Computer Network Architects earn a median of $134,050 per year ($64.45/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 7.7% through 2035, with about 9,600 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 15-1241
- Computer and Mathematical
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Computer Network Architect in four numbers
- Median pay
- $134,050a year, or $64.45/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $80KTop 10% $203K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +7.7%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+7.7%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +7.7% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 9,600181,800 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025181.8K
- Projected 2035195.8K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 181.8K Projected 2035 195.8K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school5%
- Certificate15%
- Associate's15%
- Bachelor's55%
- Post-bacc certificate5%
- Master's5%
Highest education held by computer network architects Segment Value Less than high school 5% Certificate 15% Associate's 15% Bachelor's 55% Post-bacc certificate 5% Master's 5%
Also advertised as: Computer Network Technologist, Network Analyst, Network Consultant, Network Systems Consultant, Networking Systems Engineer, Solutions Architect.
Pay
How much do computer network architects make?
Computer Network Architects earn a median of $134,050 a year ($64.45 an hour, or about $11,170 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $79,900 and the top 10% more than $202,680 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is Washington, with a median of $168,070. See Computer network architect salary in Washington and every other state. By city, pay is highest around San Jose ($192,650 average): salary in every city.
Every computer network architect in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$134,050
Middle half earn $104,620 to $168,200
- 10th
- $79,900
- 25th
- $104,620
- 75th
- $168,200
- 90th
- $202,680
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $79,900 |
| 25th | $104,620 |
| Median | $134,050 |
| 75th | $168,200 |
| 90th | $202,680 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $134,050
- Median hourly wage
- $64.45/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $139,580
- People employed
- 179,740
Versus all US occupations
At $134,050, Computer Network Architects earn 163% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $83,070 a year.
Versus computer and mathematical occupations
Inside the Computer and Mathematical group, where the middle occupation pays $116,580, this is 15% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $202,680 or more while the bottom 10% earn $79,900, a gap of 2.5×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 89% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Washington posts the highest raw median ($168,070), but once local prices are taken into account South Dakota leads at $173,154 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay computer network architects the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Washington | $168,070 | $157,056 | 4,730 |
| 2New Jersey | $162,350 | $149,212 | 5,660 |
| 3Maryland | $159,460 | $151,926 | 5,860 |
| 4California | $158,870 | $143,488 | 14,870 |
| 5Massachusetts | $155,060 | $146,619 | 6,270 |
| 6South Dakota | $153,390 | $173,154 | 420 |
| 7Delaware | $148,390 | $148,675 | 760 |
| 8Connecticut | $143,890 | $138,877 | 1,570 |
| 9Virginia | $141,340 | $139,797 | 9,380 |
| 10New York | $140,390 | $130,086 | 9,800 |
Job outlook
Is computer network architect a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +7.7% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects | +7.7% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Computer Network Architects to change 7.7% over 2025–2035, roughly 2.2× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 14,100 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 9,600 openings are projected each year, 5.3% of the 181,800 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Demand for computer network architects is projected to grow as firms continue to design and build new information technology (IT) networks and upgrade existing ones. Companies looking to leverage technological investments, such as artificial intelligence (AI), will need these workers to upgrade their IT infrastructure. Additionally, continued expansion of cloud computing will increase demand for these workers to ensure that networks are properly designed and that transition to the new network proceeds smoothly.
AI exposure: very high
BLS places this occupation in its very high relative AI exposure category, among the occupations most exposed to current AI.
Getting in
How to become a computer network architect
Computer network architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field and experience in a related occupation, such as network and computer systems administrators.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
5 years or more
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as computer network architects.
- Bachelor's Degree55%
- Post-Secondary Certificate15%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree15%
- Less than a High School Diploma5%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 55% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 15% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 15% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 5% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 5% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a computer network architect do?
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.
Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to virtual capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers.
Day-to-day tasks
- Develop disaster recovery plans.
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
- Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
- 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.
