Michigan Data Center Jobs 2026: OpenAI’s Stargate Project in Washtenaw County
The largest economic investment in Michigan’s history is set to reshape Washtenaw County’s workforce in ways the region has never seen before. OpenAI’s Stargate project, a multi billion dollar development valued at more than $7 billion, will create an estimated 4,450 jobs beginning in 2026 when construction starts in Saline Township. This hyperscale data center is more than a large project. It marks a turning point for residents seeking stable, high paying roles across construction, advanced technology, transportation, and supporting industries. Local workers can review salary patterns in the 2025–2026 Construction Salary Guide to compare opportunities in this expanding job market.
The Stargate facility will shift the region’s economic direction by drawing next generation companies and advanced infrastructure into a rural community long supported by agriculture and traditional manufacturing. With Oracle and Related Digital partnering on this development, Michigan is positioned to move from its automotive past into a growing role in artificial intelligence infrastructure and modern manufacturing. Reporting from recent Construction Dive coverage on hyperscale data center growth highlights similar shifts in other regions, reinforcing that Michigan is entering a competitive national landscape.
This guide provides a detailed look at the job opportunities coming to Washtenaw County, including construction roles, long-term data center operations jobs, and supporting industry careers created through regional economic expansion. Whether you are a recent graduate from Eastern Michigan University, a skilled trades worker exploring stable union opportunities, or someone preparing for a transition into the tech workforce, the Stargate project provides structured pathways into high paying Michigan data center jobs 2026 candidates can apply for as early as next year.
Stargate Data Center Job Creation Overview
The Stargate data center represents the most substantial single investment in Michigan’s history, creating long-term job growth in southeast Michigan. This advanced AI infrastructure project will support 4,450 total positions across construction, operations, and supporting industries across multiple phases of development. These employment numbers align with statewide trends highlighted in the 2026 Construction Industry Outlook, which identifies Michigan as a competitive region for digital infrastructure projects.
The construction phase beginning in early 2026 will generate about 2,500 union construction jobs. These roles will span the complete three-year build as crews construct three single-story buildings at 550,000 square feet each on the 250-acre site in Saline Township.
Once operational, the data center will support more than 450 permanent technical and operations roles. These positions will maintain the facility’s advanced cooling systems, manage large-scale server networks, and oversee the operational stability required to support OpenAI’s AI applications.
Beyond direct employment, an estimated 1,500 indirect jobs will form across Washtenaw County. These supporting positions will appear in logistics, transportation, professional services, and local businesses that serve the expanding tech workforce.
The collaboration between OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital brings together three leaders with strengths in AI research, enterprise cloud infrastructure, and large-scale real estate development. Workers at the Michigan facility will gain exposure to operational standards and technologies that set the pace for the nation’s digital infrastructure expansion.
Construction Phase Employment (2026 to 2028)
The construction phase of the Stargate project will create 2,500 union positions starting in early 2026, offering immediate opportunities for skilled trades workers from across Michigan. This project is one of the largest infrastructure builds in state history and requires a wide range of construction expertise over an estimated three-year timeline.
Timeline and Project Scope
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026. The project will unfold in phases to accommodate the size of the development across the full 250-acre site. Three buildings with footprints of 550,000 square feet each will require extensive site preparation, utility installation, foundation work, steel framing, and specialized data center construction methods. This multi-year build provides consistent, stable employment rather than short-term project cycles.
Types of Construction Positions
The data center build will require a full spectrum of skilled trades, including:
- Electricians handling extensive power distribution systems, critical infrastructure feeds, and backup power installations
- Heavy Equipment Operators responsible for excavation, grading, and material movement across the site
- Concrete Workers completing foundation and slab work for vibration-sensitive technical environments
- Steel Workers erecting large structural components and racking systems used for future server installations
- HVAC Technicians installing the advanced closed loop cooling system required for data center operations
- Telecommunications Specialists running fiber and structured cabling networks across the campus
Union Partnerships and Wages
All construction positions will be union jobs with prevailing wage requirements, which provides competitive compensation and strong benefits. Local building trades councils have partnered with project leaders to support apprenticeship opportunities and training programs that prepare workers for large-scale data center construction. Michigan workers can compare these job opportunities with regional pay trends using the construction salary ranges for 2025 to 2026 published by The Birmingham Group.
