BlockBeats reported on Aug. 3 that NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said the wave of artificial intelligence infrastructure construction will not only support the software industry, but also create a large number of high-paying technical jobs that do not require a college degree.
Huang frames AI buildout as a historic infrastructure push
Speaking with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Huang said the world is now undergoing what he called the largest infrastructure construction effort in human history. He said large-scale development of AI data centers, semiconductor plants, and AI factories will open up substantial employment opportunities.
According to Huang, future high-income jobs will not be limited to software engineers and computer scientists. He said electricians, plumbers, steelworkers, and workers involved in the construction and maintenance of data centers will also be part of that group.
"You don't need a PhD in computer science to make a good living," Huang said.
Tech companies are projected to spend about $7 trillion by decade-end
According to the report, global technology companies are expected to invest about $7 trillion in AI infrastructure by the end of this decade. As data centers and semiconductor facilities expand at a rapid pace, demand for skilled industrial labor is continuing to rise.
McKinsey data shows that between 2023 and 2030, the United States is expected to need about 130,000 additional trained electricians, 240,000 construction workers, and 150,000 construction supervisors to meet infrastructure construction demand.
Attention also turns to AI's effect on white-collar work
At the same time, the effect of AI on the traditional white-collar job market is drawing attention. Ford CEO Jim Farley said AI is reducing demand for entry-level positions at technology companies, while US manufacturing and construction still face severe labor shortages.
Farley said the United States is currently short of a large number of factory and construction workers, and that future AI-driven manufacturing reshoring and infrastructure investment will require more industrial workers with practical skills.
Larry Fink has also previously said that skilled tradespeople such as electricians are essential to building and operating large AI data centers.