Jakarta, VIVA \u2013 The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is\nreshaping the global labour market. Amid concerns that AI is replacing\noffice jobs, data centre construction is creating numerous new\nopportunities for technical and blue-collar workers.<\/p>\n
Recent reports indicate that the surge in AI data centre construction\nin the United States has driven significant demand for construction\nworkers, data centre technicians, electricians, HVAC specialists, and\nfacility maintenance staff.<\/p>\n
Technology companies are pouring substantial funds into building new\ndata centres to support growing AI computing demands. McKinsey estimates\nUS investment in data centre construction could reach $7 trillion\n(Rp124.6 trillion) by 2030.<\/p>\n
Currently, there are approximately 4,000 active data centres in the\nUS, with a further 3,000 facilities announced or under construction,\naccording to Apollo Global Management.<\/p>\n
Although AI is beginning to eliminate some white-collar jobs, data\ncentre construction is creating large-scale new employment\nopportunities, particularly in construction. However, experts note that\nmost of these roles are temporary, as the primary focus is on the\nfacility construction phase.<\/p>\n
\u2018They are actually staffed by very few workers,\u2019 said Revelio Labs\nCEO Ben Zweig regarding data centre operations, as quoted by CBS News on\nFriday, 29 May 2026.<\/p>\n
Revelio Labs chief economist Lisa Simon also stated that permanent\nworkforce numbers at data centres are relatively limited. \u2018The long-term\nroles created by data centres are not particularly large in volume,\u2019 she\nsaid.<\/p>\n
\u2018They are projects that are far more capital-intensive than\nlabour-intensive.\u2019<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the economic impact of data centre construction is\nstill considered significant for local areas. Brookings Institution\nlabour expert Greg Wright said the construction of such facilities can\nboost local economies as construction workers require hotels, food, and\nother services during the project.<\/p>\n
\u2018When construction companies bring in workers to build these\nfacilities, they need to stay in hotels and eat. Therefore, data centre\nconstruction can create employment impacts for the local economy,\u2019\nWright added.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ai-drives-data-centre-boom-worker-and-technician-wages-reach-rp1-5-billion-1780063435", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }