Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
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. PayThe median annual wage for computer network architects was $134,050 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,600 openings for computer network architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer network architects. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer network architects with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer network architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer network architects was $134,050 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,600 openings for computer network architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer network architects. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer network architects with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer network architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,600 openings for computer network architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer network architects. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer network architects with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer network architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
Work Environment
Most computer network architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Network architects work in a variety of industries, usually in an office setting.
How to 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.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer network architects was $134,050 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 9,600 openings for computer network architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer network architects.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer network architects with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer network architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most computer network architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Network architects work in a variety of industries, usually in an office setting.
How to 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.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer network architects was $134,050 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 9,600 openings for computer network architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer network architects.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer network architects with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer network architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer network architects.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer network architects with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer network architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about computer network architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.