What Computer Network Architects do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Computer Network Architects this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands"; "Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs"; "Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems"; "Coordinate installation of new equipment"; "Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically 5 years or more.
Job outlook for Computer Network Architects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 181,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 195,800 in 2035, an increase of 14,000 jobs (+7.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 9,600 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $134,050, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Computer Network Architects earn the most
Across the 7 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $139,202 in Colorado to $159,820 in District of Columbia, a gap of $20,618 (1.15 times). 7 of those 7 states average above the BLS national median of $134,050 and 0 average at or below it.
Colorado employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 15,840, which is 17.9% of the 88,720 counted across them. Maryland follows with 15,290.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($159,820), West Virginia ($158,918) and New Jersey ($156,037) lead the ranking, while Colorado ($139,202) and Virginia ($151,631) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Computer Network Architects: pay against the cost of living
We compare 7 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $93,629. The smallest margin is $71,785 in Denver County, CO.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 7 of the 7 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 11.1% and 28.8% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Computer Network Architects
Network and Computer Systems Administrators belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (15-1000) include Software Developers, Information Security Analysts, Web and Digital Interface Designers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.
Frequently asked questions about Computer Network Architects
How much do Computer Network Architects earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $134,050. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $139,202 to $159,820.
Which state pays Computer Network Architects the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $159,820. West Virginia is next at $158,918.
Is Computer Network Architects a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 7.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 9,600 openings a year.
What education do Computer Network Architects need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of 5 years or more, according to BLS.
Where can Computer Network Architects afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $93,629 on a median wage of $159,820.