Ai Boom proved to be a breeze for construction workers building massive data centers that power everything. According to WSJworkers moving into data-center construction are seeing pay around 25% to 30% compared to their previous jobs – and in some cases, more.
Among them is Demond Chambliss, who sold a small drywall business in Columbus, Ohio, for a supervisory role overseeing 200 workers at a data center site. He now makes over $100,000 a year. “I pinch myself that I will work every day,” the 51-year-old told the journal. In Oregon, electrical safety specialist Marc Benner pulls in $225,000 a year, while Electrician Andrew Mason makes $200,000 managing workers at six northern data centers.
This Journal Report is not just about paying a higher base. Companies sweeten the pot with death benefits like heated rest tents, free lunches, daily incentive bonuses, even remote project management positions. One Construction Site offers workers $100 in daily incentive pay, which can add up.
The surge comes as tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsa race to build hundreds of new data centers, clashing with industry shortages with approximately 439,000 related employees, according to trade groups and related contractors.