A boomer is a tradesperson who travels for work, moving wherever big jobs such as power plants, refineries, data centers or storm restoration create demand. In union terms, boomers sign the out-of-work books at other locals as travelers. Booming pays well and builds broad experience, at the cost of long stretches away from home in motels and campers.
Heard on the job
Half this crew are boomers, the data center pulled guys in from four states.
Also heard as
- traveler
Related terms
Journeyman
Licensed electrician who has finished an apprenticeship and passed an exam, qualified to work unsupervised.
Jman
Clipped jobsite form of journeyman, as in ask your jman before you touch that panel.
Cherry picker
Boom lift or bucket truck that raises a worker on an arm to reach high fixtures, poles and ceilings.