The article from TechCrunch highlights the financial benefits construction workers are experiencing due to the AI boom, particularly in data center construction. Key points include:
-
Significant Pay Increases: Construction workers transitioning to data-center roles are seeing salary increases of 25% to 30%, with some earning even more. For example, DeMond Chambliss moved from a drywall business to a supervisor position, earning over $100,000 annually.
-
High Earnings for Specialized Roles: Workers in specialized positions, such as electrical safety specialists and electricians, are earning substantial salaries—$225,000 and over $200,000 respectively.
-
Enhanced Benefits: Companies are offering attractive perks beyond just higher salaries, including heated break tents, free meals, daily incentive bonuses, and opportunities for remote project management.
-
Industry Demand: The surge in construction jobs is driven by major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, which are rapidly building new data centers amidst a shortage of approximately 439,000 skilled workers in the industry.
Overall, the article emphasizes how the demand for data centers fueled by the AI boom is creating lucrative opportunities for construction workers.
