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Data Center Technicians

Data Center Technicians install, maintain, and repair the physical infrastructure that powers cloud computing and the internet. They work with servers, networking equipment, storage systems, and the power and cooling systems that keep data centers running 24/7. These professionals work at cloud providers (AWS, Google, Microsoft), colocation facilities, and enterprises with on-premises data centers. The work is hands-on and physical, involving server rack installation, cable management, hardware troubleshooting, and responding to equipment failures. Shifts often include nights and weekends to provide continuous coverage. Data Center Technician roles offer stable employment, good pay without requiring a four-year degree, and a path into IT careers. The explosive growth of cloud computing and AI has dramatically increased demand. Career paths lead to senior technician roles, data center operations management, or transitions to network engineering or cloud operations.

Median Annual Pay
$68,000
Range: $45,000 - $100,000
Training Time
2 to 4 years
AI Resilience
🟒AI-Resilient
Education
Associate's degree

πŸ€–AI Resilience Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Data Center Technicians have very low AI exposure because the work requires physical presence - installing servers, running cables, troubleshooting hardware failures, and responding to facility issues. AI cannot replace hands-on work. Growth of 28%+ is driven by cloud expansion and AI infrastructure buildout. Essential human advantage from physical presence requirements. Ironically, more AI means more data centers and more technicians needed.

🟒AI-Resilient

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

15% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Rapid Growth+2

+28% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Essential+2

EPOCH score: 12/25

Total Score6/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated:

πŸ“‹Key Responsibilities

  • β€’Install and configure servers, storage, and networking equipment
  • β€’Perform cable management and rack installation
  • β€’Monitor and maintain power and cooling systems
  • β€’Troubleshoot hardware failures and replace components
  • β€’Perform preventive maintenance and equipment audits
  • β€’Document hardware inventory and configurations
  • β€’Respond to alerts and incidents during on-call shifts
  • β€’Coordinate with remote engineers on complex issues

πŸ“ˆCareer Progression

What does this mean?

This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.

1
Entry (10th %ile)
0-2 years experience
$45,000
$40,500 - $49,500
2
Early Career (25th %ile)
2-6 years experience
$55,000
$49,500 - $60,500
3
Mid-Career (Median)
5-15 years experience
$68,000
$61,200 - $74,800
4
Experienced (75th %ile)
10-20 years experience
$82,000
$73,800 - $90,200
5
Expert (90th %ile)
15-30 years experience
$100,000
$90,000 - $110,000

πŸ“šEducation & Training

Requirements

  • β€’Entry Education: Associate's degree
  • β€’Experience: Less than 1 year
  • β€’On-the-job Training: Moderate-term

Time & Cost

Education Duration
1-4 years (typically 2)
Estimated Education Cost
$9,177 - $99,705
Can earn while learning
Public (in-state):$26,703
Public (out-of-state):$55,269
Private nonprofit:$99,705
Community college:$9,177
Source: college board (2024)
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πŸ’»Technology Skills

Server hardware (Dell, HP, Supermicro)Networking equipment (Cisco, Juniper)Linux/Windows Server basicsCable management and structured cablingPower systems (UPS, PDU)DCIM toolsTicketing systems (ServiceNow)Hardware diagnostics

⭐Key Abilities

β€’Physical stamina
β€’Attention to detail
β€’Troubleshooting
β€’Following procedures
β€’Time management
β€’Communication
β€’Working under pressure

🏷️Also Known As

Data Center EngineerData Center Operations TechnicianInfrastructure TechnicianHardware TechnicianColo TechnicianRemote Hands Technician

πŸ”—Related Careers

Other careers in technology

πŸ”—Data Sources

Last updated: 2026-01-08Manually Sourced
Wages: Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn Salary (Jan 2026)
Skills: Analysis of 50+ LinkedIn/Indeed job postings (Jan 2026)
Outlook: LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026 (#17)
AI Assessment: Editorial assessment based on EPOCH framework and task analysis

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