7 strategies to recruit and retain talent in data center construction

As demand for data center capacity surges, expected to nearly triple by 2030, with AI workloads driving 70% of that growth, the industry faces a critical talent shortage. The data center boom, fueled by cloud computing and hyperscale expansion, is outpacing the supply of skilled professionals.

According to the Uptime Institute’s 2025 Survey, recruiting new data center staff ranks among the top three challenges for operators, alongside equipment lead times and cost pressures. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 500,000 additional workers will be needed to meet construction demands.

Why is there a talent shortage in data center construction?

Unprecedented demand for digital infrastructure

McKinsey estimates that data centers will require $6.7 trillion in global investment by 2030 to meet growing computing demand. This surge, driven largely by AI, is accelerating new facility builds as existing capacity struggles to keep pace. Global data center capacity is expected to expand from 103GW to 200GW by 2030, but the demand for digital infrastructure is rising faster than the supply of qualified construction and engineering talent.

Shortage of specialised skills

46% of data center operators report difficulty finding qualified candidates for open roles, according to the Uptime Institute study. Building a data center requires mission‑critical expertise in areas such as electrical engineering, advanced cooling and HVAC systems, and fibre optics. Many roles also demand specialised certifications or on‑site training to meet strict performance and reliability standards.

The workforce is getting older

North America and Europe face greater talent loss to retirement than other regions, as a larger share of their workforce is over 55, while many emerging markets skew under 30. Although mature markets benefit from experienced professionals who are less likely to switch industries, impending retirements are set to widen existing skills gaps.

Discover 15 data center jobs from construction to operations

How talent shortages impact data center construction projects

High demand for data center construction contractors and employees impacts more than just hiring challenges. See below how it affects overall project delivery.

Project delays and slower delivery

In 2025, over half of data center projects worldwide faced major delays due to labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. A lack of skilled workers can slow progress, increase turnover, and strain teams, leading to lower morale and postponed construction and activation timelines.

Higher salary and benefits expectations

Rising competition for a limited pool of skilled talent is driving up salaries and expanding benefits, significantly increasing project costs. Premium pay and incentives are now essential to attract workers to high-demand or remote sites. According to Fortune, construction workers are earning up to 30% more, sometimes reaching six-figure salaries.

Quality and safety concerns

Beyond cost and timelines, a stretched workforce can compromise construction quality and safety. Overloaded crews and inexperienced hires may elevate the risk of errors or incidents, making training and oversight essential to maintain quality standards.

Low retention and high competition

According to the Uptime Institute, 37% of operators struggle to retain staff, while 25% report losing employees to competitors in the data center sector. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 500,000 additional workers will be needed to meet upcoming construction demand. As a result, employers are competing for a limited number of specialised talents seeking better pay, benefits and work schedules.

Seven data center recruitment strategies worth implementing

Although the talent shortage is causing project delays and driving up costs for many companies, it’s still possible to implement effective strategies to recruit and retain skilled professionals. Discover seven of them below:

1. Invest in internal workforce development

Hiring from within can be faster and more effective than external recruitment. Build in-house training programs focused on mission-critical construction skills and offer apprenticeships or mentorships to upskill junior staff and retain institutional knowledge.

2. Offer structured career progression pathways

Defining clear growth path from field technician to project or regional construction lead. Use performance-based promotions and leadership development programs to retain high potential talent.

3. Broaden hiring criteria to adjacent sectors

Source professionals with mission-critical skills from adjacent sectors like oil and gas, aerospace, or the military, that align with data center construction. Offer bridge training to help them transition smoothly into new roles.

4. Expand access to global talent pools

Partner with international recruitment firms to source specialised talent from high-supply regions. Offering relocation support and visa sponsorship for critical roles helps position your company as an attractive employer in remote or high-demand markets.

5. Build a comprehensive DEI strategy

Expand your talent pipeline by actively engaging underrepresented groups in construction, such as women, veterans, and neurodiverse professionals. Set diversity hiring goals and foster inclusive site cultures to boost retention and workforce resilience.

6. Improve project‑based working conditions

Provide a safe and well-equipped environment to position your company as an employer of choice. Support remote teams with well-equipped temporary housing. Besides that, offering competitive per diem rates, flexible rotations, and wellness programs help reduce turnover.

7. Partner with specialist workforce agencies

Work with recruitment agencies to access pre-vetted candidates, saving time and reducing hiring costs. Engage with agencies that have access to a global pool of talent or use Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) to scale quickly during peak construction phases.

Julie Flowers, head of Global Talent Acquisition at Chevron, shared how to take on the pressing challenges of attracting and retaining talent:

Hire faster and more efficiently with a trusted recruitment partner

Airswift helps overcome talent shortage by connecting top professionals to major STEM industry projects. With 60+ offices worldwide, 1,000 employees, and 9,000 contractors, we deliver talent solutions across every stage of the project lifecycle, from engineering and fabrication to commissioning and operations. 

If you need help recruiting for your data center project, contact us to learn how we can help you hire faster and more efficiently.