13 Honest Data Center Technician Salaries in 2018

data center technician salary

Salary averages can be misleading. One culprit? Geography. A salary in San Francisco doesn’t compare dollar-for-dollar to a salary in Charlotte. Another culprit? Math. Quite simply, outliers (i.e., expensive cities) skew the data. That seems obvious, right?

It’s easier to report a national average without context, but it’s better to look at regions than national averages to determine honest salary averages. That’s why we took a look at the salaries of data center technicians, by city (like we did for Information Security Analysts and Ethical Hackers).

Utilizing Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and local postings, we looked at salaries in 13 cities to get an accurate sense of the data. More importantly, we focused on cities that house large data centers.

It’s well known that more than 70 percent of the world’s internet traffic passes through Loudoun County in Northern Virginia. But, every one of these cities wooed companies to bring their data centers (and jobs) to their region with the two things every data center needs — cheap power and lots of land.

CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)

How much does a data center technician actually make?

1. We focused on job postings explicitly for data center technicians. To keep the numbers accurate, we did not include analysts, senior technicians, or managers.
2. The national average salary for a data center technician is $58,538.
3. The average high: $78,077
4. The average low: $39,000
5. Here are the data center technician salaries from 13 U.S. cities:

Data center salary

data center salary

As 2018 comes to a close and people start assessing their situations, some people who are data center professionals might consider getting new qualifications or otherwise preparing to fill some of the data center jobs that'll likely be among the most important in 2019. Here are five of them.

1. Data Center Project Manager

A look at the headlines shows that data centers are popping up all over the world, and that trend isn't likely to fade in 2019.

Many well-known companies — Google among them — hire people to oversee data center construction processes. These people must understand how to meet and set expectations, plus have future-oriented mindsets that ensure the new data centers are ready for 2019 and beyond.

It's also likely that data center project managers will be sent to building sites in cities that are gaining momentum as data center hubs. For example, analysts expect that 2019 will be the year Dublin surpasses London as the biggest data center market in Europe.

2. Compliance Officer

The role of a compliance officer is under the umbrella of data center careers that aren't yet well-known, but it's a career that'll become increasingly important as states and countries iron out how to treat different types of data to be in line with the respective laws. This role is especially crucial for people who work in on-premise data centers associated with major companies.

Not being aware of a lack of compliance is not an excuse any business can use to avoid fines or other repercussions. However, bringing a compliance officer on board lets companies proactively steer clear of problems related to improper data handling. Compliance officers can also communicate with the respective bodies that publish the minimum requirements for data center compliance, ensuring facilities stay abreast of updates.

IT compliance is a complex topic that will only become more detailed once states enact laws related to the treatment of data. The rollout of the GDPR happened in May 2018 and forced many companies to change their data storage practices, often by speaking to their data center providers. California will implement data protection measures in 2020, so 2019 is an ideal time for data centers to hire compliance officers.

3. Cybersecurity Specialist

Many people who work in tech fields have the fear that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace their jobs. More specifically, predictions assert that AI will replace humans in data centers. But, that's unlikely. Even AI can make mistakes, and humans need to verify technology is working as it should. Or, they may need to take action based on what AI applications indicate.

For example, cybersecurity in the data center benefits from both humans and AI. A recent survey reported that 87 percent of IT professionals who were familiar with the use of AI in cybersecurity believed the technology could spot problems that humans would miss. But, once a platform detects those issues, people still need to step in and decide how to proceed.

For that reason, cybersecurity specialists will be crucial parts of data center workforces in 2019. Cybercriminals want to orchestrate attacks that result in the most damage possible. And, since data centers possess so much information, they become lucrative targets.

4. Data Center Technician

Many people who work in data centers are doing so after feeling spurred by a lifelong fascination with computers. People who found IT degrees to be their calling in college or got involved in complementing activities, such as taking coding classes as extracurriculars, generally fall into this category. Regardless of their educations, many of them start as data center technicians.

Such people are integral to the day-to-day operations of the data center and are often some of the first people who notice problems. So, these people need to be able to think clearly under pressure while also applying the tech skills they learned in formal education, as well as understand what constitutes normal operations for the facilities where they work.

The earlier mention of the rapidly increasing number of data centers around the world means that data center technicians will be essential in 2019. Data center clients want assurances of reliable service, and data center technicians ensure that facilities operate as they should.

