Database Architect
Median wage · national
$104,620
Range: $80K – $135K
Employed
70K
Openings/yr
4K
Typically: bachelor's degree
STEM
Computer Network Architect
With a national median of $134,050 and +11.9% projected job growth through 2034, Computer Network Architect offers both strong financial return and stable long-term demand.
About Computer Network Architect
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.
- Median Wage
- $134,050
- Employed Nationally
- 180K
- Openings / Year
- 11,200
- Entry Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Job Zone
- Zone 4: Considerable Preparation
Also known as:
Cloud Architect
Cloud Network Engineer
Computer Network Analyst
Computer Network Engineer
Computer Network Technologist
How Much Do Computer Network Architects Make?
Computer Network Architect earn $134,050 nationally, well above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $104,620 and $168,200. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$134,050
National Median (Annual)
Well above average for college graduates.
$105K–$168K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$104,620
Entry-level
$134,050
Median
$168,200
Experienced
What Do Computer Network Architects Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Computer Network Architect roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll Do
- 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.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Programming
Systems Evaluation
Complex Problem Solving
Who Thrives Here
I
Investigative
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
Where Do Computer Network Architects Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Mixed
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Physical Demands
Light
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Stress Level
Moderate
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for Computer Network Architects?
The BLS projects +11.9% employment change for Computer Network Architect through 2034, well above the national average of +5%. About 11,200 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +11.9%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
Faster than average.
11,200
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
180K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Computer Network Architect professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $134,050 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 19,800 | $138,350 | +3.2% |
| 2 | Texas | 16,160 | $129,110 | -3.7% |
| 3 | Colorado | 12,720 | $134,680 | +0.5% |
| 4 | Virginia | 9,340 | $148,080 | +10.5% |
| 5 | New York | 9,180 | $136,230 | +1.6% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Computer Network Architect positions require a bachelor's degree to qualify. The 5 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation
These positions typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience before advancing into senior roles.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information Systems | 103,827 | $92,374 | 1,579 |
| 2 | IT Administration | 46,791 | $85,063 | 1,271 |
| 3 | Computer Engineering | 18,973 | $109,015 | 418 |
| 4 | Computer Systems Networking | 13,734 | $73,587 | 618 |
| 5 | Computer Systems Analysis | 2,864 | $78,929 | 116 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Computer Network Architects
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD | 97 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Coast Guard Academy New London, CT | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 4 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY | 93 | $3,033 | $75,971 |
| 5 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
| 6 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA | 93 | $12,470 | $84,943 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Computer Network Architect, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Computer Network Architect pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Computer Network Architect Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and growing demand make Computer Network Architect a compelling path. The 3 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are drawn from BLS wage data and employment projections.
PROS
- Very high median salary The national median of $134,050 places this career well above average for college graduates, with significant upside at the 75th percentile.
- Fast-growing field At +11.9% projected growth through 2034, this career grows faster than the national average of about +5%. A strong signal for long-term demand.
- High earning ceiling Top earners (75th percentile) reach $168,200 annually. Strong performers, specialists, and those in high-cost markets have significant upside beyond the median.
CONS
- Multi-year ramp before career-level pay This is a Job Zone 4 occupation, these positions typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience before advancing into senior roles. Most workers in this field spend their first several years at entry-level pay well below the $134,050 median while building the experience employers require.
Computer Network Architect Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Computer Network Architect professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Computer Network Architect is $134,050, well into the top quartile of US wages. The middle 50% of earners fall between $104,620 and $168,200. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Computer Network Architect a good career?
Yes, the data is strong. A $134,050 median with +11.9% projected growth through 2034 is a combination most career fields can't match. The real variable is early career: workers around the 25th percentile earn $104,620, so your first employer and location will shape your trajectory more than the national number suggests.
How long does it take to become a Computer Network Architect?
Expect 4 years of undergraduate education followed by 2 or more years of field experience before most employers consider you qualified for career-level positions. A bachelor's degree is the typical minimum credential. Degree programs like Information Systems are typical entry paths. Early-career pay during this ramp-up period will be meaningfully below the $134,050 national median. Factor that gap into any program ROI calculation.
What is the job outlook for Computer Network Architect?
The BLS projects +11.9% employment change for Computer Network Architect through 2034, faster than average compared to all occupations. About 11,200 job openings per year are projected, including new positions and replacements for workers who retire or change careers. 180K people currently work in this occupation nationwide (BLS May 2024).
Why do Computer Network Architect salaries vary so widely?
The $63,580 gap between the 25th ($104,620) and 75th ($168,200) percentile reflects how much employer type, industry, specialization, and geography affect pay. Entry-level roles and lower-demand markets cluster near the bottom; senior, specialized, or high-cost-metro positions push the top. In fields with this much spread, where you work and what you specialize in often matters more than years of experience.
What skills do Computer Network Architect professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Computer Network Architect roles: Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Programming, Systems Evaluation, and Complex Problem Solving. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
Related Findings
-
10 Six-Figure Careers That Do Not Need a Bachelor's Degree
Air traffic controllers earn more than the typical bachelor's-degree career, with an associate degree. The occupations that pay six figures without four years of college.
- No bachelor degree
- High paying careers
- Associate degree
- Trades
- Median wage
-
Does a Master's Degree Pay Off? Barely, on Average
Group every career by the degree it requires and master's-level jobs pay a median of about $91,000, statistically tied with bachelor's-level work. The premium hides in a few fields.
- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Median wage
- Graduate school
- Career outcomes
-
Growing and Paying $80K Plus: The Careers That Do Both
Only 95 of 385 federal careers both pay a median above $80,000 and grow faster than the typical job. Here is the rare set that clears both bars.
- Career growth
- Median wage
- High-paying careers
- Job outlook
- Career change
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