The new artificial intelligence revolution is driving a major new boom in data centers. In fact, construction workers in states across the United States are already seeing huge collective benefits. Many are experiencing substantial pay increases and enhanced job perks as the demand for skilled labor in this sector surges. DeMond Chambliss, a 51-year-old zoning supervisor, directs 200 construction workers at a data storage facility locale. He makes more than $100,000 a year and enjoys his work, reporting, “I pinched myself going to work every day.”
As construction companies continue to compete to both attract and retain top talent, they’re doing so with a range of new incentives. These range from break tents with heat and food, daily incentive bonuses, lunches, and remote project management positions. Notably, one construction site provides workers with $100 in daily incentive pay, contributing to an overall increase in earnings for many in the industry.
Data-center construction is exploding, which has created fierce competition for workers, especially among data-centers. Workers making the move from other occupations are now receiving raises of 25% to 30%. Under some circumstances, these raises can go as high as 30%, an indicator of the industry’s desperate need for skilled workers. Marc Benner, an electrical safety specialist, is a picture perfect portrait of this phenomenon, raking in a fat $225,000 a year. Likewise, Andrew Mason, an electrician overseeing up to 200 data center workers at six Northern Virginia data centers, makes more than $200,000 a year.
DeMond Chambliss’s story shows the wealth of opportunity within this growing field. He swapped his cozy drywall contracting business in Columbus, Ohio, for an operations manager job at a data center. Today, he manages a large and diverse staff. His story highlights the opportunity for professional advancement and economic mobility in the industry.
Large tech companies are opening ginormous data centers to drive the AI revolution. They’re being proactive in developing their infrastructure to attract and support these new technologies. This expansion triggers a red-hot demand for skilled construction workers. Their inclusion is necessary to address the very real challenges of constructing complex, state-of-the-art facilities.