Plus, people who are in this position in entry-level roles can make more than $20 an hour, on average. So, if people want to get their data center careers off to strong starts, focusing on technician roles offers financial stability and likely job security.

5. Cloud Architect

Many people in the data center sector already look for ways to expand their skills and become more competitive in the marketplace. When AFCOM released its State of the Data Center Report for 2018, that document highlighted how 60 percent of respondents planned to focus on additional training for staff, and that cloud computing was one of the key areas of knowledge.

The report also found that the cloud architect role or certification was the most sought after by the survey's respondents. If people can enter the data center with relevant capabilities in 2019, they'll be well-equipped to help their employers get set for the future.

How much does a Google data center technician make?

data center salary

As 2018 comes to a close and people start assessing their situations, some people who are data center professionals might consider getting new qualifications or otherwise preparing to fill some of the data center jobs that'll likely be among the most important in 2019. Here are five of them.

1. Data Center Project Manager

A look at the headlines shows that data centers are popping up all over the world, and that trend isn't likely to fade in 2019.

Many well-known companies — Google among them — hire people to oversee data center construction processes. These people must understand how to meet and set expectations, plus have future-oriented mindsets that ensure the new data centers are ready for 2019 and beyond.

It's also likely that data center project managers will be sent to building sites in cities that are gaining momentum as data center hubs. For example, analysts expect that 2019 will be the year Dublin surpasses London as the biggest data center market in Europe.

2. Compliance Officer

The role of a compliance officer is under the umbrella of data center careers that aren't yet well-known, but it's a career that'll become increasingly important as states and countries iron out how to treat different types of data to be in line with the respective laws. This role is especially crucial for people who work in on-premise data centers associated with major companies.

Not being aware of a lack of compliance is not an excuse any business can use to avoid fines or other repercussions. However, bringing a compliance officer on board lets companies proactively steer clear of problems related to improper data handling. Compliance officers can also communicate with the respective bodies that publish the minimum requirements for data center compliance, ensuring facilities stay abreast of updates.

IT compliance is a complex topic that will only become more detailed once states enact laws related to the treatment of data. The rollout of the GDPR happened in May 2018 and forced many companies to change their data storage practices, often by speaking to their data center providers. California will implement data protection measures in 2020, so 2019 is an ideal time for data centers to hire compliance officers.

3. Cybersecurity Specialist

Many people who work in tech fields have the fear that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace their jobs. More specifically, predictions assert that AI will replace humans in data centers. But, that's unlikely. Even AI can make mistakes, and humans need to verify technology is working as it should. Or, they may need to take action based on what AI applications indicate.

For example, cybersecurity in the data center benefits from both humans and AI. A recent survey reported that 87 percent of IT professionals who were familiar with the use of AI in cybersecurity believed the technology could spot problems that humans would miss. But, once a platform detects those issues, people still need to step in and decide how to proceed.

For that reason, cybersecurity specialists will be crucial parts of data center workforces in 2019. Cybercriminals want to orchestrate attacks that result in the most damage possible. And, since data centers possess so much information, they become lucrative targets.

4. Data Center Technician

Many people who work in data centers are doing so after feeling spurred by a lifelong fascination with computers. People who found IT degrees to be their calling in college or got involved in complementing activities, such as taking coding classes as extracurriculars, generally fall into this category. Regardless of their educations, many of them start as data center technicians.

Such people are integral to the day-to-day operations of the data center and are often some of the first people who notice problems. So, these people need to be able to think clearly under pressure while also applying the tech skills they learned in formal education, as well as understand what constitutes normal operations for the facilities where they work.

The earlier mention of the rapidly increasing number of data centers around the world means that data center technicians will be essential in 2019. Data center clients want assurances of reliable service, and data center technicians ensure that facilities operate as they should.

Plus, people who are in this position in entry-level roles can make more than $20 an hour, on average. So, if people want to get their data center careers off to strong starts, focusing on technician roles offers financial stability and likely job security.

what does an information technology specialist do

what does an information technology specialist do

The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes an IT specialist as a “trained professional who provides information technology support” for organizations. Informational technology specialists analyze requirements, develop and test software, perform computer tasks and troubleshoot problems. The term applies to such positions as software developer, system administrator, network administrator, database administrator, support specialist and technical writer.

