Data Centers

What is a data center?

A building that houses computer servers that power networks, databases, “the cloud”, and artificial intelligence platforms, to name a few.

Why do we need data centers?

Data centers are the essential infrastructure of the internet and everything we take for granted in our daily lives: cell phones, social media, Uber and Lyft, Netflix, smart TVs, online banking, ChatGPT, and modern-day life as we know it. Even our nation’s critical infrastructure, like our energy grids and national security systems, rely on data centers to keep running. Data centers quite literally make the internet – and everything online – possible.

What role does the UA play in building and maintaining data centers?

Each data center requires thousands of miles of piping and cooling infrastructure, and that’s where the UA comes in.

Our members are best equipped to do the precision welding, pipefitting, HVAC installation, then continue that work through HVAC service, maintenance, and building operations to ensure these mission-critical facilities run efficiently and stay online around the clock.

What does the future of data centers look like?

Ever since the personal computer was invented, technology has continued to evolve at a fast pace. Laptops and cell phones were once the hot new technology, but now artificial intelligence and the digital world is continuing to modernize.

With that modernization comes an even bigger need for more data centers to house this information and make the future of technology possible.

More Resources

Fact Sheet: Data Centers are More than Just AI

Fact Sheet: Data Centers & Local Tax Revenue

Fact Sheet: Water Consumption in Modern Data Centers

Fact Sheet: Energy Use and the Impact on Residential Rates

Data Centers By The Numbers

93% UNION Union contractors performed the work on 93% of major data center projects that reported a contractor award.

562 CAMPUSES Scheduled to be constructed for Data Centers as of August 2025.

2,771 BUILDINGS Thousands of miles of pipe, advanced cooling systems, and skilled UA labor go into keeping these facilities online.

189+ GIGAWATTS Of total power capacity associated with these projects.

OVER $1.9 TRILLION In total project value for large-scale data center construction.

280,000–850,000 UA MEMBERS Potentially required on-site if these projects move forward simultaneously.

Employment Opportunities and Growth

Construction Phase

While each project is different, on average, construction of a single data center campus creates thousands of job opportunities for building trades craftspeople and for UA members.
Some jurisdictions, like Ohio, Texas, and Virginia, for example, will have close to 100 data centers being built at one time – meaning our local unions are poised to grow to meet the manpower demands.
Data center construction brings massive impact to the local economy and creates a robust tax base for the community, meaning the benefits are shared by everyone.
Opponents will dismiss these construction jobs as “only temporary” and not good enough, but the reality for many of our members is that these “only temporary” jobs are how we built this nation – and it’s how we put food on the table and provide for our families.
When construction is booming and projects are ramping up, it means our locals can expand and invest in growth. We can bring in more apprentices and open a new training center; we can improve our medical and retirement benefits; and we can ensure the health and strength of our union for future generations.

Operation Phase

On average, one medium-sized data center will require 15 to 80 permanent positions who work directly for the data center operator, though this number varies with each project.
However, the data center operators will also require continuing work, like maintenance, logistics, HVAC service, repair, and more. These opportunities often outnumber the direct, permanent opportunities.
That means UA members are not only needed for the initial construction phase of the data center campus, but we are often contracted for maintenance and ongoing work throughout the lifetime of the data center.
The services that are performed by these companies not only drive employment while performing their onsite duties, but they also drive employment growth for their internal operations and expansion of the offsite facilities of these companies as well.

Retrofits and Renovations

On average, the typical data center will look to retrofit the mechanical, electrical, and technological systems once every 10 to 15 years depending on the desired operating system and advancement of technology.
While the retrofitting of these systems does not create the number of jobs that the overall construction of a building and/or campus does, they can be quite extensive for the more skilled and higher paying trades.
There is a consistent theme from those who advocate against data centers that once the technology of the systems in data centers is obsolete, the data center operator will leave the building vacant; that is simply not true.
The very first data centers were built in the late 1990’s and have already been retrofitted to include newer and more efficient systems – meaning continuous work for UA members.

A Case Study on UA Local 602

Growing Our Membership

Over a 4 year period the data center industry has helped Local 602’s total apprenticeship enrollment increase by over 450 apprentices, exceeding 1,360 apprentices in 2025 and their total membership increase by over 1,600, exceeding 6,500 members.

That type of growth is incredible for a number of different reasons, but none more important that the number of lives it allows us to touch by introducing and including so many more workers and their families into the way of life that we all enjoy. This growth, in membership and man hours, have helped Local 602 make some incredible benefit improvements to our medical, pension and other fringe benefits.

Data Center Facts – Understanding The Reality Behind Common Concerns:

Many common concerns are based on experiences with data centers built 15–20 years ago. Newer data centers are fundamentally different—designed with advanced efficiency standards for electric and water use, modern cooling technologies, and stricter environmental controls that significantly reduce impacts compared to older facilities. As technology continues to evolve, these improvements not only lower environmental impact but also increase reliability and long-term sustainability for the communities where they are built.

Concern	Reality
NOISE: Will disturb the peace and quiet	55-60 dB at property edge (normal conversation level)— quieter than a lawn mower. Generators only test 15-30 minutes each month.
AIR QUALITY: Diesel fumes will create pollution	SCR technology eliminates 99% of emissions. Generators run rarely. Cleaner than school buses. UA members at work mean highest quality and safety standards on the job.
PROPERTY VALUES: Will lower nearby home values	Tax revenue funds better schools and services, maintaining and boosting values. Studies show neutral to positive impact.
POWER BILLS: My costs will rise because of data centers	Bills rise from fuel costs, inflation, and grid upgrades—not just data centers. Data centers pay high rates offsetting costs.
SPRAWL: Approve one and they’ll be everywhere	Few unicorn sites have the required power, fiber, zoning, and topography. Each project undergoes rigorous independent review. One approval does not equal blanket approval.

The Bottom Line

Data centers deliver substantial economic benefits—high-paying jobs, millions in tax revenue, and minimal community impact. Modern facilities are quiet, clean, and secure, strengthening local economies while supporting schools and essential services. This is an incredible opportunity for the UA. We are on the forefront of what is the next industrial revolution, and with the work that we do, with our membership, our contractor partners and our leadership, no one is in a better position than us to make sure this industry, the future of our world is successful for many generations to come.