Traveling Bridge Fitter/Welder

Traveling Bridge Fitter/Welder


Company
Tradesmen International, Inc.
Location
Chicago, IL
Posted
2 days ago
Via
via Tradesmen International

Job Description
Description

Tradesmen International is immediately hiring experienced bridge fabrication Structural Fitters, Bridge Sub Arc Welders, and Bridge Flux Core Welders for projects located in the Olean, NY area . The pay rate is $35/hour for less than 10 years of bridge fabrication experience or $45/hour for 10+ years of bridge fabrication experience plus $125/day per diem for Travelers 60+ miles from the job site. Per diem is paid all 7 days of the week if you work the full schedule. If you want to work alongside other proven craftsmen who emphasize safety, productivity and superior craftsmanship, this is your chance to advance your career!

Job Scope:
• Fitters:
• Fit and assemble structural bridge components in a fabrication shop environment
• Read blueprints and WPS sheets to lay out and fit beams, plate girders, stiffeners, diaphragms, splice plates, and other structural members
• Measure, mark, and align heavy steel to required tolerances prior to welding
• Sub Arc Welders:
• Operate Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) equipment to weld structural bridge components in a fabrication shop
• Weld heavy plate, beams, girders, and bridge assemblies using Sub Arc processes
• Set and monitor wire feed, voltage, travel speed, and flux coverage to maintain proper penetration and bead profile
• Work from blueprints and WPS to complete production welds in accordance with AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Codes
• Flux Core Welders:
• Perform FCAW welding on structural bridge components in a fabrication shop environment
• Weld heavy structural steel including plate, beams, stiffeners, diaphragms, and structural assemblies used in bridge construction
• Follow WPS procedures to maintain proper voltage, travel speed, and penetration. Perform multi-pass welds on thick structural material while maintaining required bead profile and fusion
• Ensure welds meet AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code standards and pass required inspections

Requirements
• Must have welding experience in a bridge fabrication shop
• Execute welds in compliance with AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code standards
• Ability to consistently maintain weld quality that meets visual and NYS DOT requirements
• Pass on-site 3G FCAW weld test subject to bend and X-ray inspection to meet NYS DOT requirements
• Execute welds in compliance with AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code standards

Company Details

Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in the industry.

Our comprehensive benefits include:
• Tradesmen+ Rewards Program – earn points for hours worked
• Vacation Pay
• Health insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan

Tradesmen International is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability

“ Be Safe” from fraud! Tradesmen International will never ask you to pay for certifications, equipment, or other “up front” costs as a condition of hire. Similarly, we do not request pictures of documents or IDs to private phone numbers or email addresses. If in doubt, pleasecall or visit your closest Tradesmen office (https://www.tradesmeninternational.com/directory/) to verify the request.

Click here to visit Tradesmen’s full website. (http://www.tradesmeninternational.com)

Location

US-IL-CHICAGO

Posted Date 2 hours ago (5/20/2026 2:27 PM)

Req ID 2026-366549

Category Welder - Welder

Travel Yes

Job Board SPS Team

Location US-IL-CHICAGO

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs

Q What is the median hourly wage for welders in the United States as of January 2026 including overtime rates?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median hourly wage for welders at $28.45 as of January 2026 with time-and-a-half overtime required after 40 hours under FLSA rules. Welders in manufacturing earn an additional $4.20 per hour on average for night shifts. Annual median earnings reach $59,176 for full-time roles.
Q How many hours per week can welders legally work in the United States without overtime pay in 2026?
The U.S. Department of Labor sets the standard workweek at 40 hours with overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate required after that threshold in 2026. Welders on federal contracts receive double time for hours over 48 in a workweek. Paid sick leave of up to 56 hours annually applies under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act extensions.
Q What education and experience are required to qualify for welder jobs in the United States in 2026?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states a high school diploma plus 6-12 months of postsecondary welding training or apprenticeship is required for 2026 entry-level positions. Three years of documented experience is mandatory for structural welding roles under AWS D1.1 standards referenced by DOL. Certification in SMAW or GMAW processes must be completed before hire.
Q What documents are required to apply for welder positions through U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships in 2026?
Applicants must submit Form ETA-671, high school transcripts, and proof of U.S. work authorization to DOL-registered programs by March 2026 deadlines. A valid driver's license and negative drug test results from a SAMHSA-certified lab are mandatory. Background checks via FBI fingerprinting are required for nuclear or pipeline welding tracks.
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