ICT Network and Testing Professionals

How to become a Network Architect

Also called: Network Designer

Designs, plans, implements and optimises network infrastructure. Develops and maintains network-related documentation, collaborates with clients to create network designs, evaluates network hardware and software for selection, and drives automation of network processes. May also engage in resolution of critical network incidents.

Main tasks

Designs, plans, implements and optimises network architecture and infrastructure to align with business requirements and to meet specified operational parameters for capacity and performance
Designs, reviews and implements network access and security technologies
Considers network-related risks and specifies recovery routines and contingency procedures
Develops and maintains network documentation, including network diagrams and capabilities
Collaborates with clients to create network designs and test plans
Evaluates and selects network hardware and software
Drives automation of network-related processes
May resolve critical network incidents

Ways in

University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
University: Architecture & Built Environment degrees, Offered by 24 universities in Australia
TAFE and VET: Certificate II in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation (ICT20219); Certificate IV in Telecommunications Engineering Technology (ICT41219); Certificate IV in Telecommunications Network Design (ICT41119); Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (ICT60220); Certificate III in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation (ICT30419)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Typical full-time pay: $120,068 a year
About 45,000 people work in this job group now, and about 56,400 are projected by 2035. (+25.2%)
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Network Architect?

Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees; Architecture & Built Environment degrees; Certificate II in Telecommunications Network Build and Operation; Certificate IV in Telecommunications Engineering Technology.

How much does a Network Architect earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $120,068 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Network Architect a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 25% by 2035, from about 45,000 to about 56,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Network Architect?

Usually. 68% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Network Architect?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04