The hidden workforce behind Texas’ data center boom
News Clip0:50CBS Austin·TX·9/14/2026
Texas' data center boom is creating significant demand for skilled tradespeople in construction, including electricians and plumbers. This demand is contributing to a labor shortage, as data centers compete for the same workers needed for home building. Industry leaders note that while the shortage predates the AI boom, data center expansion has highlighted the need for more skilled workers.
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When you think of AI jobs, do electricians and construction workers come to mind?
Texas’ data center boom isn’t just creating demand for tech workers. Building these massive facilities can require hundreds, sometimes thousands, of skilled tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers and other construction workers.
Texas has added nearly 25,000 construction jobs since 2022, but there’s a catch: data centers can compete for some of the same skilled workers needed to build homes.
Industry leaders say the labor shortage existed before the AI boom, but data centers are putting a much bigger spotlight on the need for the next generation of skilled workers.
Find more at CBSAustin.com.