SOC 15-1241.00Bright outlook

    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.

    Median pay
    $134,050
    Growth
    +7.7%
    Faster than average
    Openings a year
    9,600
    Typical education
    Bachelor's degree

    Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition

    Source: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

    See the pathway

    Annual pay range

    Lowest 10% earn less than
    $79,900
    Median
    $134,050
    Highest 10% earn more than
    $202,680
    National wages for all workers in this occupation. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

    179,740 people work in this occupation.

    In short

    Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local and wide area networks, intranets, and cloud systems. They earn a median annual salary of $134,050, with opportunities driven by steady job growth.

    Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

    What computer network architects do

    Job Zone 4: Considerable preparation

    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.

    Most need a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.

    What the work is like

    These professionals spend their days planning, modeling, and implementing complex information networks. They analyze capacity requirements, design security measures, and research hardware and software options to meet organizational needs. The role requires a strong investigative interest and a deep understanding of computers, electronics, telecommunications, and engineering technology.

    On the job, architects evaluate information to ensure compliance with standards, make critical decisions, and solve complex technical problems. They must continuously update their knowledge to keep pace with changing technologies. Key skills include critical thinking, programming, systems analysis, and active listening. Success in this field relies on work styles such as attention to detail, dependability, intellectual curiosity, and cautiousness when managing sensitive data infrastructures.

    How to get there

    Entering this career typically requires a bachelor's degree alongside several years of hands-on experience in a related technology role. Common college majors that prepare students for this field include computer and information sciences, computer systems networking and telecommunications, computer engineering, computer systems analysis, and computer/information technology administration and management.

    Some states list licensing requirements for this profession. Additionally, professionals can earn industry certifications to demonstrate specialized skills. Examples of these credentials include the Certified Kubernetes Administrator, Certified Network Principles, Certified Wireless Design Professional, Cloud Services Design, Cloud Technology Associate Certification, and the DIN EN ISO 9001 Certification.

    Pay and outlook explained

    The median annual pay for computer network architects is $134,050. Earnings vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% of workers earning less than $79,900 and the highest 10% earning more than $202,680. With 179,740 people currently employed in this field, the profession is projected to grow by 7.7% from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to generate approximately 9,600 job openings each year.

    Interest profile

    Realistic (R)
    51 / 100
    Investigative (I) · strongest
    71 / 100
    Artistic (A)
    21 / 100
    Social (S)
    19 / 100
    Enterprising (E)
    37 / 100
    Conventional (C)
    68 / 100
    How strongly each interest area describes the work, from O*NET (scores rescaled to 0–100). The interest code lists the strongest areas in order.

    Interest code ICR. Compare it with yours

    What you'd do

    Working with Computers
    94
    Getting Information
    85
    Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
    83
    Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
    79
    Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    76
    Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
    75
    Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
    74
    Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
    74
    Analyzing Data or Information
    73
    Documenting/Recording Information
    73
    Work activities rated by importance for this occupation, O*NET (0–100).

    Skills and strengths

    Skills

    • Critical Thinking
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Complex Problem Solving
    • Programming
    • Systems Evaluation
    • Active Listening
    • Judgment and Decision Making
    • Systems Analysis
    • Writing
    • Coordination

    Knowledge

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Telecommunications
    • English Language
    • Education and Training
    • Design
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Mathematics
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Administration and Management

    Abilities

    • Category Flexibility
    • Deductive Reasoning
    • Inductive Reasoning
    • Information Ordering
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Written Comprehension
    • Written Expression
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Expression

    Work styles

    • Attention to Detail
    • Dependability
    • Intellectual Curiosity
    • Innovation
    • Cautiousness
    • Integrity
    • Achievement Orientation
    • Adaptability
    • Perseverance
    • Self-Confidence

    Also called

    Cloud Architect · Cloud Network Engineer · Computer Network Analyst · Computer Network Engineer · Computer Network Technologist · Data Communications Analyst · Enterprise Architect · Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech) · IT Analyst (Information Technology Analyst) · IT Network Engineer (Information Technology Network Engineer)

    Career pathway

    From your interests to computer network architects

    Interests that fit the work, the career, majors that lead there and colleges whose graduates in those majors earn the most. Hover or focus a step to follow one path.

