Data centers found to create few permanent jobs
Data center construction provides a temporary boost to labor markets, but the facilities typically create few permanent jobs after opening, according to reports. Concerns over electricity and water consumption, along with environmental impacts, have led to a moratorium on data centers in Oklahoma City, following advocacy from environmental groups.
A recent report by Staffing Industry Analysts indicates that while data center construction drives job growth, these highly automated facilities often create few long-term jobs once operational. The Hamm Institute's report suggests that large data center campuses (over 100 megawatts) may operate with as few as 20 to 30 employees, though smaller sites require more due to lower automation.
Oklahoma Representative Amanda Clinton has questioned the resource use and true economic impact of data centers, noting their significant electricity and water consumption. Environmental concerns are growing, with Taylor Sanchez from Honor the Earth successfully urging the Oklahoma City Council to enact a moratorium on data centers, citing potential "public health disaster" from hyperscale facilities.
Meta's projected data center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is expected to employ over 1,000 construction workers but only about 100 permanent staff. Timothy Landhuis, senior vice president of research for SIA, highlighted data center development as a growth area for construction and industrial staffing, with an eventual shift to fewer, higher-paid IT jobs post-construction.