The Trades Behind Data Centers: Which CRE Service Providers Are in Highest Demand

Driven by AI and data storage demands, data center construction is at an all-time high, especially in states like Texas and Virginia, which combined have 276 planned construction projects, according to Visual Capitalist’s American Data Center Construction data. As of early 2026, according to Yahoo Finance research, $700 billion is expected to be spent on physical assets for AI infrastructure. 

With significant expected investment, there’s a major opportunity for CRE service providers to get into business with data center construction. From planning to development and construction, there are plenty of opportunities for various trades. 

We’ll get into the unusual structure and services that data centers provide, the trades in high demand, and how to gain a competitive edge in negotiating contracts with big tech clients. We’ll also talk about how to find data center leads using Biscred and get in contact with the right decision-makers to close a deal. 

Why Data Centers Create Unusual Demand for Trade Contractors

Data centers have unconventional requirements for trade contractors, as they’re effectively very large buildings that house computers that require reliable power, advanced cooling and temperature control, and to be in secure, geographically stable locations. Why is this?

The main issue is service reliability. Data centers are constantly in use. A data center may store data used to train AI models. It may house powerful processors that generate text, videos, or perform other agentic AI actions. The effectiveness of a data center depends on its uptime. Power outages, unstable weather, or disruptions in cooling can all result in downtime for a data center and lost revenue and goodwill for the owners and operators. Learn more about data centers and their operation in our article on the types of data centers.  

For trade contractors, some of the fundamentals of data centers are:  

• Complexity in construction, including power requirements and redundancy

• Ongoing operations, including upgrades to infrastructure, maintenance, and HVAC

• Larger-scale project size, with some hyperscale facilities reaching well over 1 million square feet

• Energy-efficient construction requirements

The Trades in Highest Demand

The highest demand trades for data centers aren’t the same as those in other fields. Data centers are more technologically complex with lots of redundant systems. They also have specific temperature control requirements, reflected by utilities being the highest operational cost for most data centers. 

Electrical contractors

Data centers not only need to be located in areas with reliable power grids, possibly even multiple redundant power sources, but also be constructed with backup generators and lots of high-voltage cabling. Power is the backbone of data centers, and electrical contractors will get plenty of work in designing and building data center electrical systems. 

HVAC and mechanical

Temperature is a constant priority for data centers, especially if they’re located in regions with high humidity or extreme outside temperatures. All data centers require strict temperature control, but higher-tiered data centers will require multiple cooling systems and access to plenty of water. HVAC and mechanical contractors specializing in installation and maintenance should find opportunities at data centers. 

General contractors

Because of the complex building and engineering requirements for data centers, a knowledgeable general contractor is in high demand for coordinating the many subcontractors required for data center construction. Data centers also have tight requirements for local, state and potentially federal compliance and permitting. Ensuring that work complies with zoning and permits is often a general contractor’s responsibility, so knowledge in this area has value for data center investors. 

Structural and civil engineers

An essential design aspect of data centers is load capacity. The structural design needs to be ready for extreme weather conditions and the general load requirements of the layout. Data center GCs and developers are looking for structural and civil engineers who have knowledge of floor load requirements, preparing a site, and raised-flooring cooling. 

Security systems

Security is a top priority for data centers, as they house hundreds, if not thousands, of very expensive processors. Surveillance systems, access control, and security patrols are required for all facilities. 

Fire suppression specialists

Specialists who deal in fire suppression that’s safe for computer hardware are essential for data centers. Data centers don’t use standard sprinkler systems, as there’s the risk of damage to hardware and the components of the center. Instead, they use specialized water mist systems that suppress fire through rapid cooling, or nitrogen and other inert gases that work by reducing oxygen levels so fires can't spread.

Low voltage and cabling contractors

Server racks require extensive cabling for both power and data transmission, much of which falls under low-voltage work. Running cabling across the facility and connecting it to servers is time-consuming work that is very often contracted out to third parties. Beyond cabling opportunities, there's also opportunities for work on a data center's network infrastructure. 

Cleaning and facilities maintenance 

Data centers have strict cleaning requirements because of dust and grime, leading to overheating and poor energy efficiency. This involves cleaning server racks, the subfloor, HVAC, vents, and using anti-static methods to avoid damaging servers. Cleaning can happen as often as daily for some areas of the data center, while deep cleans generally occur on a monthly basis. 

What Data Center Clients Look For in a Trade Partner

Data center developers, GCs, and operators look for vendors that understand the challenges and requirements of operating their facility. The success of their center relies on reliability and high uptime. Therefore, experience with a mission-critical facility like a hospital may be transferable to a data center, as hospitals have similar requirements for redundancy and high uptime. 

Experience with other larger CRE projects that move fast is also transferable to data centers, as AI rapidly expands, and investors are looking to get their center up as quickly as possible. 

Data centers are live systems that have to be worked around, not interrupted while maintenance or cleaning occurs. Therefore, if your firm has experience working in a similar environment, you’re well-positioned to meet their needs. 

Finally, data centers will vet your organization and its employees due to the sensitive nature of the equipment and data. Expect and prepare for background checks.

How to Find Data Center Work

Data center work may not come from investors or the parent company that owns the center (unless you’re a general contractor). Instead, developers, operators, and general contractors are the key gatekeepers in doing business with a data center. The right decision-maker is often connected early on to a data center project, so getting in front of them as soon as possible is essential to closing the deal.

If you want to search for developers or general contractors in your region, Biscred’s database includes nearly 600,000 companies and 5.9 million professionals in the CRE space, including some of the top data center builders. Use the filters to narrow searches to general contractors, developers, and other industries that specialize in data centers.

Biscred helps you break into hot markets like Virginia and Texas, as well as companies across the U.S. in other emerging markets.  

If connecting with a data center company will be lucrative for your organization, book a demo today and see how Biscred can work for you.