Union workers will receive hourly wages that exceed regional averages along with healthcare coverage, retirement contributions, and access to continued skills training. These pay structures reflect the complexity of data center projects, which require specialized work completed on a precise schedule to meet performance and reliability standards.
Skills and Certifications Required
Construction workers applying for Michigan data center jobs in 2026 will need both foundational trade skills and advanced technical familiarity. Key certifications and qualifications include:
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification for safety compliance on a high-intensity active construction site
- Electrical Licensing for journey-level electricians handling complex power systems
- Telecommunications Credentials for fiber optic installation and structured cabling work
- Clean Room Protocol Knowledge for areas with sensitive electronic equipment
Workers without prior data center experience can prepare through union apprenticeships and workforce development programs. Programs highlighted in regional analyses within the Michigan construction careers outlook describe how emerging trades are transitioning into tech-focused construction roles.
Permanent Data Center Operations Jobs
Once the Stargate data center becomes operational, the facility will support more than 450 permanent positions that represent some of the highest-paying technology roles in Washtenaw County. These jobs offer long-term stability in a growing sector supported by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced infrastructure operations. This aligns with workforce demand trends described in the 2026 construction workforce projections.
Job Categories and Responsibilities
Data Center Technicians will support daily equipment operations, replace hardware, and monitor system performance across the 1-gigawatt computing environment. These roles require hands-on technical ability and strong problem-solving skills.
Network Engineers will manage the advanced networking infrastructure that connects the facility to global systems. Their work includes designing, securing, and optimizing high-speed network paths for large-scale AI operations.
Security Specialists will oversee physical and digital protection protocols. These roles include access management, surveillance oversight, and cybersecurity monitoring to protect high-value computing assets.
Facility Managers will handle environmental systems, the closed loop water cooling system, power distribution equipment, and daily building operations.
Salary Ranges and Benefits
The permanent roles offer competitive pay packages along with strong benefits. Estimated salaries include:
- Data Center Technicians: 55,000 to 75,000 dollars annually, with shift premiums for critical support rotations
- Network Engineers: 80,000 to 120,000 dollars annually, with opportunities for technical certifications and employer-supported training
- Security Specialists: 65,000 to 95,000 dollars annually, including bonuses for clearances and specialized qualifications
- Facility Managers: 90,000 to 130,000 dollars annually, with full management benefits packages
Workers will have access to healthcare coverage, retirement matching, professional development funding, and tuition support. These benefits reflect the scale of the investment and the long-term operational requirements of the facility. National comparisons in recent Bureau of Labor Statistics research on tech infrastructure pay trends confirm that data center operations roles exceed many traditional technology salaries.
Technical Requirements and Education
Most operations positions require post-secondary education or substantial technical experience. Typical requirements include:
- Associate’s Degrees in electronics, information systems, or related programs for technician roles
- Bachelor’s Degrees in engineering, computer science, or information technology for engineering and management roles
- Certifications such as CompTIA Server+, Network+, or Security+ for infrastructure roles
- Security Clearances for positions involving access to protected systems or sensitive areas
The University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University both support programs that connect directly to these roles. Employers frequently collaborate with academic partners to create curriculum tailored to modern infrastructure needs. This alignment mirrors the statewide workforce development strategies that support continuous learning and certification across technical fields.
