Monticello Data Center Trade-by-Trade Headcount: How Many Workers Microsoft & Scannell Will Actually Need
Microsoft’s 3-million-sq-ft campus + Scannell’s adjacent 1.3-million-sq-ft building = roughly 4.3 million sq ft of new mission-critical data center space hitting Monticello in 2026–2028.
Everyone keeps asking the same question: “How many electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. are they actually going to need?”
We pulled the real numbers from Microsoft’s last five U.S. hyperscale projects of similar size (Chicago, Cheyenne, San Antonio, Des Moines, Phoenix) and cross-checked against the published Scannell scope. Here’s the breakdown every Minnesota contractor has been waiting for.
Peak Headcount Estimates (2026–2027)
- Trade → Estimated Peak Workers → Notes
- Electricians (all levels) → 380 – 460 → Biggest single trade — tray, terminations, switchgear, generators
- Plumbers / Pipefitters → 220 – 280 → CRAH units, chilled water, process piping
- HVAC / Sheet Metal → 160 – 200 → Duct runs, air handlers, rooftop units
- Carpenters / Drywall / Finishes → 140 – 180 → Offices, control rooms, interior build-out
- Concrete (flatwork + foundations) → 180 – 240 → Slabs, pits, equipment pads
- Ironworkers / Structural Steel → 90 – 120 → Mezzanines, catwalks, rooftop steel
- Operating Engineers / Crane Operators → 45 – 65 → Multiple tower cranes running 18+ months
- Laborers → 200 – 300 → Clean-up, material handling, temp power/lighting
- Low-Voltage / Controls / BMS → 60 – 90 → Usually later in schedule but high-pay
- Painters / Coatings → 40 – 60 → Final finishes phase
Total Peak On-Site: 1,600 – 2,100 workers (staggered across 26–32 months)
Quick Timeline Snapshot
Sitework & foundations → now through Q3 2026
Structural steel & shell → Q1 2026 – Q4 2027
MEP rough-in peak → Q3 2026 – Q2 2027
Interior finishes & commissioning → Q3 2027 – mid 2028
Bottom line: this is the single biggest skilled-trades hiring event Minnesota will see this decade. The staffing agencies are already circling — some are paying us right now for early names.
Want to get in before the GC packages drop?
We’re running the #1 free early-contractor list in the state. Already 70+ Minnesota companies and individuals registered in the last four days.
(no cost, no spam — we just notify you the minute anything moves):
If you’re a subcontractor or company:
If you’re an individual skilled worker (electrician, plumber, carpenter, etc.)
P.S. Staffing agencies are already buying these contacts at $75–$150 each. Get on the list now while it’s still free for contractors.
Questions? Email me directly: dawsonjohnsondeals@gmail.com
