The evolving digital economy has created troves of data that require more than a few on-site computers to handle. Companies increasingly depend on data centers as new technology continues to replace other means of data storage.
Data centers are a critical infrastructure that helps companies stay globally competitive through increased data capacity. They also support local economies by providing high-paying jobs. The number, size, and importance of these data centers will continue to grow as companies collect more data, leading to an increased need for construction workers, technicians, engineers, and other skilled workers.
The Increasing Demand for Data Centers
Before the 1990s, data centers were primarily housed in office buildings and consisted of large, hardwired mainframe computers. That quickly changed with the introduction of faster processors, smaller computers, and cloud computing. There was no longer a need for a separate on-site space to house large mainframes.
New off-site data centers could house hundreds or thousands of servers. By the early 2000s, companies such as Salesforce and Amazon were offering cloud computing services to store massive amounts of data.
The rise in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, 5G networks, and big data has fueled and continues to bolster the demand for the construction of new data centers worldwide. Some larger companies own their own data centers. There is also a growing need for hyperscale data centers that provide IT infrastructure for multiple companies in one location.
The explosion of new data center facilities means businesses need more skilled workers to build, operate, and maintain them. While they were once considered niche infrastructure, global tech reliance has transformed data centers into essential utilities.
The Economic Impact of Data Centers
Building data centers contributes to the regional and national economies by creating construction projects, public and private investments, and long-term operational spending. Each new data center not only supports direct jobs but also contributes to the secondary job market.
When companies create or expand a data center, there is also an increased need for real estate, utilities, and logistics professionals. Tax revenue in the area increases, as does local business growth.
How Do Data Centers Create Jobs?
Alongside the construction workforce needed for building facilities, new data centers require employees from all kinds of industries for ongoing technical operations and maintenance.
Available jobs aren’t limited to those with IT experience. Building and running a data center requires electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, and support service staff. This provides workers with a wide range of opportunities for new temporary or permanent positions.
A new data center also creates increased demand at other businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, utility companies, and grocery stores. This leads to additional job creation or increased hours for workers.
Types of Data Center Job Opportunities
It takes a variety of skilled workers to build a data center and keep it running and secure. People seeking work can find contractual and permanent positions at the various stages of data center construction, operation, and maintenance. During construction, jobs at data centers usually include:
- Engineers
- Data center electricians
- HVAC technicians
- Heavy equipment operators
- Surveyors
- Construction workers
- Plumbers
- Cabling technicians
Once it’s up and running, career paths involving permanent positions at data centers may include:
- Network engineers
- Systems administrators
- Data center technicians
- Electricians
- Facilities managers
- HVAC specialists
- Mechanical technicians
If you are recruiting for a data center, you may find that a mix of contract and permanent employees best suits your needs. A temp-to-hire model in which employees start on a contract with the potential for a permanent position may also suit a relatively new or expanding company.
What It Takes To Get a Job at a Data Center
Many technical roles in a data center require degrees in computer science, engineering, or IT. People seeking data center positions involving skilled trades may need certifications in electrical work, HVAC, or other specialized skills.
Technical expertise and practical trade skills are equally critical to building data centers and keeping them running. Because technology evolves so rapidly, all workers in data centers must have strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a willingness to take on continuous training.
More Challenges Ahead for Data Centers
As with other technology-based industries, data centers may face challenges in recruiting and retaining enough skilled workers. Companies must contend with a tough data center labor market due to aging sectors of the workforce and a lack of qualified technicians, cybersecurity experts, and workers who can operate in a complex modern facilities environment.
This data center worker shortage can leave companies with missed construction and expansion deadlines. They may also face risks related to downtime, inefficiency, and security vulnerabilities, such as breaches, which often lead to lost clients. The higher these risks, the harder it becomes to attract public and private investments.
Local and federal governments must also contend with an increase in data center power demand that can challenge local and national power grids. A 2024 data center energy usage report found that they accounted for about 4.4% of the total electricity usage in the United States in 2023. That is expected to increase to 7% to 12% by 2028. Without electrical infrastructure growth to meet demand, certain areas may not be able to sustain data centers, and electricity prices may rise.
Data Centers Are a Lucrative Endeavor for Economic Growth
Public and private investments in data centers, coupled with training and education for data center jobs, support the digital economy and create stable, well-paying careers. Data centers are long-term economic engines that will continue to drive growth and create work as demand for digital services continues to accelerate.
To combat problems finding skilled workers, partner with Superior Skilled Trades for your data center staffing needs. We have carefully cultivated labor solutions and can identify a workforce that helps you scale up during construction, expansion, maintenance, and operations.Find skilled talent by reviewing our data center staffing solutions and contacting us for help.