# Data-center trade jobs: roles, credentials and BLS pay

Four trades with unique BLS figures (OEWS May 2025; EP 2025-35):

| Role | SOC | Median | Mean | Emp | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lineworker | 49-9051 | $95,320 | $91,970 | 131,070 | +10.3% · ~10.9k openings/yr |
| Pipefitter & steamfitter | 47-2152 | $63,800 | $72,170 | 465,840 | +6.8% · ~42k openings/yr |
| Electrician | 47-2111 | $63,190 | $71,490 | 757,220 | +9.2% · ~72.7k openings/yr |
| HVAC/R | 49-9021 | $61,010 | $64,780 | 409,670 | +10.9% · ~40.6k openings/yr |

BLS does not publish data-center-only wages for these trades (OEWS suppresses trade estimates for NAICS 518200). Figures above are national, all-industry.

Required by law in scope: EPA Section 608 for refrigerant work; Oregon LEA / Washington 06 for limited-energy work in those states; state electrician licenses where required. NFPA 70E and BICSI INSTF are common employer preferences, not federal licenses.

Depth: [electrician](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/electrician/), [HVAC/R](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/hvac-technician/), [lineworker](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/lineworker/), [pipefitter](https://highpayingtrades.com/trades/pipefitter/).

## Sources
1. BLS OEWS May 2025 (USDL-26-0725)
2. BLS Employment Projections 2025-35 (USDL-26-1422)

See also: [Cert checker](https://datacenterskilledtrades.com/cert-checker/) · [Facility systems](https://datacenterskilledtrades.com/facility-systems/) · [How to get into data-center work](https://datacenterskilledtrades.com/how-it-works/)