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Career overview · SOC 15-1241

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Also called: Computer Network Technologist · Network Analyst · Network Consultant · Network Systems Consultant · Networking Systems Engineer · Solutions Architect

Median pay (national)
$130,390
$79,520–$198,030 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
177,010
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+11.9%
~11,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for computer network architects shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $198,030 versus $79,520 at the bottom 10% — 2.5x. The median of $130,390 leaves roughly 52% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +11.9% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 11,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 51 states with released data, Washington pays the most for this role (median $155,890, +20% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $61,430 — a 154% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Amazon Web Services AWS software, Ansible software, Border Gateway Protocol BGP, Firewall software as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning
  • Monitoring
  • Mathematics
  • Learning Strategies
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
  • Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
  • Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
  • Coordinate installation of new equipment.
  • Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
  • Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
  • Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
  • Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
  • Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
  • Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.

Tools & technology

  • Amazon Web Services AWS software
  • Ansible software
  • Border Gateway Protocol BGP
  • Firewall software
  • IBM Terraform
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Azure software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerShell
  • Oracle Java
  • Python
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Adobe After Effects
  • AJAX
  • Amazon DynamoDB

Knowledge areas

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Telecommunications
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Design
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Mathematics