In response to the growing demand for transparency and clarity in compensation packages within the data centre sector, we’re proud to present the 2024 Data Centre Salary Survey.

This comprehensive report delves into the compensation packages of over 1,000 data centre employees across the UK, US, and Europe, offering vital insights for both employers and professionals navigating the rapidly evolving industry. 

Over the past year, the demand for clearer information on salaries and benefits has become increasingly evident. Our latest salary survey addresses this need head-on, providing accurate and actionable data that serves the dual purpose of empowering the organisations we collaborate with and supporting the professionals we represent. 

Our mission is clear: we are obsessed with providing the best customer experience. This commitment fuels our dedication to equip businesses with the insights they need to attract and retain top-tier data centre talent. Simultaneously, we strive to empower data centre professionals by providing them with the knowledge they need to understand their market value and make informed career decisions.    

Contents

• Key findings and industry implications
• Looking forward: addressing the talent shortage
• Survey methodology
• Continuing our commitment

Key findings and industry implications 

The 2024 Data Centre Salary Survey reveals a complex landscape for data centre professionals across the globe. The average salary for a permanent data centre professional is highest in the US ($160,102.66 / £121,966.21) and lowest in the UK ($117,838.92 / £89,769.69). 

The survey highlights some concerning trends: 75% of UK permanent professionals received a pay rise in the last twelve months, which, while higher than Europe, is still lower than in the US. For contract professionals, only 55% reported a pay rise, a figure significantly lower than both Europe and the US. Additionally, the UK trails behind its counterparts in bonus payments, with 72% of professionals receiving a bonus in the last year. 

Perhaps most alarming is the widespread dissatisfaction with benefits packages. A staggering 48% of data centre professionals are not satisfied with their current benefits, and a fifth of respondents rated their benefits as less competitive compared to other industries. This dissatisfaction, coupled with lower rates of pay rises and bonuses, could lead to increased turnover and challenges for UK companies in attracting and retaining talent. 

Looking forward: addressing the talent shortage  

The data we collected sheds light on the ongoing talent shortage in the data centre industry. 27% of professionals have less than three years of experience and only 2% are under the age of 25, indicating a potential gap in the pipeline of new talent entering the industry. 

To address these challenges, companies may need to consider improving their benefits packages to remain competitive with other industries and make the data centre sector more attractive to new talent. Recognizing this need, we’re proud to announce our participation in the Digital Futures Programme at UTC Heathrow. This initiative aims to equip 14-19-year-old students with the essential knowledge and skills required to thrive in technical careers within the digital infrastructure industry, helping to build a stronger pipeline of future talent. 

Learn more about the Digital Futures Programme 

Survey methodology  

We surveyed data centre professionals across the UK, US, and Europe, gathering insights on job experience, salaries, bonuses, and benefits. The data centre salary survey survey was conducted online, with respondents recruited via email, telephone, and LinkedIn invitations containing an embedded link. Data was also collected from placements we made in the last six months, and respondents represent approximately 40 different job roles within the sector. 

Continuing our commitment 

We remain committed to providing exceptional service and insights, driving success for both the organisations we support and the data centre professionals we represent. As the industry faces significant challenges, we stand ready to guide our partners with the information they need to stay competitive and thrive in the years to come. 

The 2024 Data Centre Salary Survey is more than just a collection of data; it is a strategic tool designed to empower both businesses and professionals. By leveraging these insights, companies in the data centre sector can make informed decisions that align with their business goals, while job seekers gain a clearer understanding of their worth in the marketplace, enabling them to navigate the industry with confidence and clarity. 

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