Off Tech Workers Can Pivot to Data Centers
Business Insider • • general
Key Points:
- Carrie Charles, CEO of staffing firm Broadstaff, highlights data centers as a booming job market amid recent tech layoffs, driven by Big Tech's AI infrastructure expansion requiring skilled electricians and technicians.
- Data center job listings surged 64% from 2023 to 2025, with many companies struggling to recruit talent despite growing employment by over 60% since 2016 in the US.
- Entry-level data center technician roles pay between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, with potential to advance to $80,000-$100,000 within 18-24 months through certifications and experience.
- Licensed electricians specializing in data center technology can earn $200,000 to $300,000, with strong demand projected through 2034, making it a lucrative long-term career path despite initial training commitments.
- Charles urges displaced tech workers to consider blue-collar trade careers like data center roles and electrical work, emphasizing their technical nature, growth potential, and alignment with evolving workforce trends.
