Myth Buster: Working at a data center may be different than you think. Let us myth-bust and paint a clearer picture of all that is happening at a data center. One myth is that the roles are only centered on tech jobs. Another is that you need extensive education or experience to work in a data center. Neither is true. There is a wide range of opportunities, some in tech, some in skilled trades, some in business. Each has a different set of skills & education needed. What about the myth that data centers only power businesses like Amazon or Netflix? While it's true that data centers help you binge-watch, shop, and scroll, they also keep society running. These facilities are the digital backbone of modern life, running our everyday interactions, instantly connecting 911 calls, ensuring hospital records remain secure and accessible, and traffic lights stay in sync during rush hour.
A City of Opportunity: Diverse Roles in the Data Center
We (SkillUp) recently asked JLL, one of the world's largest data center businesses, what it means to work at a data center. Their advice? "First, think of it like a city.
At their most basic, data centers exist to process data. Every digital health record, online gaming session, and social media post happens on a computer server in one of these facilities. But keeping the data flowing continuously, efficiently, and securely requires a variety of jobs and skillsets, much like a city does.
JLL also shared that these roles exist because data centers power much of our digital world, and they’re accessible through trade schools, certifications, degrees, or hands-on experience. The variety means you can find a path that fits your skills and grow into new ones, making it a dynamic, rewarding place to build a career.
The variety of options means that whatever your skillset, there's like a place for you in the datacenter industry. For all their differences, each career pathway at a datacenter plays a critical role in powering/creating/enabling the digital world and modern life.
And the best part is that you can launch a career in this critical and growing industry even if you don't have a degree.
Why a Data Center Career is a Smart Choice
West Texas serves as a powerful incubator for what’s ahead in the industry. The region’s “test and learn” mindset gives job seekers early access to opportunities. Across the state, data centers are fueling the digital economy and creating well-paying careers—many that don’t require a four-year degree. In fact, 60% of digital infrastructure jobs typically don’t call for a bachelor’s (Bureau of Labor Statistics). What matters most are skills, hands-on experience, and a willingness to learn, with plenty of entry points and on-the-job training.
Explore some of the careers that make up data centers to determine where your interests/skills fit and to make your own smart choice.
On the operations and maintenance side, roles include Data Center Technicians (system monitoring, troubleshooting), Facilities Engineers (power, cooling, environmental controls), NOC Technicians (network performance), and Maintenance Specialists (HVAC, electrical, mechanical).
In engineering and technical, opportunities include Data Center Engineers (infrastructure design), Network Engineers (connectivity), Systems Engineers (servers and storage), and Electrical Engineers (power distribution and backup).
Beyond the technical teams, business roles are essential: Project Managers (timelines, budgets), HR Specialists (recruiting and support), Finance and Procurement Analysts (contracts, vendor relationships), and Sales & Business Development Managers (client growth). Marketing, compliance, and admin roles also help keep operations aligned.
No matter the facility type, data centers rely on people with a wide range of skills and backgrounds—offering diverse opportunities to build rewarding careers.
How SkillUp Can Help
SkillUp supports the data center career journey, from building skills to landing the right job. Through free and low-cost training, learners can gain the technical and hands-on expertise needed for many of the roles involved in data centers. SkillUp focuses on roles that do not require a degree but have certification readily available locally.
SkillUp also connects job seekers to employers actively hiring in the field. With career coaching, local resources, and job-matching tools, SkillUp helps professionals not only enter the industry but also grow and thrive in these high-demand roles.
Growth & Mobility: Learn how to fuel your career growth and data center roles in your local area.
High Energy and Growth Potential: The data center field is full of movers and shakers, where skilled professionals power the future of technology. With hiring focused on ability and experience rather than rigid requirements, it offers high energy, rapid growth, and real opportunities to make an impact. While SkillUp primarily highlights middle-skill roles, the broader workforce spans everything from groundskeepers to the C-suite. Not every role may appear in our catalog, but we showcase the opportunities and training we do have available.
Electrical & HVAC: In a data center, roles like electrical and HVAC technicians are critical for keeping the physical environment stable and reliable—an equally important side of operations alongside the more visible technical jobs. HVAC - Ask an expert
Logistics: In a data center, logistics handles the flow of materials and equipment—coordinating procurement, deliveries, inventory, and on-site distribution to ensure everything arrives on time and in compliance with safety and documentation standards.
Technical & Engineering: Data Center Technicians and Network Engineers play critical roles in keeping data centers running smoothly. Technicians focus on hands-on tasks like installing and maintaining servers, racks, and cabling, as well as troubleshooting hardware issues and learning systems on the job. Network Engineers support the design and maintenance of network infrastructure, configuring equipment, monitoring performance, and resolving connectivity problems.
Partnering for Success: Opportunities with JLL
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) is a global real estate and investment management firm with a major role in the data center industry. They support companies with site selection, real estate transactions, financing, and facilities management—making them a key player in how data centers are built, operated, and maintained.
JLL’s deep involvement in the data center space means they offer a wide range of opportunities for skilled professionals. Our catalog allows you to filter roles directly with JLL, helping you connect to positions where their expertise and industry presence can accelerate your career.
Find roles with JLL here:
Texas JLL jobs
All JLL jobs nationwide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What companies are hiring locally?
Aside from JLL, IREN, Soluna, Crusoe Energy Systems are all quality employers hiring in West Texas.
Is a data center job only for people with a computer science or IT background?
No, data centers are like small cities in that they require a wide range of professionals. While technical roles are important, there is also a high demand for people in fields such as maintenance, logistics, security, administration, and project management.
What is a "Data Center Technician" and what do they do?
A Data Center Technician is a foundational role that involves monitoring systems, performing maintenance, and troubleshooting hardware. This role often serves as an entry point into the industry and does not always require prior technical experience, as many companies provide on-the-job training.
How much do data center jobs pay?
Data center jobs offer solid salaries and growth potential. For example, the average salary for a Data Center Technician in the United States is around $46,560, with a range that can go up to $74,000 annually. Managerial and engineering roles can earn significantly more, with average salaries for Data Center Engineers at approximately $147,461 and Data Center Managers at $145,000.
What are some common career paths in a data center?
The industry offers many opportunities for career growth. A Data Center Technician might advance to a role like a Data Center Engineer or a Data Center Manager. With the variety of roles available, a person can also shift from a technical role to a management position, or from a facilities role to a more specialized engineering position.
