Data Center Jobs: Navigating Careers in Data Management

Key takeaways

Data center jobs include data center technicians, engineers, managers, and operations managers, among others.

• Network architects, data security analysts, cloud operations engineers, network engineers, and database administrators also work in data centers. 

• Many data center jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in information technology (IT), computer science, engineering, or a related field. 

• You can prepare for a career in a data center by building your data skills and earning relevant certifications in the field. 

Explore the types of data center jobs available, their median salaries, job outlooks, what they do, and some skills you can build to become a data center professional. If you're ready to prepare for a career as a data professional, try the IBM Data Engineering Professional Certificate. In as little as six months, you can gain skills in NoSQL, big data processing, and managing data pipelines.

9 types of data center jobs

Data centers need many roles to keep them functioning at mission-critical levels and maintain consistent information flow to users. Additionally, with the advent of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) that require massive amounts of data, data centers must upgrade their infrastructure to store and properly allocate resources.

Research from McKinsey & Company suggests that data centers will require $6.7 trillion worth of capital investment by 2030 [1]. This demand suggests that the industry needs more data center professionals. 

Learn about some of the critical data center jobs that keep systems running.

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of May 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

1. Data center technician

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $68,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 50,500 openings/year [2]

Requirements: High school diploma with data center skills; most employers require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science

Data center technicians manage, implement, and troubleshoot databases by solving storage, scalability, and capacity issues. In this position, you would also maintain the networking and computer hardware needed to run the servers within a data center. Additionally, you will facilitate the seamless operation of all software, programs, and security measures.

Read more: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science: A Guide 

2. Data center engineer

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $114,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent [3]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or an IT-related field, often with certification

Data center engineers implement the key infrastructure needed to run the data center and install cables and hardware. In this job, you often troubleshoot day-to-day problems to ensure the data center runs properly. You'll perform many tasks to maintain the data center, manage entry-level employees, document problems, and schedule maintenance. 

3. Data center manager

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $183,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 percent [4]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology and related work experience

A data center manager supervises all work within a data center, including day-to-day processes, repair, maintenance, security, and equipment. In this job, you oversee the work of data center technicians and engineers to ensure repairs, maintenance, and troubleshooting happen on time. You also manage macro-level operations, such as disaster preparedness, data backups, data storage, and the flow of information into and out of the data center. 

4. Network architect

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $171,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 12 percent [5]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computers and information technology with experience in the field

Network architects design, plan, and implement the computer networking infrastructure to connect local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). You will also plan and manage the cloud infrastructure. You will also manage the necessary staff in this position, find the proper hardware, troubleshoot problems, and test networking equipment. 

5. Database administrator

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $107,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent [3]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science; some employers require a master’s degree

Database administrators (DBAs) create database systems so users can access data in the data center. As a DBA, you will organize databases and manage all personnel who interact with them to ensure their smooth operation. Some of your tasks could include securing data, authorizing user access, creating and restoring backups, and restructuring the database when issues arise. 

6. Cloud operations engineer

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $150,000 

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 20 percent [6]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or engineering, and skills in cloud computing through certification

A cloud operations engineer manages the cloud infrastructure within a database. In this position, you will oversee operations, such as deploying public, private, or hybrid cloud infrastructures, and ensure users can access the applications provided. Additionally, you will ensure the scalability of cloud operations, application deployment, environment automation, and incident response. 

7. IT support specialist

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $71,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 50,500 openings [2]

Requirements: Associate degree in IT or a related field; some employers may require a bachelor’s degree

IT support specialists test and monitor network systems to ensure they work correctly. In this job, you will also perform regular maintenance tasks on the network. Additionally, you help users with software or hardware problems and may be on-site or assist users over the phone, chat, or email. 

8. Data center operations manager

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $152,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 percent [4]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, associate’s with relevant certifications

Data center operations managers streamline the entire process in the data center by managing all hardware, facility equipment like HVAC systems, and all components so that every part works efficiently. As a data center operations manager, you would also create staff schedules, manage teams, supervise equipment repair and security protocols, and the budget in the data center to ensure an optimal workflow.

9. Data security analyst

Median total pay (Glassdoor): $121,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 29 percent [7]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a related subject

Data security analysts create and implement information security protocols to protect data, networking, and computer systems. In this job, you maintain encryption protocols and utilize cybersecurity software to manage firewalls. Additionally, you will create plans for data breaches and how to respond, and continuously monitor and update security protocols. 

What qualifications do you need to work in a data center?

When looking for a career in a data center, you can choose from many different career paths, and having a specific set of skills can help you get a job.

Some technical skills that you need to become a data center professional include:

• Project management

• Networking

• Information security

• Cloud computing

• IT management

These are a few workplace skills you should pursue:

• Collaboration

• Leadership

• Problem-solving

• Analytical

• Communication

Data center certifications

Earning certifications equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge of data center infrastructure to join this in-demand career. Some data center certifications you should consider from the International Data Center Authority (IDCA) include:

• Data Center Infrastructure Specialist (DCIS)

• Data Center Infrastructure Expert (DCIE)

• Data Center Operations Manager (DCOM)

• Data Center Technology Professional (DCTP)

• Data Center Engineering Specialist (DCES)

• Data Center Operations Specialist (DCOS)

• Data Center Expert (DCE)

• Data Center Manager (DCM)

• Data Center Authority (DCA)

Cisco also offers data center certifications to prove your skills to employers using Cisco products:

• Cisco Certified Specialist - Data Center Core

• Cisco Certified Specialist - Data Center Design

• Cisco Certified Specialist - Data Center Operations

• Cisco Certified Specialist - Data Center ACI Implementation

• Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist - Data Center Automation and Programmability

Explore our free resources for data professionals

If you’re interested in expert guidance and no-fluff tips to help you build your skills, subscribe to our YouTube channel. You can also explore free career resources to learn new topics, explore emerging industries, and discover new opportunities in data:

• Start your learning journey: How to Start Learning Data Science: Custom Course Guide 

• Study terms: SQL Glossary: SQL Terms and Definitions

• Hear from an expert: 6 Questions with an IBM Data Scientist and AI Engineer 

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