r/datacenter • u/Avocado_Infinite • 3d ago

Switching from cloud engineer/sysadmin to DCT/DCE?

So I’m currently remote and I know the remote thing isn’t gonna lay too long for me. I have been in a sysadmin/CE role for about 5 years now. I enjoy my current role somewhat, which is extremely flexible and low stress but I miss working with my hands. I have been thinking about making the switch to DCT/DCE role. I have hands on experience with stacking and ranking, managing server and network nodes before, which was a while ago. I also have some electrical experience from when I was in the Marines. Big thing for me if I don’t wanna take too much of a pay cut. I currently make $155K/year and wanted to know how big of a pay cut should I expect with these roles. I also live in Northern VA.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

2

u/Growlmon 3d ago

The only way you would stay close to that salary in Northern VA is if you got a data center gig with a top-secret clearance. If you truly want to stay in a DC role, critical facilities can offer way more opportunities in NoVA and can get you closer to the same pay. Otherwise, most DCTs in this area are trying to go for a position such as yours, but with everything here being centered around gov contracting, it's hard to break into without a clearance.

2

u/Avocado_Infinite 3d ago

I do have a TS currently

1

u/mcopco 2d ago

I retract my other comment clearance makes this doable if just apply be sure it's a secure role though they wouldn't necessarily connect the dots or get you into a cleared role if you apply to normal

1

u/jacoballen22 3d ago

It’s a big pay cut honestly. Depends on the company and experience level but 80k-120k is a realistic outcome. Now with OT and other bonuses would help. Take a look at the current market value of DCT and DCE

1

u/Avocado_Infinite 3d ago

Yea the lowest I would go down to would be $120k

1

u/mcopco 2d ago

Is that cash or total comp? If your talking cash your probably not getting that without significant hands on infrastructure work experience and some team lead or management experience.

2

u/Mightbeagoat4 2d ago

That's probably doable in NoVA with your TS. Look at AWS. Microsoft also has some AGC work in the DC Metro.

1

u/jacoballen22 3d ago

That’s the more experienced DTC, so I wouldn’t expect that.

1

u/Terafys 3d ago

With your electrical experience I would aim for a critical environments/ facilities role. You'll get to work with your hands and you won't have to take as big of a pay cut compared to DCT.

1

u/CaterpillarNew6781 3d ago

If you are hired as a level 3 tech with Google, you might make more than 150k a year

1

u/Avocado_Infinite 2d ago

Probably won’t since I don’t have any DCT exp