This post is a sequel to this post about the best data center work locations to work in America. I recorded a video for my YouTube channel about my article. At the end I talked about more data center work locations people should consider. That got me thinking later on: “I need to write another post.” So here it is! Let’s review more cities and states containing several data centers.
More Data Center Work Location In America For Data Center Techs To Consider
Here’s the list of the cities and states hosting more data center work locations in America in no particular order:
- Chicago, IL
- Oregon
- Texas
Chicago, IL
I put Chicago on the list because there’s about 100 data centers in the city, and about another 50 to 60 data centers in the outskirts. Thus, there’s plenty of jobs for those looking for both entry-level and experience Data Center Technician roles. The city contains mostly the big colocation providers like CoreSite, Equinix, Digital Reality, and EdgeConnex, but there are Big Tech data centers from companies like Oracle and Microsoft.
One of the best qualities of the data centers in Chicago, IL is the multiple clusters all around the city. There’s a cluster in the heart of the city. Then there’s a cluster of data centers in the suburbs up in the north and west parts of the city. Finally, there’s a scattering of data center running across of the southside.
Now, one of the worst qualities of working in Chicago, IL is the cost of living. According to Payscale it costs 14% more to live in the city than the national average. Housing is particularly high at 39%. Finally, the city’s total tax rate is the third highest in America at 10.25%! However, it is cheaper if one moves out to the suburbs.
Oregon
Why did I list the entire state of Oregon instead of focusing on a particular city? Because most of the data centers are located in two cities:
- Portland
- Boardman
There’s about more than 30 data centers in either city. And if a person travels to a nearby city, there’s additional ones. So if one is looking for more data center work locations I suggest one of those two cities. They contain data centers from Big Tech companies like Google and Amazon. In addition, there are many data centers from major colocation companies like Flexential, QTS, and Cogent. Thus, there are types of roles for interested individuals.
One of the best qualities of working in Oregon is the beauty of the state. That’s what I hear from many of the individuals living and working there. They love the outdoors, which is a big reason why they continue to stay in the area. I know this reason isn’t directly related to a Data Center Technician job, but it is part of work/life balance which is important.
This beauty comes at a price. The cost of living is 10% higher than the national average according to RentCafe. Housing is quite high at 22% above the national average. Transportation is the next highest cost, at 16% higher than the national average. Again, living in the suburbs will reduce those costs than living in the major cities.
Texas
Just like Oregon I list the entire state of Texas as an option because there’s over 300 data centers in the state! It’s one of the fastest growing areas for data centers. See the new Stargate Project from OpenAI and Oracle as an example.
The vast majority of the more data center work locations in Texas are in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. In second place is Houston. Finally, San Antonio and Austin almost tie for the number of data centers in those cities.
I would say that’s one of the state’s best qualities. If someone doesn’t like the Dallas area, that person could choose to live in Houston instead and get a data center job. Or if that person is weird, and wants to stay weird, then Austin is the perfect choice. As for the type of employers in the state, once again Big Tech has a large footprint, along with the major colocation providers.
The biggest downside to working in Texas is the cost of living. I know, I’m repeating myself, but it’s higher than the national average. That’s thanks to all the people moving into the state. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Dallas is 2% higher than the national average. However, Austin has a 2% lower cost of living in comparison to the national average. However, one may still run into high housing or transportation costs like many other Americans.