Where you work matters as much as what you do. The top data center markets offer more projects, higher pay, and better long-term career trajectories. We ranked the top 10 markets for construction professionals based on active pipeline, salary premiums, and growth trajectory — drawing on data from CBRE and JLL.
1. Northern Virginia (Ashburn)
Still the undisputed king. Northern Virginia hosts 70%+ of the world's internet traffic and the highest concentration of data center capacity anywhere. With 3GW+ in the pipeline, Ashburn and surrounding Loudoun County will need thousands of construction professionals over the next 3-5 years. Salary premium: +15% over national average. The downside: cost of living is steep, and power availability is becoming a constraint.
2. Phoenix, Arizona
The fastest-growing data center market in the country. Cheap land, abundant solar potential, and business-friendly tax incentives have attracted every major hyperscaler. Mesa, Goodyear, and the West Valley are seeing massive campus developments. Salary premium: +10%. The challenge: extreme summer heat adds construction complexity and limits outdoor work hours.
3. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Central location, robust utility infrastructure, and no state income tax make DFW a magnet for data center investment. The market spans from downtown Dallas to Garland, Richardson, and Midlothian. Salary premium: +8%. Strong local talent pool from Texas A&M, UT Arlington, and a deep bench of commercial construction professionals.
4. Columbus, Ohio
The surprise entry. Intel's $20B+ semiconductor fab investment put Columbus on the map, but the region's fiber infrastructure and central U.S. location were already attracting data center developers. Google, Meta, and AWS all have active projects. Salary premium: +5%. Lower cost of living than coastal markets makes effective compensation highly competitive.
5. Chicago, Illinois
The financial sector's insatiable demand for low-latency compute drives Chicago's data center market. The city's redundant power infrastructure and position as a major network interconnection point make it a strategic location. Salary premium: +7%. Union labor requirements add cost but also ensure skilled workforce availability.
6. Atlanta, Georgia
The Southeast's premier connectivity hub with a diverse and growing workforce. Atlanta's relatively lower cost of living combined with strong university talent from Georgia Tech make it increasingly attractive to data center developers. Active builds span from downtown to the northern suburbs.
7. Salt Lake City, Utah
Low energy costs, proximity to major fiber backbone routes, and favorable climate for free cooling make SLC an emerging market. The University of Utah and local community colleges are developing workforce programs to support the growing demand.
8. Portland / Hillsboro, Oregon
Intel's massive presence in Hillsboro and access to cheap hydroelectric power from the Columbia River basin drive this market. Renewable energy availability is a major draw for hyperscalers with sustainability commitments. The Pacific Northwest's cool climate provides natural free cooling advantages.
9. Reno / Las Vegas, Nevada
Nevada's tax benefits (no corporate or personal income tax), land availability, and proximity to California demand centers make it a growing market. Tesla, Switch, and Apple have major facilities. Solar potential for on-site renewable energy is a differentiator.
10. San Antonio, Texas
Military presence (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB) provides a built-in pipeline of cybersecurity and technical talent. NSA's Texas Cryptologic Center and multiple government data centers create demand for cleared construction workers. Lower cost of living than Austin or Dallas makes retention easier.
Where Should You Be?
If you're a construction professional, following the data center pipeline means following the money. But consider the whole picture: cost of living, per diem policies (are you traveling or relocating?), project duration, and long-term market stability. Check our salary guide for compensation benchmarks by market and role.
Explore Data Center TALNT opportunities in all 10 markets.
