AI boom creates blue-collar jobs, but data center backlash threatens the trend

Data center buildouts for AI are driving demand for welders, plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians, with mean minimum data center salaries up 125.1% year-over-year to nearly $208,000 and welder/pipefitter postings up 164%. Yet 70% of Americans oppose local data centers, and at least 75 projects worth about $130 billion have been blocked or delayed this year.

• Mean minimum data center salary jumped 125.1% YoY to nearly $208,000
• Welder and pipefitter job postings rose 164% year-over-year
• 70% of Americans oppose a data center in their local area
• At least 75 projects worth ~$130 billion blocked or delayed this year