Computer Network Architects

Overview

Computer Network Architects has a national median salary of $134,050 per year, with +7.7% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

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.

Work Values

• Achievement
• Working Conditions
• Independence

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• 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.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Getting Information
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Documenting/Recording Information

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a master's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Master's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a bachelor's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Computer Network Architects:

Video Resources