Construction Workers Cash In on Data Center Boom with 30% Pay Hikes and Six-Figure Salaries

Construction workers are reaping the benefits of the data center boom, with some earning up to 30% more and even six-figure salaries, as Big Tech's AI arms race fuels a massive investment surge in data centers. According to industry experts, the premium labor costs are a direct result of the insatiable demand for AI infrastructure, driven by tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta. In 2026, upwards of $100 billion could be invested by tech companies into the data center buildout in the U.S., Raul Martynek, the CEO of DataBank, a company that contracts with tech giants to construct data centers, told Fortune. This staggering figure is part of a larger trend, with Bank of America estimating global hyperscale spending to rise by 67% in 2025 and another 31% in 2026, totaling a massive $611 billion investment for the AI buildout in just two years. The high demand for data center construction has led to a significant pay bump for construction workers. Typically, construction projects operate on tight margins, with clients being very cost-conscious, Fraser Patterson, CEO of Skillit, an AI-powered hiring platform for construction workers, told Fortune. However, some of the top 50 contractors by size in the country are now offering premium wages to attract and retain top talent. According to Patterson, the average construction worker salary has increased by 20-30% over the past year, with some workers earning six-figure salaries. This is a significant departure from the industry's traditional low-margin business model, where contractors often struggle to keep up with labor costs. The data center boom is not only benefiting construction workers but also driving growth in the broader economy. The investment surge is creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and contributing to the overall GDP. Furthermore, the increased demand for data center infrastructure is driving innovation in the field, with companies developing more efficient and sustainable solutions. The data center industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for cloud computing and AI infrastructure. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta are investing heavily in data centers to support their AI and cloud computing initiatives. This trend is expected to continue, with the global data center market projected to reach $200 billion by 2027. As the data center boom continues, construction workers are likely to reap the benefits of the premium labor costs. However, the industry's growth also raises concerns about the environmental impact of data centers, which are significant energy consumers. As the industry continues to evolve, companies will need to balance their growth ambitions with sustainability and environmental considerations. In conclusion, the data center boom is driving a significant pay bump for construction workers, with some earning up to 30% more and even six-figure salaries. The industry's growth is not only benefiting workers but also driving innovation and economic growth. However, the industry's environmental impact remains a concern, and companies will need to prioritize sustainability as they continue to invest in data center infrastructure.