@bill.fsamboy: A bigger paycheck doesn’t always mean a better life. If you’re a tradesperson considering data centers, look beyond salary. Housing, commute, family, and the full compensation package matter. To understand the scale of these markets, here are reported data center capacity figures: ⚡ Northern Virginia / Ashburn: 4,496.5 MW ⚡ Columbus, Ohio: 3,488 MW ⚡ Atlanta, Georgia: 1,803.2 MW ⚡ Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas: 1,432.8 MW ⚡ Phoenix, Arizona: 1,069.2 MW MW means megawatts—a measure of power capacity. It gives context on market scale, but doesn’t tell you how many jobs are available. Personally, Ohio was my first choice when I started pursuing data center work. I had worked there in power-line construction, and I loved Cincinnati. Comparing housing around Columbus with Ashburn made me think about how much more I could get for my money. I ended up in Ashburn working in Data Center Engineering Operations (DCEO). I’m grateful for the opportunity, but I still believe you should compare the whole picture before relocating. Coming from electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fiber, or another trade? Consider: • Pay compared with housing and monthly expenses. • The specific employer, role, and career path. • Overtime, shifts, benefits, and stock. • Sign-on and relocation bonuses, including repayment terms. • Schools, family needs, commute, and lifestyle. AWS, Google, Microsoft, and other operators can offer different packages. Your employer and experience can change the equation. North Carolina is another place I’d consider, but the exact location matters. Housing savings may come with living farther from the city and its conveniences. My personal pick would still be Ohio, based on my experience and priorities. Yours might be different. Your trade experience has value. Find an opportunity that works for your career AND your life. Where would you move for a data center opportunity? Follow me for practical lessons on moving from the trades into DCEO. Sources: CBRE, North America Data Center Trends H1 2026; Datacentres.com citing Cushman & Wakefield for Columbus, June 2026. Figures use different inventory scopes and aren’t directly comparable. #DCEO #DataCenters #TradesToTech #SkilledTrades #CareerTransition

Bill Samboy

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Friday 23 October 2026 18:30:19 GMT