OpenAI says it has committed to an average wage of $80,000 for its new data center in Rincon. At least 400 permanent jobs are expected to come to Effingham County as OpenAI advances plans for its $20 billion Project Camellia data center campus. Employment is projected to reach 1,000 positions at full buildout.
Even as Georgia's unemployment stood at 3.4% in June and major employers add jobs across coastal Georgia, OpenAI has committed to creating at least 400 permanent positions when operations begin and at least 1,000 jobs at full buildout. At least 1,000 construction jobs are also expected to be created by the project, along with thousands of additional jobs generated through suppliers, contractors and related businesses, according to OpenAI.
Job creation
From entry-level positions to engineering and facility operations titles, the campus is expected to create a wide range of employment opportunities. OpenAI says the average salary will be $80,000, although details about specific positions and compensation have not yet been finalized.
While data centers are often associated with software engineers, these facilities also require electricians, HVAC technicians, network specialists, security personnel, operations managers and maintenance workers. The majority of positions are expected to be in the skilled-trade and technical fields, a spokesperson for OpenAI says.
Operations at Project Camellia are expected to begin in 2028. The artificial intelligence company said it is in talks with educational institutions across Georgia to develop workforce-training pathways ahead of the facility's planned opening. It began accepting resumes during an open house on July 23. OpenAI and local officials are still finalizing workforce requirements, making it unclear how many positions will require a college degree or workforce certification.
OpenAI said it will identify participating institutions at a later date and plans to work with Savannah Technical College. No timetable has been provided for when those programs will be created. The two-year school already offers several workforce-training pathways through its partnership with Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America.
Where will OpenAI find its workforce?
Almost two-thirds of the labor force in Effingham County commutes outside the area for work, according to Brandt Herndon, chief executive officer for Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. The data proves the workforce is there, but there may not be enough opportunities for residents to both live and work in the county.
U.S. Census data estimates the county’s population is 74,397, up from 64,789 in 2020.
“Our hope is that these new jobs will give more residents the opportunity to build their careers closer to home while also contributing to greater economic diversity within the county,” said Herndon. “While the project may draw workers from across the broader region, its most immediate potential is to provide additional choices for the thousands of Effingham County residents who already participate in the regional workforce but currently leave the community each day for employment."
Job growth in Coastal Georgia has accelerated over recent years as a number of employers like HMGMA and its suppliers have established operations in the region or are expanding existing facilities.
OpenAI says dozens of applications were submitted during the open house on July 23, and more than 120 suppliers and businesses have inquired about working on the project.
“We plan to work with local schools, technical colleges, workforce organizations, veterans’ groups, contractors, and community partners,” said a spokesperson for OpenAI. “That work is expected to include local recruiting, training pathways, contractor outreach, and advance information about available positions as hiring approaches.”
Experience in HVAC, industrial safety, electrical work, networking and computing hardware maintenance could provide pathways into data-center careers, according to OpenAI.
“Build relevant technical or trade skills, keep certifications current, and follow project updates as positions and training opportunities are announced,” said OpenAI. “Residents can also register their interest through the Project Camellia website. Local contractors and suppliers should similarly watch for upcoming vendor and procurement opportunities."
HMGMA is committed to hiring 8,500 employees by 2031, and its supplier Sewon, located in Rincon, announced a $50 million investment last year that will add 100,000 square feet to its facility on Old Augusta Road and create 100 new jobs. Georgia Transformer celebrated the groundbreaking for an expansion of its facility on Highway 21 that will add 400 jobs.
When asked about concerns regarding labor shortages for existing employers, Herndon said the IDA recognizes the potential challenges those companies may face but pointed to the county's existing labor pool and data showing that the majority of residents work outside the county as evidence that the project could reshape the region's workforce.
“This project also creates an opportunity to strengthen partnerships among employers, schools and workforce-development organizations, expand the local talent pipeline and support the long-term workforce needs of both new and existing industries,” said Herndon.
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: OpenAI to pay average wage of $80,000 at Effingham County data center
