were 90 people employed as lighthouse keepers across the country, and 54 of them were based in British Columbia. These individuals are technically employees of the federal government.
How many lighthouse keepers are there in total worldwide? Now, this is a difficult question. The bulk of them are based in Canada, but one lighthouse keeper remains in South Africa, and there are a few dotted around Myanmar, India and Portugal. Worldwide, there are probably less than 100 lighthouse keepers still operating lighthouses.
There are also some fortunate individuals who have either purchased lighthouses, or live on their grounds. Take Jen, based out of Point Cabrillo lighthouse in California. She keeps their lovely little tower and posts about her unique day-to-day life online.
Conclusion
Long story short, if anyone reading this needs an under-qualified lighthouse keeper, please let me know. I’d give it a fair go and I look great in the little costume.
My next blog post will probably focus on Monday’s lighthouse exploring trip to Lowestoft Lighthouse, so follow along to hear more.
Additional Sources
Trinity House – Trinity House – Information on their role in lighthouse operation and maintenance in England and Wales.
Northern Lighthouse Board – Northern Lighthouse Board – Details about their responsibilities in Scotland and information on lighthouse automation.
Commissioners of Irish Lights – Commissioners of Irish Lights – Overview of lighthouse operations in Ireland.
U.S. Coast Guard – U.S. Coast Guard – Information on lighthouse keepers in the United States and automation processes.
Canadian Coast Guard – Canadian Coast Guard – Statistics and information about lighthouse keepers in Canada.
National Park Service (Point Cabrillo Lighthouse) – NPS Point Cabrillo – Specific information about Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and its current keeper.
Lighthouse Explorers 
Hi Annie,
Just noticed you were in Lowestoft today. Alice and I have been in Norwich this past week, it was our wedding anniversary on the 20th when you wrote your last post. Hope your visit went well.
Love from
Alice & Julian
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Hi Alice & Julian,
Lovely to hear from you! A very happy belated wedding anniversary, I hope you enjoyed Norwich? Lowestoft was great, I really enjoyed the maritime museum.
Lots of love,
Annie
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