With the birth of ChatGPT, leaders worldwide became fascinated by the magic of artificial intelligence (AI), and adoption quickly skyrocketed, putting never-seen-before pressure on data centers. This pressure drove the development of new, modern data center facilities and triggered the creation of new jobs – and lots of them.
With job ads for data technicians rising 18% since January 2020, it’s apparent that this industry and profession is in its prime with no signs of losing momentum — something data center hub Arizona understands deeply. Now, the state is taking strides to build agile data center professionals, starting in the classroom.
In the fall 2024, Estrella Mountain and Mesa Community Colleges are offering ‘Introduction to Data Center Operations’ courses that provide the foundational aspects of the data center world – from compliance and operations to physical infrastructure. The course at Mesa Community College will be taught by, Kendall Ellison, Director of Operations at EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure.
“With Arizona being a key data center hub, the job market is overheated, and students will have the ability to step right into this fast-growing industry,” said Ellison. “These data center-focused courses well-position local students to become industry experts, capable of earning rewarding salaries within a few short months. In turn, companies will be able to overcome staffing hurdles, an ongoing, market-wide issue. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, and I’m happy to play a small part in these greater victories.”
Data center technicians are the unsung heroes of the AI boom, and because of this, the role offers a healthy salary. In fact, pay for these positions jumped by 43% in the past three years alone, now standing at a median of $75,100 with immense room for growth – whether you are early in your career or looking to reskill and chart a new path. Today’s seasoned professionals can earn six figures, getting the satisfaction of a deeply tech-infused, well-paying career.
The unique technical skills required can only be taught by experts, and it takes providers like EdgeCore to step up and develop the next generation of technicians. Not only do these programs support local job creation, but they also propel overall economic growth across communities. Data centers are in the limelight, technicians are taking center stage – and providers like EdgeCore are working behind the scenes to ensure this continues while keeping communities strong and vibrant. Learn more about EdgeCore’s community enrichment.