Career Advancement Opportunities
The Stargate facility provides career progression opportunities across technical, supervisory, and regional roles. Workers who begin in technician or engineering positions can progress to:
- Senior technical positions with specialization in power, networking, or cooling systems
- Operations management roles supporting multi-building coordination
- Regional development roles as new facilities open across the country
- Research and development support positions connected to AI-focused projects
The experience gained inside a large-scale AI infrastructure facility provides workers with a strong foundation for future leadership roles in a growing sector. This long-term outlook aligns with industry forecasts for talent demand, which have been reinforced by recent Construction Dive reporting on hyperscale labor shortages.
Supporting Industry Jobs Across Washtenaw County
The Stargate project will generate an estimated 1,500 indirect jobs across supporting sectors. These positions will expand throughout transportation, logistics, professional services, retail, and maintenance firms that serve the growing tech workforce.
Transportation and Logistics Roles
The scale of this multi billion dollar facility requires sustained logistical support, including trucking, warehouse management, inventory coordination, and supply chain planning. Local companies will need additional staff to manage deliveries of electrical components, cooling equipment, and construction materials. Workers with experience in these fields will benefit from the growth highlighted in Michigan’s analysis of 2025 transportation and industrial hiring trends.
Local Business Growth
The arrival of high-earning workers will stimulate demand throughout the region. Restaurants, retail businesses, real estate firms, and service providers will need to expand staffing to meet increased activity. Professional services such as accounting, legal, consulting, and cybersecurity support will also experience growth as new companies enter the Washtenaw County market.
Supply Chain and Vendor Partnerships
Ongoing data center operations require consistent support from regional vendors. Priority categories include electrical contractors, HVAC specialists, security firms, groundskeeping services, and food service providers. Michigan firms that meet the facility’s operational requirements will see stable revenue streams and opportunities for continued expansion.
Educational and Training Job Growth
The facility’s partnership with local universities and training centers will create roles in curriculum development, workforce coaching, applied research, and student career services. These roles support the talent pipeline necessary to sustain Michigan data center jobs 2026 candidates will pursue for years to come.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
The Stargate data center project brings long-term economic transformation to Washtenaw County and the surrounding region. The multi billion dollar investment includes major commitments to public services, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. These elements create sustained value for residents while strengthening Michigan’s position in next generation industries. Regional outlooks such as the 2026 construction industry forecast highlight the importance of these economic shifts across emerging infrastructure markets.
Community Investment Fund
Related Digital has pledged significant funding for community initiatives that support local priorities. This includes upgrades for township facilities, road improvements, and targeted support for fire departments that will service the data center campus. The investment in a farmland preservation trust protects agricultural land across the region, balancing regional growth with land conservation.
Long-term Economic Growth
Economic modeling shows that the facility will generate millions in recurring tax revenue. The project will contribute about 8.1 million dollars annually in school taxes and 2.2 million dollars to the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. These funds strengthen educational systems without increasing tax burdens for current residents.
The arrival of thousands of workers is expected to stimulate the housing market, increase demand for commercial development, and create new opportunities for real estate professionals, construction firms, and service businesses. This aligns with statewide hiring expectations highlighted in Michigan’s 2025 construction labor analysis.
Environmental Sustainability Features
The facility incorporates sustainability standards that exceed industry norms. These include:
- Closed loop water system that avoids withdrawals from the Great Lakes or local groundwater
- Clean energy sources supplied by DTE Energy with added battery storage to stabilize demand
- Land conservation zones protecting about 700 acres for agriculture and natural habitat
These environmental safeguards create a model for future data center construction across the Midwest, supporting Michigan’s clean energy goals and local environmental quality.
Regional Economic Development Impact
The economic ripple effect of the Stargate project strengthens Michigan’s position in the growing AI infrastructure sector. The project improves talent retention, reduces brain drain, and helps expand the region’s innovation capacity. These trends match statewide workforce patterns analyzed in the report on Michigan’s evolving construction salaries.
- Talent Retention: High paying jobs help graduates from local universities remain in Michigan.