Software Developers

Software developers plan and create two types of software: systems, which allow computer hardware to function, and applications, which perform user tasks such as word processing, database management and three-dimensional design. Though they often give their designs to programmers for actual coding, developers must also know software languages in case they must code on their own. They also test and document their creations to ensure usability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that applications software developers averaged $44.27 per hour or $92,080 per year as of May 2011. Systems software developers earned a mean $48.28 per hour or $100,420 per year.

Administrators

Administrators manage computer systems, databases and networks. They are responsible for keeping systems running, ensuring that all hardware and software components communicate with one another, performing maintenance so systems function efficiently and solving problems that users discover. They often manage teams of technical specialists who actually carry out planned installations, maintenance and repair. Network and computer systems administrators averaged $35.71 per hour or $74,270 per year in 2011. Database administrators earned a mean $37.19 per hour or $77,350 per year in the same BLS review.

What is best site for freelancer?

freelance job sites

The freelancing industry enjoyed impressive growth in the past several years.Just about everything can be outsourced these days. That's why there's a strong likelihood that the skills on your résumé contain one or more freelancing opportunities.

You may be required to think outside of the box — we're not all graphic designers or programmers. However, you may find that your "secondary" skills can offer up freelancing opportunities. For instance, if you are a strong writer, then you have the potential to develop a freelance writing business.

Don't be paralyzed by a preconception that you do not have the necessary skills or experience — you would be surprised how little experience you need in order to get started. A little faith in your abilities will take you a long way.

So don't be afraid to do pro bono work or starting on a minimum wage for the right clients when you are first starting out. The free work you do at this stage can ultimately be priceless when it clearly communicates your worth to future potential clients via an extensive portfolio and glowing testimonials. Also, offering your services at no cost is a gentle introduction into the world of freelancing where you do not feel the pressure of having to deliver a service of requisite value.

What freelance work can I do?

freelance it work

When most people think of freelancers, they think of creative jobs: writing, editing, perhaps advertising and marketing gigs. While those areas are full of opportunities for entrepreneurial types who want to work at home, either on a full-time or part-time basis, they're far from the only occupations that lend themselves to the freelance life. Here's a roundup of several freelance jobs -- some you'd never expect.

Writing

Let's start with the obvious: freelance writing is the classic work-from-home job. If you're not already toiling away in virtual ink, however, you might not realize how many different types of freelance writing jobs there are. From journalism to copywriting, blogging to social media, there are writing jobs for every temperament and type of experience.

Editing and Proofreading

Whether you're a seasoned grammarian or just someone with a solid eye for detail, the internet teems with editing and proofreading gigs for your level of skill and experience.

Marketing and PR

If you have a phone and an internet connection reliable enough to sustain a Skype meeting, you can do your marketing or PR job from the comfort of your own home. Just be prepared to take the occasional on-site meeting. In many cases, the client will want to look at their marketing or PR pro in the eye once in a while -- and not just over a webcam. Social media coordinator and manager jobs also fall under this umbrella, and as easy to do from home as from an office.

Transcription

Transcription jobs generally come in three flavors: medical, legal, and market research. The latter requires the least amount of study, in terms of familiarizing yourself with the specialized technical language of the field. In most instances, transcription jobs are meted out by an agency, which will require you to take a typing test and then set you up with jobs as needed.

How do I start a freelance marketplace?

freelance it work

The so-called “gig economy” is no longer just another buzzword. With 57.3 million freelancers in the US alone (which makes around 36% of the total country’s workforce), there is no denying the fact that it is now the reality we live in.

It is commonly known that some of the world’s largest and most successful companies, including Airbnb, Amazon, Walmart, Google, and Apple, work with freelancers. Following their example, more businesses worldwide refuse to limit themselves to the local pool of candidates and go looking for the required talent overseas.

It is especially true within the conditions of the COVID-19 outbreak that caused job cuts all around the world and forced workforce to look for new job opportunities online. That is why freelance websites like Upwork, offering a convenient, reliable, and easy way to access the global freelance talent, have become so popular.

Yet, despite a large number of the existing freelance online platforms, none of them are perfect. That represents an opportunity for a business to join in and develop a freelance marketplace that can close the existing gaps.

If you are considering developing a freelancing website, keep reading. In this article we explore the main features of freelance sites like Upwork and share our experience on how to build one from scratch.

