How to become a Computer Network Architect
Official title: Computer Network Architects
Also called: Computer Network Technologist, Network Analyst, Network Consultant, Network Systems Consultant, Networking Systems Engineer, Solutions Architect, System Programmer, Systems Engineer, WAN Engineer (Wide Area Network Engineer), Wireless Network Engineer
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.
Main 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.
How to become one
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 .
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Computer Network Architect (Nof).
- Apprenticeship: Internetworking Technician.
- College: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 34 universities in the US
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $134,050 a year The middle half earn $104,620 to $168,200.
- About 181,800 people work in this job now, and about 195,800 are projected by 2035. (+7.7%)
- People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
Related jobs
- Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
- Database Administrators
- Database Architects
- Data Warehousing Specialists
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
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Questions people ask
How do I 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 .
How much does a Computer Network Architect earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $134,050 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $104,620 to $168,200.
Is a Computer Network Architect a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 181,800 to about 195,800 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Computer Network Architect?
Not always. 57% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Computer Network Architect (Nof).
Will AI change the work of a Computer Network Architect?
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the 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. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.