    1. Interests

    2. This career

      • Computer Network Architects$134,050 median pay

    3. Majors

    4. Colleges

    College Scorecard program outcomes

    Colleges with strong outcomes

    Programs that lead to this career, ranked by what their graduates earn four years after finishing. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid.

    1. 1University of Pennsylvania UPENN logo
      University of Pennsylvania UPENN

      Philadelphia, PA · Computer and Information Sciences, General · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $143,850
      4 yrs after
      $241,380
      Median debt
      $11,000
    2. 2University of California-Los Angeles UCLA logo
      University of California-Los Angeles UCLA

      Los Angeles, CA · Computer Engineering · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $137,925
      4 yrs after
      $228,705
      Median debt
      $17,731
    3. 3Johns Hopkins University logo
      Johns Hopkins University

      Baltimore, MD · Computer and Information Sciences, General · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $118,344
      4 yrs after
      $196,467
      Median debt
      $7,625
    4. 4Columbia University in the City of New York logo
      Columbia University in the City of New York

      New York, NY · Computer Engineering · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      Not reported
      4 yrs after
      $194,365
      Median debt
      Not reported
    5. 5Yale University logo
      Yale University

      New Haven, CT · Computer and Information Sciences, General · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $180,081
      4 yrs after
      $188,157
      Median debt
      $15,500
    6. 6Carnegie Mellon University logo
      Carnegie Mellon University

      Pittsburgh, PA · Computer and Information Sciences, General · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $137,154
      4 yrs after
      $187,437
      Median debt
      $19,870
    7. 7Rice University logo
      Rice University

      Houston, TX · Computer and Information Sciences, General · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $156,465
      4 yrs after
      $182,443
      Median debt
      $8,375
    8. 8Wellesley College logo
      Wellesley College

      Wellesley, MA · Computer and Information Sciences, General · Bachelor's

      1 yr after
      $105,692
      4 yrs after
      $177,213
      Median debt
      $6,500

    Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data, 2025. Programs with few graduates are not listed.

    NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk

    Majors that lead here

    Related programs by four-digit CIP code. They are common routes in, not the only ones.

    CareerOneStop

    Certifications, licenses and pay by state

    What computer network architects may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.

    Certifications

    Core certifications employers recognise for this work. Showing 12 of 13.

    Search all certifications on CareerOneStop

    Training

    Programs of study that prepare people for this work.

    • Cloud Computing
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General
    • Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
    • Computer Engineering, General
    • Computer Engineering, Other
    • Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
    • Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
    • Information Technology
    • Network and System Administration/Administrator

    Find training near you on CareerOneStop

    Licenses by state

    1 state lists a license for this work. Open your state for the license and the agency that issues it.

    • Connecticut1 license

      • Telecommunications Infrastructure Layout Tech

        Occupational & Professional Licensing, Department of Consumer Protection

    Check license requirements on CareerOneStop

    Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.

    Your plan

    Build my pathway plan

    Courses, majors, colleges, scholarships and a timeline for this career, built from your profile.

    Related careers

    Careers with similar work, interests or skills.

    All careers

    Questions about computer network architects

    Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.

    What are some alternative job titles for a computer network architect?

    People in this field are also referred to as cloud architects, computer network engineers, enterprise architects, data communications analysts, and IT network engineers.

    What college majors are most relevant to this career?

    Students often major in computer engineering, computer systems networking and telecommunications, computer systems analysis, or general computer and information sciences.

    Is prior work experience necessary to become a network architect?

    Yes, most positions in this field require several years of related experience in addition to a bachelor's degree.

    Sources and attribution

    Every figure on this page comes from these public datasets. Missing values are shown as not reported, never estimated.

    O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.

    Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.

    Page data updated November 5, 2026.