- Develop network-related documentation.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most computer network architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where computer network architects work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Computer systems design and related services25%
- Finance and insurance11%
- Telecommunications9%
- Management of companies and enterprises9%
- Administrative and support services6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer systems design and related services | 25% |
| Finance and insurance | 11% |
| Telecommunications | 9% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 9% |
| Administrative and support services | 6% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking4.1
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Active Listening3.8
- Writing3.6
- Speaking3.5
- Active Learning3.3
- Monitoring3.1
- Mathematics3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 4.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.8 |
| Writing | 3.6 |
| Speaking | 3.5 |
| Active Learning | 3.3 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Mathematics | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.9
- Programming3.9
- Systems Evaluation3.9
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8
- Systems Analysis3.8
- Coordination3.5
- Quality Control Analysis3.3
- Technology Design3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.9 |
| Programming | 3.9 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.9 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.8 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.8 |
| Coordination | 3.5 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.3 |
| Technology Design | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Application server software · in demand
- Business intelligence and data analysis software · in demand
- Cloud-based management software · in demand
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Configuration management software · in demand
- Content workflow software · in demand
- Data base management system software · in demand
- Data base reporting software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a computer network architect?
Women make up 8.0% of computer network architects, against 47.1% of all employed people: a heavily male-dominated occupation.
20.8% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs.
The median worker is 45.1 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 8.0%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 45.1All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 20.8%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 96,000BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of computer network architects | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 8.0% | 47.1% |
| White | 68.0% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 11.0% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 19.7% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 13.7% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 20.8% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 0.0% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a computer network architect?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Computer Network Architect |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 4 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Investigative5.3
- Conventional5.1
- Realistic4.0
- Enterprising3.2
- Artistic2.3
- Social2.2
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Computer Network Architect
O*NET related occupations
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
$99,130median a year
Most earn $63K to $155K
−4.1%Bachelor's - Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
Telecommunications Engineering Specialist
$134,050median a year
Most earn $80K to $203K
+7.7%Bachelor's - Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
More computer and mathematical careers
Median annual pay, with computer network architects highlighted
- Software Developer$135,980
- Computer Network Architect$134,050
- Actuary$130,000
- Data Scientist$120,230
- Business Intelligence Analyst$120,230
- Database Administrator$104,620
- Web Designer$104,000
- Computer Programmer$100,390
- Web Developer$92,650
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $135,980 |
| Computer Network Architect | $134,050 |
| Actuary | $130,000 |
| Data Scientist | $120,230 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | $120,230 |
| Database Administrator | $104,620 |
| Web Designer | $104,000 |
| Computer Programmer | $100,390 |
| Web Developer | $92,650 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within computer network architect
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Computer Network Architect appears on
Questions
Computer Network Architect: frequently asked questions
How much do computer network architects make?
Computer Network Architects earn a median of $134,050 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 163% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $64.45/hr. The middle half earn between $104,620 and $168,200. The top 10% earn $202,680 or more.
How much do computer network architects make an hour?
The median hourly wage for computer network architects is $64.45 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $134,050 annual median works out to about $11,170 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a computer network architect?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of computer network architects earn less than $79,900 a year and the bottom quarter less than $104,620 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Do computer network architects make $100k?
Yes, more often than not. The median is $134,050, so more than half of computer network architects earn over $100,000 a year; even the 25th percentile is $104,620 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). In 50 states the median itself is above $100,000: Washington ($168,070), New Jersey ($162,350), Maryland ($159,460), California ($158,870), and 46 more.
Which states pay computer network architects the most?
The highest state medians for Computer Network Architects are Washington ($168,070), New Jersey ($162,350), Maryland ($159,460) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, South Dakota moves to the top at $173,154.
What kind of computer network architect earns the most?
BLS does not split computer network architects' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $202,680, against a median of $134,050 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are Washington ($168,070), New Jersey ($162,350), Maryland ($159,460). Among the specialty careers inside this occupation, industry sources put typical pay at $216,000 for cloud architects (Levels.fyi, 2026). Those are not BLS figures.
Do you need a degree to become a computer network architect?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Computer Network Architects, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation. Employers typically expect 5 years or more of related work experience first. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 55.0% hold bachelor's degree.
How long does it take to become a computer network architect?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for computer network architects is a bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more of work experience in a related occupation. O*NET classes the work as needing considerable preparation.
Is computer network architect a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 7.7% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 9,600 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a computer network architect do?
Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. A core O*NET task: develop disaster recovery plans. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Application server software, Business intelligence and data analysis software.
Do computer network architects work 40 hours a week?
Most work more than 40. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 60% of computer network architects usually work more than 40 hours a week, 40% work exactly 40 and 0% work fewer. 80% say their schedule is regular and 20% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a computer network architect?
O*NET scores Computer Network Architects highest on the Investigative, Conventional and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of computer network architects are women?
Women make up 8.0% of computer network architects, against 47.1% of all employed people: a heavily male-dominated occupation. 20.8% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs. The median worker is 45.1 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages.