Median pay
$130,390
Median annual pay for Computer Network Architects.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Technology and Mathematics
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.
10-year growth
11.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
11,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
179,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Computer Network Architects in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+21,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Bachelor's degree
Typical additional preparation: 5 years or more of related work experience.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Critical Thinking
- 2Reading Comprehension
- 3Active Listening
- 4Writing
- 5Speaking
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Computers and Electronics
- 2Engineering and Technology
- 3Telecommunications
- 4English Language
- 5Education and Training
- 6Design
Abilities
- 1Category Flexibility
- 2Deductive Reasoning
- 3Inductive Reasoning
- 4Information Ordering
- 5Oral Comprehension
- 6Problem Sensitivity
Career interests
- 1Investigative
- 2Conventional
- 3Realistic
- 4Enterprising
- 5Artistic
- 6Social
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Dependability
- 3Intellectual Curiosity
- 4Innovation
- 5Cautiousness
- 6Integrity
Work activities
- 1Working with Computers
- 2Getting Information
- 3Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- 4Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Work context
- 1E-Mail
- 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 4Telephone Conversations
- 5Spend Time Sitting
- 6Contact With Others
Representative 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.
Software and tools
Structured query language SQL · in demandPython · in demandIBM Terraform · in demandMicrosoft Azure software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandOracle Java · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft PowerShell · in demandLinux · in demandBorder Gateway Protocol BGP · in demandAnsible software · in demandAmazon Web Services AWS software · in demand
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.