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Data center roles and pay
What each mission critical role does and what the closest occupation earns nationally. Pay is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics median for May 2024 across all industries, not a data-center-specific or employer figure.
Mission critical project manager
Runs the MEP scope of a data center build from buyout through turnover.
- Schedule and budget for MEP scope
- Coordinate with the general contractor and owner
- Manage subcontractors and submittals
- Lead turnover to commissioning
$106,980
U.S. median, Construction managers (SOC 11-9021). BLS source(opens in a new tab) — external resource, opens in a new tab
MEP superintendent
Leads field crews and daily installation on site.
- Plan daily field work
- Safety and quality on site
- Coordinate trades in congested white space
- Track installed quantities
$106,980
U.S. median, Construction managers (SOC 11-9021). BLS source(opens in a new tab) — external resource, opens in a new tab
Data center electrician
Installs switchgear, UPS systems, busway and branch power.
- Medium and low voltage installs
- Busway and PDU terminations
- Generator and UPS wiring
- Support energization
$62,350
U.S. median, Electricians (SOC 47-2111). BLS source(opens in a new tab) — external resource, opens in a new tab
Pipefitter / process piping
Builds chilled water, condenser water and liquid cooling piping.
- Welded and grooved piping
- Central plant and CDU connections
- Pressure testing and flushing
- Fire and domestic water tie-ins
$62,970
U.S. median, Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152). BLS source(opens in a new tab) — external resource, opens in a new tab
Critical facilities HVAC technician
Keeps chillers, CRAHs and cooling towers running around the clock.
- Chiller and CRAH maintenance
- Respond to alarms
- Preventive maintenance rounds
- Support equipment start-up
$59,810
U.S. median, HVAC mechanics and installers (SOC 49-9021). BLS source(opens in a new tab) — external resource, opens in a new tab
Sheet metal / ductwork
Fabricates and installs air distribution and containment.
- Duct and plenum installs
- Hot and cold aisle containment
- BIM layout coordination
$60,850
U.S. median, Sheet metal workers (SOC 47-2211). BLS source(opens in a new tab) — external resource, opens in a new tab
Commissioning technician / agent
Tests every system under load before the owner accepts the building.
- Level 1-5 commissioning scripts
- Integrated systems testing
- Load bank testing
- Issue logs and turnover reports
$77,180
U.S. median, Electrical and electronic engineering technicians (SOC 17-3023). BLS source(opens in a new tab) — external resource, opens in a new tab
Building automation / controls technician
Programs and checks the BMS and EPMS that monitor the facility.
- Controller install and programming
- Point-to-point checkout
- Graphics and alarms
- Integration with electrical monitoring
$77,180
U.S. median, Electrical and electronic engineering technicians (SOC 17-3023). BLS source(opens in a new tab) — external resource, opens in a new tab
Mechanical engineer (MEP design)
Designs cooling systems for high-density and liquid-cooled halls.
- Cooling load calculations
- Chilled water and liquid cooling design
- Equipment selection
- Construction support
$102,320
U.S. median, Mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141). BLS source(opens in a new tab) — external resource, opens in a new tab
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