- Industry Clusters: The facility anchors a growing digital infrastructure cluster that attracts partner companies and vendors.
- Research Ecosystems: Partnerships with universities fuel innovation in AI and advanced infrastructure.
Future Growth and Career Prospects
The Stargate data center marks the beginning of a new technology era for Michigan. Career opportunities will continue to expand as the AI sector evolves and the facility grows. Candidates exploring Michigan data center jobs in 2026 can expect strong long-term advancement potential as the state attracts more technology infrastructure projects.
Facility Expansion Potential
The initial 1-gigawatt capacity is part of a larger long-term vision. Industry analysts expect additional building phases, technology upgrades, and specialized service expansions. Workers who join early will have opportunities to advance as the campus and supporting technology stack evolve.
Michigan’s Position in AI Infrastructure
OpenAI’s choice of Michigan for a hyperscale project positions the state as a national competitor for future AI investments. Michigan offers geographic advantages, established utility infrastructure, and a strong education network. These elements align with the state’s push toward attracting advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure companies.
Career Development Within the Stargate Network
The facility connects directly to a growing network of Stargate sites nationwide. Workers can transition into roles across multiple regions as demand increases. Training, mentorship programs, and exposure to leading infrastructure technology give Michigan workers access to career paths that extend beyond local markets.
Integration With Michigan’s Technology and Manufacturing Ecosystem
Michigan’s strengths in automotive technology, advanced manufacturing, and research innovation align naturally with AI infrastructure development. This creates cross-industry opportunities across autonomous vehicles, robotics, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems. These fields support long-term job stability for workers who gain experience inside the Saline Township data center.
Long-term Job Security in a Growing Sector
AI and data center infrastructure provide stable job security because demand continues rising across industries. Data centers must be distributed geographically, giving workers reliable opportunities in Michigan and nationwide. Workers gain transferable skills that adapt to evolving technologies and facility needs.
The transition from a manufacturing-dominant system to a diversified technology economy represents a generational shift. The Stargate project offers a unique entry point into a career path that will shape Michigan’s future for decades.
Conclusion
The Stargate data center is more than a historic economic development project. It is a long-term driver of Michigan data center jobs in 2026 and beyond. With 4,450 positions across construction, operations, and supporting industries, the project provides immediate employment and sustained career potential for workers at every experience level.
Construction hiring begins in 2025, and operations roles will continue opening as the facility develops through 2026. Workers who prepare early through training programs, degrees, certifications, or union apprenticeships will have the strongest access to these opportunities.
The mix of competitive wages, strong benefits, regional economic investment, and long-term career paths makes the Stargate project one of the most transformative opportunities for Michigan workers in recent history.
Start Preparing for Michigan Data Center Jobs in 2026
Workers ready to begin preparing for Stargate opportunities can start today. Explore current career resources, learn more about Michigan’s talent demand, or connect with hiring experts through the following:
Submit Your Resume for Career Consideration
Additional insights on Michigan’s construction and technology hiring trends can be found in the Construction Insights Blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many jobs will the Stargate data center create in Michigan?
The facility will create about 4,450 total positions, including 2,500 construction jobs, 450 permanent operations roles, and an estimated 1,500 supporting industry positions.
When does hiring begin for Michigan data center jobs in 2026?
Hiring for construction supervisors and planning roles begins in 2025. Trades hiring will begin in mid-2025, and operations roles will continue opening through 2026.
What skills are needed for data center construction jobs?
Workers need trade experience, OSHA training, electrical or mechanical certifications, and familiarity with fiber optics, power distribution, or cooling systems.
What degrees are useful for long-term data center operations roles?
Degrees in engineering, information systems, electronics, cybersecurity, and applied technology support most operations roles.
Do data center jobs offer strong long-term career growth?
Yes. The sector continues growing as AI and cloud services expand. Skills gained at the facility transfer to other data centers and advanced tech employers nationwide.