How can I start freelance with no experience?

how to freelance

The freelancing industry enjoyed impressive growth in the past several years.Just about everything can be outsourced these days. That's why there's a strong likelihood that the skills on your résumé contain one or more freelancing opportunities.

You may be required to think outside of the box — we're not all graphic designers or programmers. However, you may find that your "secondary" skills can offer up freelancing opportunities. For instance, if you are a strong writer, then you have the potential to develop a freelance writing business.

Don't be paralyzed by a preconception that you do not have the necessary skills or experience — you would be surprised how little experience you need in order to get started. A little faith in your abilities will take you a long way.

So don't be afraid to do pro bono work or starting on a minimum wage for the right clients when you are first starting out. The free work you do at this stage can ultimately be priceless when it clearly communicates your worth to future potential clients via an extensive portfolio and glowing testimonials. Also, offering your services at no cost is a gentle introduction into the world of freelancing where you do not feel the pressure of having to deliver a service of requisite value.

The freelancing industry enjoyed impressive growth in the past several years.Just about everything can be outsourced these days. That's why there's a strong likelihood that the skills on your résumé contain one or more freelancing opportunities.

You may be required to think outside of the box — we're not all graphic designers or programmers. However, you may find that your "secondary" skills can offer up freelancing opportunities. For instance, if you are a strong writer, then you have the potential to develop a freelance writing business.

Don't be paralyzed by a preconception that you do not have the necessary skills or experience — you would be surprised how little experience you need in order to get started. A little faith in your abilities will take you a long way.

So don't be afraid to do pro bono work or starting on a minimum wage for the right clients when you are first starting out. The free work you do at this stage can ultimately be priceless when it clearly communicates your worth to future potential clients via an extensive portfolio and glowing testimonials. Also, offering your services at no cost is a gentle introduction into the world of freelancing where you do not feel the pressure of having to deliver a service of requisite value.

How can I get freelance work online?

freelance workers online

Alternative workers account for about 10% of the nation's workforce, according to surveys done by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2005 and 2017, with the numbers holding steady during those 12 years. As of 2019, the 2017 survey is the most recent data. These are workers who do not hold consistent or permanent employment with a single employer and instead earn income through contract work, temporary jobs, or freelance work. This often is referred to as part of the gig economy.

Among this segment of the workforce are those who obtain freelance work online, which can be a great way to earn money on the side, perhaps get a foot in the door in the tech industry, or maybe build up a portfolio of work with the hope of securing a permanent position elsewhere.

One thing that most online freelance sites have in common is the need to build up a portfolio over time and to develop relationships with clients in order to get the best and highest-paying jobs. Don't expect this to happen overnight. Be willing early on to take some less appealing jobs for lower pay in order to show the quality of the work you can do. In time, this will help you to get better jobs for more money. Ideally, along the way, you'll make connections with some clients who will wish to go back to you for future jobs because they know they can count on you to be reliable and to do quality work.

Upwork

Upwork is the result of a merger between Elance and oDesk, both considered to be leaders in online freelancing in the past. Upwork markets itself as the world's largest freelance talent marketplace.

Freelancers on Upwork create profiles outlining their skills and experiences, along with their job histories and portfolios. Clients post job listings detailing their projects and what they’re looking for in a freelancer.

From there, freelancers submit proposals for projects they’re interested in doing. Clients can review freelancers' proposals, profiles, and portfolios, choose the one that best fits their needs, and place project funding in escrow.

Freelancers and clients then collaborate through an online work station, typically with no off-platform communication.  

Guru

Guru first emerged in 2001 as a passion project. The company is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and caters more to U.S.-based freelancers.

It is designed to attract a more expert base of clientele and freelancers, rather than mixing in a lot of cheap job listings.

Freelancer

Similar to Upwork, you can make a freelancer profile and start bidding on jobs posted by clients.

Freelancer.com boasts more than 29 million users as of 2019. However, it can be difficult to find high-paying work there.

It’s a good choice for those who prefer to work remotely and get their feet wet in freelance marketplaces.

Freelance Jobs Anyone Can Do To Easily Make Extra Money

freelance workers online

Whether you have a great job you love that just doesn’t pay a lot, you need to find a new job or you need some extra money to tide you over during a tough time, freelance jobs can be a great way to make up the difference. Believe it or not, there are a lot of ways to make extra cash and very few of them require any special skills or training. Depending on your interests and what you have available to you, you can try a few different things or concentrate on one. Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up with a new career.

