Home › Data Center Construction › Dallas, TX
🏗️ Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex

Dallas Data Center Construction —
31 Active Projects, $18.7B Pipeline

Dallas–Fort Worth is the second-largest and fastest-growing US data center market. The combination of deregulated power, central geography, no state income tax, and abundant land has attracted hyperscale campuses from Microsoft, Oracle, Google, and CyrusOne. 31 projects are in active construction as of 2026, with another $8B permitted and queued.

31
Active Projects
$18.7B
Pipeline Investment
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Workforce Demand
Top Trades in Demand — Dallas
Based on active permit filings and project announcements in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex market as of 2026.
Electrical (HV/MV)
Extreme Demand
Deregulated ERCOT grid integration; 345kV transmission tap, large switchgear rooms
HVAC / Mechanical
Very High Demand
Air-side economization in Texas climate; evaporative cooling; liquid cooling for AI
Structural Steel
Very High Demand
Massive single-story hyperscale shells; crane-intensive erection schedules
Fire Suppression
High Demand
NFPA 75, FM Global compliance; inert gas and clean agent systems
Low Voltage / DCIM
High Demand
Hyperscale network infrastructure; DCIM commissioning and testing
Concrete / Site Civil
High Demand
Massive grade-level pads, retaining walls, utility corridors
Pay Rates
Average Hourly Rates — Dallas
Open-shop market rate ranges plus Davis-Bacon prevailing wage where applicable on federally connected projects.
Trade Market Rate Range Prevailing Wage
Journeyman Electrician $38–$60/hr $62/hr (Davis-Bacon)
HVAC Mechanic $36–$56/hr $58/hr (Davis-Bacon)
Ironworker $36–$55/hr $60/hr (Davis-Bacon)
Low Voltage Tech $32–$50/hr $52/hr (Davis-Bacon)
Pipefitter $40–$62/hr $64/hr (Davis-Bacon)

Rate ranges are estimates based on 2025–2026 market data. Actual wages vary by employer, experience, and project type. Prevailing wage applies to federally funded projects under the Davis-Bacon Act.

Certifications Required
Required Certifications for Data Center Work — TX
These licenses and certifications are required or strongly preferred by GCs and hyperscalers on Dallas data center projects.
Texas Electrical Contractor License TDLR

Master Electrician license required to pull permits in Texas. Apply via TDLR.texas.gov. $90 exam fee. Journeymen need TDLR Journeyman Electrician license.

Texas HVAC License (Class A) TDLR

Required for commercial HVAC work on data centers. Class A covers systems 25+ tons. Exam via TDLR.

OSHA 30 — Construction OSHA

Standard bid prerequisite on DFW hyperscale sites. 30-hour classroom or online format.

BICSI RCDD / DCDC BICSI

Required on Tier III/IV low voltage scopes in Dallas market. Exam via BICSI test centers.

NFPA 70E (Arc Flash) NFPA

Mandatory for energized electrical work on Texas data center campuses.

Training Programs
Get Certified — Dallas Area Training
Local and online programs to build the certifications required to work on data center construction projects in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex market.
Apprenticeship
IBEW Local 20 JATC
📍 Dallas, TX
License Prep
TDLR Approved Schools
📍 DFW Metro
Trade Courses
Collin College Workforce
📍 McKinney, TX
Certification Prep
BICSI Online Training
📍 Online

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions — Dallas Data Center Work
What Texas license do electricians need for data center construction?
Texas requires a TDLR Journeyman Electrician license for field work, and a Master Electrician license to pull permits. Apply at tdlr.texas.gov. The Master exam covers NEC code + Texas amendments. Most Dallas data center GCs also require OSHA 30 as a bid prerequisite.
Are there prevailing wage requirements on Dallas data center projects?
Texas repealed its state prevailing wage law in 2021, so prevailing wage only applies to federally funded projects (Davis-Bacon Act). Most private hyperscale projects in DFW are open shop, though union sites through IBEW Local 20 pay scale wages of $55–$70/hr for electricians.
How hot is the DFW data center market for tradespeople in 2026?
Extremely hot. Dallas added more data center capacity in 2025 than any US market outside Northern Virginia. Skilled electricians and HVAC mechanics in DFW with data center experience are seeing 60-70 hour work weeks and signing bonuses from major data center GCs like Turner, Skanska, and AECOM.
Other Markets
More Data Center Construction Markets
Ashburn, VA
Northern Virginia
47
Active Projects
$28.4B
Pipeline
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San Antonio, TX
South Texas
14
Active Projects
$9.2B
Pipeline
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Council Bluffs, IA
Midwest
8
Active Projects
$5.6B
Pipeline
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