Construction workers specializing in data center development are reporting significant pay increases and enhanced benefits, driven by the expanding demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. This trend reflects a competitive environment for skilled labor in the sector, according to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal.
The Wall Street Journal indicates that workers transitioning into data center construction are observing salary jumps ranging from 25% to 30% compared to previous roles, with some instances reporting even higher gains. For example, DeMond Chambliss, who previously managed a drywall business, now earns over $100,000 annually as a supervisor at a data center site in Ohio. In Oregon, electrical safety specialist Marc Benner reportedly earns $225,000 per year, while electrician Andrew Mason's annual earnings exceed $200,000 managing sites in Northern Virginia.
Beyond increased base salaries, companies involved in data center projects are implementing various incentives to attract and retain workers, as detailed by The Wall Street Journal. These include amenities such as heated break tents, complimentary lunches, and daily performance bonuses. Some sites offer daily incentive pay of $100, which can accumulate significantly over time. The report also noted the availability of remote project management positions.
This surge in demand for construction labor is a direct consequence of major technology firms, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, actively constructing hundreds of new data centers globally. These initiatives are essential for supporting the computational requirements of AI development and deployment. The increased construction activity coincides with an industry-wide shortage of approximately 439,000 skilled workers, a figure reported by the Associated Builders and Contractors trade group, further contributing to the upward pressure on wages and benefits in the sector.