1. Social Media Guru

Believe it or not, your time on Facebook, Twitter and other social media websites can actually pay off. Offer your services to businesses as a social media expert — assuming you are one and understand the types of social media out there – you can write blog posts, Facebook posts, Tweets and other messages for companies that don’t have time to keep up with their social media platforms. Check out just what you need to be a social media guru here. A social media guru can charge per post or per month, often as much as $150 per brand per month.

2. Yard Work

Post a sign on the board at the grocery store, post in groups on Facebook and let everyone know that you can weed, mow, weed whack or whatever. Those who do yard work for a job often charge by the job, so call around and find out what others in your area are charging and adjust your prices accordingly.

How do I find freelance projects?

freelancing sites

If you’re a software developer, you’ve probably felt at least a twinge of envy when talking to your friends who have switched to freelancing. As a freelance developer, you can earn more than you would in a full-time job. You also have the freedom to be your own boss and enjoy flexible work times and many more perks. But it’s a bad idea to quit your job and strike out on your own if you don’t yet have a stable client base. And to build that client list, you first need to get noticed.

The following are 7 tips that will help you get some attention as a freelance web developer, grab a few projects, and begin to build your reputation.

1. Build an online portfolio

One thing a client looks for in a potential freelancer is whether you’ll be able to deliver. If you’re new to freelancing, there’s a 90% chance you’ll lose out on projects to a more experienced freelancer. After all, clients are spending a lot of money on their projects, and they want every penny to count.Occasionally, though, a prospective client doesn’t just choose the most experience freelancer, but instead spends the time to review the profiles of other freelancers who offered to work at a lower rate.

Now you have a chance to convince the client that you are worth a try.To make a great impression with the client, you need to have a convincing portfolio.By portfolio, I don’t mean one with a lot of showy graphics and design. Good portfolios use a simple design and show off the best work you have done. If you have worked on some big projects at your daily job, put up some screen shots and a description of the project.

Don’t brag too much–just be clear and to the point.

The tips that follow will include some additional items that you can include in your portfolio.

2. Work for free

Beginning freelancers face a tough dilemma: To get projects, you need to have a reputation based on projects you’ve already completed. But since you’re starting from zero, you have no projects and no reputation.

So how do you start to build your reputation?

When you find yourself in this position, your main objective should be building your reputation, rather than getting paid. This will help you gain some experience, make some new contacts and begin to build your portfolio.

Which website is best for freelancing?

freelancer websites

Where can you get the ideal work or client? If you’re a freelancer, we can help point you in the right direction.

We know that freelance work has its perks, and searching for customers isn’t one of them. Marketing your services is indeed one of the most tedious tasks that you can face. This is where freelance websites come in.

However, websites offering freelance work come at varying degrees of reach, work types, and payment terms. If you’re not careful, you can end up wasting time, effort, and, worse, money on platforms with questionable standing.

That’s why we came up with this 20 best freelance websites for beginners and professionals, so you can weed out undesirables and focus on the most reliable ones. After all, time is money. Below, you’ll find it easy to compare the similarities and, more importantly, differences between each platform. Key features to consider include job types, payment terms, and communication channels.

How can I get freelance work online?

freelance work online

Alternative workers account for about 10% of the nation's workforce, according to surveys done by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2005 and 2017, with the numbers holding steady during those 12 years. As of 2019, the 2017 survey is the most recent data. These are workers who do not hold consistent or permanent employment with a single employer and instead earn income through contract work, temporary jobs, or freelance work. This often is referred to as part of the gig economy.

Among this segment of the workforce are those who obtain freelance work online, which can be a great way to earn money on the side, perhaps get a foot in the door in the tech industry, or maybe build up a portfolio of work with the hope of securing a permanent position elsewhere.

One thing that most online freelance sites have in common is the need to build up a portfolio over time and to develop relationships with clients in order to get the best and highest-paying jobs. Don't expect this to happen overnight. Be willing early on to take some less appealing jobs for lower pay in order to show the quality of the work you can do. In time, this will help you to get better jobs for more money. Ideally, along the way, you'll make connections with some clients who will wish to go back to you for future jobs because they know they can count on you to be reliable and to do quality work.