Technology
Computer Network Architects
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 salary (BLS)
$134,050
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$80k – $203k
Job outlook
+12% (much faster than average)
AI exposure
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 2 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.
Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $109,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Plan a path to Computer Network Architects
Education
Typical entry: Bachelor's degree
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Computer Network Architects Intern
Internship
$39,950
~4 mos to advance
Junior Computer Network Architects
Entry / Junior
$79,900
~2 yrs to advance
Computer Network Architects
Established
$134,050
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Computer Network Architects
Senior
$168,365
Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.
Key skills
A typical day
- •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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Technology
Explore all- Massachusetts Institute of Technology4% admit · $124,000 grad pay
- Stanford University4% admit · $122,000 grad pay
- Carnegie Mellon University11% admit · $109,000 grad pay
- University of California, Berkeley11% admit · $97,000 grad pay
- Georgia Institute of Technology16% admit · $99,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.