Mike Rowe, the founder and host of Dirty Jobs, recently discussed the skilled labor shortage in the US, highlighting its impact on the $10 trillion infrastructure boom driven by AI. He emphasized the need to refocus on blue-collar jobs to ensure the future health of the US economy. Rowe spoke about the high demand for electricians, particularly in AI data centers, where some Gen Z electricians are earning up to $280,000 per year. These electricians are also receiving significant overtime and have no debt, making their jobs highly desirable. The construction of AI data centers has created a high demand for various skilled laborers, including HVAC technicians, welders, and construction managers. Workers on data center projects are earning a premium of about 32% compared to traditional construction, with salaries ranging from $140,000 to $280,000 in certain areas. Outside of AI data centers, other blue-collar jobs such as plumbers, mechanics, and technicians are also in high demand. A recent report found that certain skilled labor jobs, including firefighters, are unlikely to be replaced by artificial intelligence. The report listed firefighters as having a median annual wage of $59,280, while other skilled labor jobs such as airline pilots and logging fallers have median annual wages of $123,220 and $52,100, respectively. Overall, the skilled labor shortage is a significant concern that needs to be addressed to support the growth of the US economy and the ongoing infrastructure boom.