Cody Cole, an Arizona-based electrical field superintendent, says choosing the trades over college has turned into a strong-paying career path. Now 25, he earns more than $40 an hour working on data centers for Corbins, an industrial electrical contractor.
His story highlights a broader shift in the job market as demand grows for skilled workers tied to large infrastructure projects. In this case, the rise of artificial intelligence is helping drive construction and expansion of data centers, creating more work for electricians and other blue-collar professionals.
Cole’s experience underscores how trade careers can offer solid wages without a four-year degree. Rather than taking the traditional college route after high school, he moved into hands-on electrical work and advanced into a leadership role in the field.
As AI investment continues to ripple through the economy, the benefits are extending beyond tech companies alone. The need to build and power data centers is also opening doors for workers in construction and the skilled trades, where practical experience can translate into steady demand and higher hourly pay.
