Data center frenzy is spurring a jobs boomlet for blue-collar workers
The rapid expansion of data centers in the U.S. is creating a temporary surge in blue-collar jobs, primarily in construction. While these jobs are beneficial for local economies, the long-term employment impact is limited due to the capital-intensive nature of data centers. Critics are raising concerns about the environmental effects and the substantial tax incentives offered to attract these facilities.
- ▪Technology companies are expected to spend up to $7 trillion on data centers by 2030.
- ▪The construction of data centers is projected to generate 4.7 million temporary jobs and 697,000 permanent jobs.
- ▪Data centers require specialized technicians for operation and maintenance, with median salaries around $88,000 per year.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
MoneyWatch Data center frenzy is spurring a jobs boomlet for blue-collar workers .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Megan Cerullo Megan Cerullo Reporter, MoneyWatch Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting. Read Full Bio Megan Cerullo May 29, 2026 / 5:00 AM EDT / MoneyWatch Add CBS News on Google Exactly how artificial intelligence will shake up the U.S. job market won't be certain for years.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at CBS News — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from CBS News — Top
