Illinois Data Center Market
Data Center Staffing in Chicago
Delivering talent to the Midwest's largest data center and interconnection market
Chicago Data Center Market Overview
Chicago serves as the critical interconnection point for the entire Midwest and is one of the most important network hubs in North America. The 350 East Cermak building, operated by Digital Realty, is one of the largest carrier hotels in the world, housing hundreds of network providers and serving as a nexus for east-west data traffic across the continent. This deep network infrastructure has made downtown Chicago and its surrounding suburbs a magnet for data center investment.
The market extends well beyond the Loop, with significant clusters in Elk Grove Village, Franklin Park, Aurora, and the western suburbs along the I-88 corridor. Illinois has worked to improve its data center tax incentive programs to remain competitive with neighboring states, and the combination of dense network connectivity, a large and skilled workforce, and proximity to major financial markets keeps Chicago among the top-tier data center metros.
Chicago's data center workforce is drawn from a strong base of technical trades, electrical unions, and engineering programs at regional universities. However, the pace of new construction -- particularly hyperscale builds in the suburbs -- has outpaced local talent supply, creating significant opportunities for experienced professionals. Data Center TALNT helps bridge this gap by sourcing qualified data center construction and operations talent for Chicago-area employers.
Key Market Highlights
What makes Chicago a standout data center market.
- 350 East Cermak is one of the world's largest carrier hotels, housing 50+ network providers and serving as a Midwest interconnection nexus
- Central U.S. position provides low-latency connectivity to both coasts and serves as a key junction for transcontinental fiber routes
- Strong union labor market provides a deep pool of skilled electrical and mechanical tradespeople experienced in critical infrastructure
- Expanding hyperscale footprint in western suburbs along the I-88 corridor and Elk Grove Village industrial area
Major Employers in Chicago
Leading data center operators and technology companies hiring in the Chicago market.
In-Demand Data Center Roles in Chicago
The most sought-after positions in the Chicago data center market right now.
Critical Facility Engineer
Union Electrician
Data Center Project Manager
Mechanical QA/QC Inspector
Commissioning Agent
BMS Technician
Fire Protection Engineer
Site Safety Manager
Why Data Center TALNT in Chicago
Our local market expertise and national reach deliver results that generalist staffing agencies cannot match.
Deep Market Knowledge
Our recruiters understand the Chicago data center landscape -- which operators are expanding, what roles are hardest to fill, and what compensation packages it takes to attract top talent in this market.
Pre-Vetted Talent Pipeline
We maintain an active network of data center professionals with experience in Illinois and the surrounding region, ready to deploy for both construction projects and operational roles.
Speed to Fill
In a market where open positions cost thousands per day in project delays, our average time-to-present qualified candidates is 48 hours or less for Chicago-area positions.
Industry-Exclusive Focus
Unlike generalist agencies, every member of our team lives and breathes data center, mission critical, and construction staffing -- giving us the domain expertise to evaluate candidates accurately and place them in the right roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Chicago data center market and staffing.
How many data centers are in Chicago?
The greater Chicago metro area hosts approximately 100 data center facilities with a combined capacity of over 500 MW. Major concentrations are found downtown around the Cermak Road corridor and in western suburbs like Elk Grove Village and Aurora.
What is the average salary for data center jobs in Chicago?
Data center professionals in Chicago earn strong salaries bolstered by union wage scales for construction trades. Critical facility engineers earn $85,000 to $125,000, union electricians earn $80,000 to $120,000, and project managers earn $105,000 to $165,000 annually.
Why is Chicago a major data center market?
Chicago is a top-tier data center market because of its position as the Midwest's primary network interconnection hub, with 350 East Cermak serving as one of the world's largest carrier hotels. The city's central U.S. location provides low-latency access to major financial exchanges, a deep skilled workforce, and robust power infrastructure.
Nearby Data Center Markets
Explore other markets where Data Center TALNT delivers specialized staffing solutions.
Hiring in Chicago? Let's Talk.
Whether you need a single commissioning agent or an entire construction team, Data Center TALNT has the Chicago market expertise and national reach to deliver the talent you need -- fast.