Artificial Intelligence Drives Labor Demand for Electricians and Plumbers

Thursday, 15 January 2026, 11:30

Artificial intelligence is intensifying the labor shortage for electricians and plumbers in the construction of data centers. As AI applications surge, the need for specialized skilled tradespeople grows, highlighting a critical labor gap. Data centers require substantial manpower to meet the rising demands of electricity, further complicating the existing shortage.
Wired
Artificial Intelligence Drives Labor Demand for Electricians and Plumbers

The Growing Need for Electricians and Plumbers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a significant shortage of electricians in the US, with estimates suggesting around 81,000 unfilled positions on average each year from 2024 to 2034. The construction of AI data centers is a primary driver of this demand, showcasing the urgent need for skilled tradespeople.

Impact of AI on Labor Demand

  • Electricians and plumbers are crucial for the rapid expansion of AI data centers.
  • Reports indicate a collective need for hundreds of thousands of trained electricians, laborers, and supervisors to address this gap.
  • Tech companies, such as Google, are making efforts to enhance training and apprenticeship programs.

The Competition for Skilled Labor

As the construction projects ramp up, tech companies face fierce competition for trades talent from various industries. The historical trend has seen a lack of new tradespeople entering the workforce, exacerbated by the retirement of seasoned professionals. The demanding construction timelines of data centers further complicate the training and onboarding of apprentices, necessitating more rigorous preparation for prospective workers.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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