Aiken is building
data centers

Aiken, SC has about 200 MW of AI data centers across 2 sites, with 200 MW still to build. The builders here include DOE (seeking private developer), Meta.

At the busiest point, about 384 skilled workers will be on these sites at once, across all the trades. Many drive in from nearby towns, but the work starts here — and it is not split evenly, so some trades are short and some are not.

Worth training up for? The work near Aiken is steady, but the area has enough workers for most trades. Here is the read by trade.

Ironworkers — could go either way. The data centers need about 54 ironworkers, and South Carolina has about 168 free for this kind of work. Enough to mostly cover it, but it will be busy, with some overtime.

Electricians — probably not, just for this. The data centers need about 108 electricians, and South Carolina already has about 1,958 free for this kind of work. Plenty. Still steady work, but no special data-center shortage.

Carpenters — probably not, just for this. The data centers need about 66 carpenters, and South Carolina already has about 1,768 free for this kind of work. Plenty. Still steady work, but no special data-center shortage.

Network/low-voltage technicians — probably not, just for this. The data centers need about 24 network/low-voltage technicians, and South Carolina already has about 648 free for this kind of work. Plenty. Still steady work, but no special data-center shortage.

Pipefitters — probably not, just for this. The data centers need about 42 pipefitters, and South Carolina already has about 1,370 free for this kind of work. Plenty. Still steady work, but no special data-center shortage.

Sheet metal workers — probably not, just for this. The data centers need about 12 sheet metal workers, and South Carolina already has about 365 free for this kind of work. Plenty. Still steady work, but no special data-center shortage.

These are some of the best-paying jobs you can get without a four-year degree. When a trade is short, builders run overtime and pay to train, and experienced workers can clear $100,000 a year, with health care and a pension through the union. It is the same across the country: builders cannot find enough skilled workers. The U.S. needs about 140,000 more trade workers by 2030 to build all the data centers, and most builders say hiring is their hardest problem. Microsoft's president has called the shortage of electricians the biggest thing slowing data centers down.

You sign up and get your license through South Carolina. The South Carolina trade pages show you how to start. Sources: a national survey of data-center building plans, plus U.S. jobs and pay data.