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What is a data center specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

As a data centre specialist, their purpose is to oversee the smooth operation and maintenance of computer data servers and hardware networks.

Some of the duties and responsibilities that they perform in this capacity include performing preventative measure to secure data, managing the servers, and making repairs. Moreover, they monitor the system processes to ensure that everything is working efficiently and smoothly, collaborate with other software and network engineering teams to protect data, and provide technical support and education. Essential skills required for the position include troubleshooting skills, inventory management, communication, and technical writing skills.

To qualify for the position, applicants will need a bachelor's or associate's degree in a technical field such as computer science or a similar field. A high school diploma or a GED may also suffice, along with relevant proven work experience. The average hourly pay for this position is $23.12, which amounts to over $50,000 annually. The career is likely to grow in the near future and create new opportunities across the United States.

ScoreData Center SpecialistUS Average
Salary
6.3

Avg. Salary $80,754

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 11.81%

Black or African American 12.36%

Hispanic or Latino 15.67%

Unknown 5.34%

White 54.41%

Gender

female 18.71%

male 81.29%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Data center specialist career paths

Key steps to become a data center specialist

  1. Explore data center specialist education requirements

    Most common data center specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    56.0 %

    Associate

    28.4 %

    Master's

    8.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific data center specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Data Centers10.02%
    Windows7.28%
    Cloud6.14%
    HVAC5.49%
    Customer Service4.92%
  3. Complete relevant data center specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New data center specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a data center specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real data center specialist resumes.
  4. Research data center specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Design and manage studies for alternative API qualification for commercial products.
    • Used VMware VirtualCenter to reboot unresponsive virtual machines.
    • Develop and utilize UNIX scripts for monitoring inbound/outbound transmission files.
    • Monitor status of switches, routers, and servers within a data center.
  5. Prepare your data center specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your data center specialist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a data center specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable data center specialist resume templates

    Build a professional data center specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your data center specialist resume.
    Data Center Specialist Resume
    Data Center Specialist Resume
    Data Center Specialist Resume
    Data Center Specialist Resume
    Data Center Specialist Resume
    Data Center Specialist Resume
    Data Center Specialist Resume
    Data Center Specialist Resume
    Data Center Specialist Resume
  6. Apply for data center specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a data center specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first data center specialist job

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Average data center specialist salary

The average data center specialist salary in the United States is $80,754 per year or $39 per hour. Data center specialist salaries range between $47,000 and $136,000 per year.

Average data center specialist salary
$80,754 Yearly
$38.82 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do data center specialists rate their job?

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Data center specialist reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Cons

User is not available for investigation how hardware and software had problem.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

talking to people

Cons

outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

Nothing much but skill and work. Knowledge can take you places.

Cons

Site emissons. Whenever you think about it. I think that's just a fear or problem. Generally speaking. I think the salary should be more than precise as, to it.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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