Data Center Construction workers in High Demand as AI Boom takes Hold: Nvidia CEO
SANTA CLARA, CA - As artificial intelligence advancement surges, a surprising profession is poised for significant growth: data center construction. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is urging young people too consider technical fields supporting AI infrastructure, specifically highlighting the robust job market for skilled tradespeople building and maintaining these facilities, rather than focusing solely on traditional office or software roles vulnerable to automation.
Huang’s comments came following Nvidia’s announcement of a $100 billion investment in AI chip-based data center infrastructure.A McKinsey report estimates global capital expenditure for data center development could reach $7 trillion by 2030. This massive build-out translates to substantial demand for construction workers, with a single 250,000 square foot (approximately 2.32 hectares) data center requiring up to 1,500 workers during construction – many earning over $100,000 annually without a college degree.
While operational data centers require a smaller permanent staff of around 50 for maintenance, Huang emphasizes the ”multiplier effect” creates numerous additional jobs around the facilities. he suggests that for those entering the workforce now,”physical sciences” – including electrical engineering,mechanical engineering,and applied physics – offer a more secure career path than software development.
“If I were 20 years old, maybe I would choose physical sciences rather than software,” Huang stated, noting Nvidia’s current valuation exceeding $4.5 trillion. His viewpoint aligns with growing concerns among other U.S. CEOs regarding the potential for AI-driven job displacement in traditionally white-collar roles.