How to become a Computer Systems Engineer or Architect
Official title: Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Also called: Infrastructure Engineer, IT Architect (Information Technology Architect), IT Engineer (Information Technology Engineer), Network and Infrastructure Engineer, Solutions Architect, Systems Application Engineer, Systems Architect, Systems Consultant, Systems Engineer, Web Architect
Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
Main tasks
- Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
- Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
- Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
- Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
- Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
- Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
- Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
- Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
How to become one
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Ai Solutions Specialist.
- College: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 34 universities in the US
- College: Engineering degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $116,580 a year The middle half earn $79,370 to $157,500.
- About 471,200 people work in this job now, and about 495,300 are projected by 2035. (+5.1%)
- 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
- Web Administrators
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
- Document Management Specialists
- Penetration Testers
- Information Security Engineers
- Digital Forensics Analysts
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Computer Systems Engineer or Architect?
Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Engineering degrees; Ai Solutions Specialist.
How much does a Computer Systems Engineer or Architect earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $116,580 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $79,370 to $157,500.
Is a Computer Systems Engineer or Architect a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 471,200 to about 495,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Computer Systems Engineer or Architect?
Not always. 57% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Engineering degrees; Ai Solutions Specialist.
Will AI change the work of a Computer Systems Engineer or 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 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.