Data Center Electrician

Builds and maintains the massive power systems that keep data centers running 24/7.

A day in the life

You help set a giant backup generator, terminate thick cables in switchgear, and test that power switches over in a split second if the grid fails.

Pay over a career

Starting
$55k
Typical
$85k
High
$130k

Lots of overtime on fast-track builds.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Apprenticeship, about 5 years after high school. Journeyman electrician; data center experience and certifications.

Ways in: Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Majors to look at: Electrical Apprenticeship.

Outlook

Growing much faster than average. AI data center construction is exploding.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. AI is driving data-center demand itself; installing switchgear, UPS and busway and keeping power on 24/7 needs licensed hands.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Algebra, Physics, Electrical CTE class.

Official data: O*NET occupation 47-2111.

More Electrical careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.