Construction workers are reaping the rewards of the growing demand for data centers, with salaries increasing by 25% to 30% compared to their previous roles. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, workers transitioning to data-center construction are experiencing substantial pay hikes.
DeMond Chambliss, who shifted from owning a small drywall business in Columbus, Ohio, to a supervisory position overseeing 200 workers at a data center site, now earns over $100,000 annually. In Oregon, electrical safety specialist Marc Benner commands a $225,000 yearly salary, while electrician Andrew Mason manages workers at six data centers in Northern Virginia, earning over $200,000.
Companies are not just increasing base salaries; they are also offering attractive perks such as heated break tents, complimentary meals, daily bonuses, and the option for remote project management roles. In one instance, workers at a construction site receive $100 in daily incentive pay, leading to substantial additional earnings.
This surge in construction wages aligns with the rapid expansion of data center projects by tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. However, this growth is hampered by a significant shortage of skilled labor, estimated at around 439,000 workers by the Associated Builders and Contractors trade group.
Source: TechCrunch