A growing surge of data centers across the US and globally is set to create a high demand for skilled tradespeople, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang predicting that these positions will command six-figure salaries.
Huang's assertion comes as tech giants are racing to build out their data center infrastructure. This massive undertaking, described by Huang as "the largest infrastructure buildout in human history," will require an unprecedented number of workers, including plumbers, electricians, and construction laborers.
According to the CEO, this surge in demand for tradespeople is expected to have a significant impact on employment opportunities, particularly in regions where pay has already seen notable increases. Huang notes that it doesn't necessarily require a degree in computer science to secure these roles, highlighting his commitment to making "great living" available to everyone.
The median annual salary for electricians stands at around $62,000, while construction laborers earn roughly $46,000 and plumbers pipefitters and steamfitters take home nearly $63,000. However, the demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to exceed the average occupational growth rate, with a significant shortage of tradecraft roles already being felt in the industry.
According to recent data, 490,000 construction positions went unfilled in December 2022, with this trend projected to worsen due to the accelerating expansion of AI-driven infrastructure. As these industries continue to expand, the global demand for skilled tradespeople is set to grow exponentially, with opportunities extending across borders as countries compete to establish themselves as major data center hubs.
Huang's forecast suggests that these emerging markets will not be immune to this phenomenon, underscoring the need for training and upskilling programs to address the impending skills shortage.
Huang's assertion comes as tech giants are racing to build out their data center infrastructure. This massive undertaking, described by Huang as "the largest infrastructure buildout in human history," will require an unprecedented number of workers, including plumbers, electricians, and construction laborers.
According to the CEO, this surge in demand for tradespeople is expected to have a significant impact on employment opportunities, particularly in regions where pay has already seen notable increases. Huang notes that it doesn't necessarily require a degree in computer science to secure these roles, highlighting his commitment to making "great living" available to everyone.
The median annual salary for electricians stands at around $62,000, while construction laborers earn roughly $46,000 and plumbers pipefitters and steamfitters take home nearly $63,000. However, the demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to exceed the average occupational growth rate, with a significant shortage of tradecraft roles already being felt in the industry.
According to recent data, 490,000 construction positions went unfilled in December 2022, with this trend projected to worsen due to the accelerating expansion of AI-driven infrastructure. As these industries continue to expand, the global demand for skilled tradespeople is set to grow exponentially, with opportunities extending across borders as countries compete to establish themselves as major data center hubs.
Huang's forecast suggests that these emerging markets will not be immune to this phenomenon, underscoring the need for training and upskilling programs to address the impending skills shortage.
and they're all like "yes please, six figures, here we go!" 
It's crazy how much demand is gonna be for these skilled tradespeople. And honestly, it's kinda cool that Nvidia CEO is like "let's make great living available to everyone"... sounds like a recruitment ad from the 90s 
. Anyway, it's a good thing people are already getting paid okay-ish salaries for these jobs, 'cause when demand goes through the roof, prices might just go up 
. So what? This means we're gonna need like a million more electricians and construction laborers just to keep up 
. Like, sure, that's a relief for some people, but what about those who are already struggling to make ends meet? 
. This is just gonna lead to more people getting stuck in low-paying jobs and struggling to afford basic stuff 
. The thought of countries competing for data center hubs is just another sign that we're headed for a skills crisis 
.
? But at the same time, I'm a bit concerned about the whole "skills shortage" thing... I've got friends who are electricians or construction laborers and they're already working hard for decent pay, so what's going to happen when demand is even higher? 
Will we see more people getting trained up in these roles just to keep up with the industry's growth? 
but what's crazy is that ppl r actually makin 6 figure salaries 
!
and now its like every tech giant is racing to build out their infrastructure ??
what's crazy is that jensen huang is saying these jobs are gonna pay 6 figures !! 
thats insane!!! i guess its true what they say, "the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" 
. Six-figure salaries are pretty enticing, but what's really interesting is that you don't need a computer science degree to get in on this action 
. We need to make sure everyone has a chance to level up 
.
I'm surprised how late I am to commenting on this, lol! So, 6 figure salaries for tradespeople? That's a game changer, right?