Working in a data center is becoming increasingly important. These jobs can pay well, are satisfying for many, and offer a variety of roles for people who want to work in a fast-paced environment.
With new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), companies need to update their digital systems to grow. This means more data, more hardware, and more data centers. And I'm not just talking about on-premise server rooms—cloud providers need to expand their infrastructure more and more.
Data centers are dealing with fast changes. They are updating their supply chains to meet growing client demands and focusing on energy efficiency, driven primarily by the need to manage costs and meet sustainability targets. However, it’s becoming harder for them to ensure consistent performance for businesses.
The data center field is going through a big tech shift, making it a great sector for job seekers. It offers good pay, varied roles, and opportunities in a vital industry. For tech-minded individuals considering their next career move, the data center industry stands out.
With the digital world growing and staffing challenges increasing, now is a great time to join the data center industry. It offers competitive pay and job opportunities and is central to modern technology. Choosing a career here is a smart decision with long-term rewards.
Data Center Staffing Issues
There's a growing challenge in the data center world: finding the right staff. Companies are struggling to decide which IT services to manage internally and which to shift to the cloud. The Uptime Institute reports that 61% of data center leaders find it hard to hire in 2022, a rise from 55% in 2021. Another study from the same institute suggests that about half of these leaders believe staffing issues will hinder their growth in the coming 5-7 years. However, staffing challenges are part of a broader set of issues, including power availability and supply chain constraints, which could also impact growth.
However, for job seekers, this presents a golden chance. The industry is in need of fresh talent. Even with the staffing concerns making news, the data center field remains strong. It offers numerous advantages, especially for those tech-savvy folks starting or pivoting in their careers.
Essential Skills for Data Center Careers
Whether you're a student, a newbie in the job world, or an experienced professional thinking of a career switch, the data center industry offers various career paths. Skills ranging from electrical and mechanical expertise to knowledge in other parts of engineering can be valuable in this field.
Working in data centers requires sharp thinking, leadership skills, and technical know-how. Those in the industry are well-rewarded for their skills. Joining the data center world allows professionals to apply a mix of skills to tackle the exciting challenges in the IT sector.
A study by Data Center Knowledge (DCK) highlighted the varied roles data center experts play. The research identified nine essential IT skills for those in the industry:
IT management
Project management
Leadership
Network management
Security
Cloud computing
Managing applications
Collaboration
Telecommunications
Data Center Pay Insights
According to a survey by Data Center Knowledge (DCK), 50% of data center workers earn about $120,000 or more annually. Interestingly, almost 10% earn $240,000 or above. It's noteworthy that only 18% of those surveyed were top-level executives, indicating that high salaries aren't just for a limited group. The top earners often have skills related to managing data centers with combined hybrid and multi-cloud setups.
This data does indeed reflect U.S. statistics, as the sources like Data Center Knowledge and similar industry reports often focus on the U.S. market. However, for precise figures and context, it's advisable to reference the specific DCK report or related U.S. industry salary surveys directly.
Certifications in the Data Center Field
For newcomers in the tech world, earning certifications can be a stepping stone to a successful data center career. Beginners can consider certifications like Schneider's Data Center Certified Associates (DCCA) to learn the basics like cabling and security. However, it's also important to consider other certifications like CompTIA Server+ for server management and BICSI for cabling infrastructure, which are relevant across various positions within data centers.
If networking interests you, look into certifications like Cisco's CCNP and CCIE. And for those eyeing management roles, the Uptime Institute offers certifications like Accredited Tier Designer, Accredited Tier Specialist, and Accredited Operations Specialist.
Data Center Job Titles Over Time
The job you land in a data center often depends on your background and training. Some in-demand roles in the industry include:
Data Center Operations Managers: They play a crucial role in shaping strategies for design, equipment, and technology in data centers.
Network/Computer Systems Engineers: These professionals collaborate with IT teams to create, set up, and safeguard vital network assets.
Data Center Electrical/Mechanical Engineers: They manage the physical side of data centers, looking after things like heating, cooling, fire safety, and backup power systems.
As technology evolves, so do job titles in data centers. Here's a list of roles that have remained significant:
Data Center Administrator (DCA): They manage business critical systems and need deep knowledge of everything in the data center, from design to operations.
Chief Architect: A top executive focused on centralizing IT functions for company-wide collaboration. Also known as the enterprise architect (EA).
Cloud Architect: Manages a company's cloud strategy, including design and deployment across various cloud types.
Data Engineer: They build data pipelines, integrate and clean data, and prepare it for analytics.
Data Wrangler: Cleans up large data sets for analysts and scientists, ensuring high-level skills are used effectively.
DevOps Engineer: Collaborates with developers and IT staff for smooth code releases and deployments.
Full Stack Developer: A programmer knowledgeable in all aspects of software development.
Network Engineer: Plans and manages in-house computer networks, including voice and data services.
Systems Administrator: Ensures optimal IT service performance in multi-user environments.
Virtualization Administrator: Manages virtual environments, from operating systems to applications.
IT Director: Oversees technology in an organization. Distinct from the CIO in larger companies.
Site Reliability Engineer: Ensures computing systems are scalable and reliable, bridging software engineering and IT operations.
Database Administrator (DBA): Ensures databases and related applications run efficiently.
Chief Information Security Officer: Develops security programs to protect company assets and might collaborate with the CIO on cybersecurity.
IT Project Manager: Leads the planning and execution of IT projects.
We hope this blog post helped you gain a better understanding of your opportunities. Good luck in the data center world!