Texas homebuilders face construction delays as data centers poach electricians

9 articles · Updated · The Texas Tribune · Apr 28

Data centers in Abilene, including a 4 million-square-foot AI facility, offer electricians up to $35 an hour—double local homebuilder wages—causing significant labor shortages and project delays.
Over 2.6 million new Texas residents since 2020 have driven housing demand, but with about 71,000 electricians statewide and thousands retiring annually, both housing and AI infrastructure projects are affected.
Texas is easing licensing requirements and expanding training programs to attract out-of-state and new electricians, but smaller builders struggle to compete with data centers' pay, leading to increased reliance on apprentices.

Can Texas build enough new homes while big tech poaches its construction workers?

As Texas lures electricians, will a new state rule accidentally drive thousands away?

Could the massive energy thirst of AI data centers threaten the Texas power grid?

Is the AI boom creating a new class of six-figure, blue-collar jobs in America?

Is Texas sacrificing safety standards to fast-track its artificial intelligence ambitions?

When a $500 billion data center moves into a small town, who gets priced out?