
Gain In-Demand Skills and Credentials to Advance Your Career Earnings in the Cloud Industry
Cloud infrastructure careers are experiencing significant growth and demand both in Virginia and across the United States. These careers encompass various roles such as Project Engineers, Electricians, Fiber Splicers, Data Center Technicians, and Electric Utility Engineers, among others.
In Virginia, the demand for cloud infrastructure professionals is particularly high, with numerous job openings with major tech and energy companies like Amazon and Dominion Energy. Nationally, the cloud industry continues to expand rapidly, driven by the increasing reliance on cloud services and the demand for robust infrastructure to support them. Gaining in-demand skills and certifications will put you in a position to excel in this emerging industry – now is the opportune time to transform your career with specialized training in cloud infrastructure.

Build
Physical construction of data centers.

Connect
Running cable within and between data centers.

Operate & Maintain
Rack and stack, cabling, and server maintenance. Maintenance of physical environment for servers.

Power
Generating and transmitting power of data centers.
Benefits for Those Considering a Career in Cloud Infrastructure
- High Demand & Job Security.
- Competitive Salaries: Specialized skills lead to attractive compensation packages.
- Career Growth: Continuous learning and advancement opportunities.
- Diverse Roles: Various career paths to match your interests and skills.
- Global Opportunities: In-demand skills worldwide.
- Innovation & Impact: Be at the forefront of technological advancements.
- Flexibility: Many roles offer remote work options.
- Sustainability: Contribute to a more sustainable future.
Cloud Infrastructure (Physical) Career Training Opportunities at Laurel Ridge
Build
- Electrician: The median annual wage for electricians is around $61,590[1]. Entry-level electricians earn about $58,500 per year, while experienced electricians can make up to $74,000 annually [2].
- HVAC Technician: The average annual salary for HVAC technicians ranges from $49,400 to $87,700, depending on experience and location[3]. Entry-level technicians earn about $52,300 per year[3].
- Plumber: The national average salary for plumbers is approximately $56,216 per year[4]. Entry-level plumbers earn around $52,000 annually, while experienced plumbers can make up to $73,200 per year[5].
- Construction Project Management: The average annual salary for construction project managers is about $119,251[6]. The median pay for construction managers is $104,900 per year[7].
- Heavy Equipment Operator: The national average salary for heavy equipment operators is around $39,822 per year[8]. The highest-paying average salary is $60,000 per year in Virginia [8].
Connect
- Fiber Optic Installer: The average annual salary for fiber optic installers is approximately $57,818[9]. Hourly wages range from $15.62 to $45.91[9].
- Fiber Optic Technician (coming soon): The average annual salary for fiber optic technicians is about $61,177[10]. Hourly pay ranges from $17.22 to $37.44[11].
Operate & Maintain
- Data Center IT Technician: The average annual salary for data center IT technicians is around $72,492[12]. Hourly wages are approximately $26.50[13].
- Diesel Technician (coming soon): The average annual salary for diesel technicians is about $64,003[14]. Hourly pay ranges from $25.48 to $35.58[14].
- Certified Mission Critical Operator/Data Center Operations Tech (coming soon): Specific wage data for this role is not yet available, but similar positions like data center operations technicians have an average annual salary of around $72,492[12].
Power
- Power Line Worker (coming soon): The median annual wage for power line workers is approximately $85,420 [15].Hourly wages average around $41.07 [15].
Meet Fiona, Data Center Construction Manager | Amazon Web Services
AWS training program prepares graduates for high-demand infrastructure technology careers
References
[1] Electricians – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
[2] Electrician Salary: State-by-State Average Pay Rates in 2025 – ServiceTitan
[3] HVAC Technician Salary Guide for 2025, State-by-State – ServiceTitan
[4] What Is a Plumber’s Salary? (With Average Salary by State)
[5] Plumber Salaries in 2025: A State-by-State Guide to the Best Pay
[6] Project Manager – Construction Salary in the United States
[7] Construction Managers – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
[8] Heavy Equipment Operator Salary By State: Highest-Paid Heavy Equipment …
[9] Fiber Optics Installer Salary: Hourly Rate March 2025 – ZipRecruiter
[10] Fiber Optic Technician Salary | Salary.com
[11] Average Fiber Optic Technician Hourly Pay – Payscale
[12] Data Center Technician – Salary.com
[13] Data center technician salary in United States – Indeed
[14] Diesel Technician Salary: Hourly Rate February 2025 USA – ZipRecruiter