ElectricianView BLS career profile ↗
$63,190per year
Technical school or apprenticeship · state licensing
TexasJoin talent network
Texas career & training navigator
Choose a job.
See the pay.
Find the training.
Connect a data center career goal to the education, certification, and enrollment resources that can help you qualify.
Career pathways
From job title to first step.
Pay figures are May 2025 national median annual wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—not guaranteed Texas wages. Actual offers vary by experience, employer, shift, overtime, and location.
CareerNational median payTypical pathTraining & credentials
HVAC technicianView BLS career profile ↗
$61,010per year
HVAC certificate or associate degree · EPA refrigerant credential
Network support specialistView BLS career profile ↗
$76,220per year
IT certificate or degree · networking credentials
Network & systems administratorView BLS career profile ↗
$99,130per year
Associate or bachelor’s degree · vendor certifications
Electrical power-line workerView BLS career profile ↗
$95,320per year
Technical instruction plus employer apprenticeship
Electrical engineerView BLS career profile ↗
$120,630per year
Bachelor’s degree · professional licensure as needed
Abilene pathway · West Texas
Start with a local technical program.
Texas State Technical College serves West Texas with hands-on programs relevant to data center construction, utilities, facilities, and technology. Program availability, cost, and start dates can change—confirm details directly with admissions.
Portable credentials
Build skills employers recognize.
Credentials supplement experience and education; they do not guarantee employment. Always compare a job posting’s actual requirements before paying for training.
NCCERConstruction & industrial craftsElectrical, instrumentation, maintenance, safety, and supervision →CompTIAInformation technologyFoundational IT, networking, cybersecurity, and infrastructure →OSHA OutreachConstruction & general-industry safetyFind authorized 10- and 30-hour training information →
Enrollment roadmap
Five steps from interest to application.
Use the school’s official admissions office for final program, tuition, aid, and enrollment information.
Read current postings and note repeated skills.
Check delivery format, time, cost, and prerequisites.
Confirm the next cohort and required documents.
Review FAFSA, scholarships, veterans, and workforce funding.
Add credentials and projects to your resume.