Careers / Computer Network Architects
Computer Network Architects — Career Decision Dashboard
United States
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Report generated from official BLS OEWS and O*NET data — United States.
Median annual wage
$134,050
United States, 2025
Employment
179,740
United States, 2025
Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Job Zone 4
Skills identified
35
10 related careers
Career overview
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.
- O*NET code
- 15-1241.00
- Job zone
- 4
- Experience required
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Typical tasks
- 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.
- Coordinate installation of new equipment.
- Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
- Develop network-related documentation.
- Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
Choose a location
Salary analysis — United States
10th percentile
$79,900
25th percentile
$104,620
75th percentile
$168,200
90th percentile
$202,680
Most important skills
- Critical Thinking4.1
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Programming3.9
- Complex Problem Solving3.9
- Systems Evaluation3.9
- Active Listening3.8
- Systems Analysis3.8
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8
- Writing3.6
- Coordination3.5
- Speaking3.5
- Quality Control Analysis3.3
What skills do you need?
Select the skills you already have
Skills listed are those O*NET rates at importance 3.0 or above for this occupation. Set your own level on the same 0–7 O*NET scale.
Skill coverage
0%
0 of 24 identified skills
Matched
0
Missing
24
Your selected skills cover approximately 0% of the skills identified for this occupation in O*NET. This is a coverage measure of listed skills only — it is not a qualification, hiring or interview outcome.
Skills to develop
| Skill | Importance | Required level | Your level | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 4.1 | 4.1 | Not selected | 4.1 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 | 4.1 | Not selected | 4.1 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.9 | 4.1 | Not selected | 4.1 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.9 | 3.9 | Not selected | 3.9 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.8 | 4.0 | Not selected | 4.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.8 | 3.9 | Not selected | 3.9 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.8 | 3.9 | Not selected | 3.9 |
| Programming | 3.9 | 3.6 | Not selected | 3.6 |
| Speaking | 3.5 | 3.9 | Not selected | 3.9 |
| Writing | 3.6 | 3.8 | Not selected | 3.8 |
| Coordination | 3.5 | 3.6 | Not selected | 3.6 |
| Active Learning | 3.3 | 3.9 | Not selected | 3.9 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.3 | 3.6 | Not selected | 3.6 |
| Instructing | 3.0 | 3.8 | Not selected | 3.8 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | 3.4 | Not selected | 3.4 |
| Technology Design | 3.1 | 3.4 | Not selected | 3.4 |
| Mathematics | 3.0 | 3.5 | Not selected | 3.5 |
| Persuasion | 3.0 | 3.3 | Not selected | 3.3 |
| Time Management | 3.1 | 3.1 | Not selected | 3.1 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.0 | 3.1 | Not selected | 3.1 |
| Negotiation | 3.0 | 3.1 | Not selected | 3.1 |
| Service Orientation | 3.0 | 3.1 | Not selected | 3.1 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 | 3.0 | Not selected | 3.0 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.0 | 3.0 | Not selected | 3.0 |
Ordered by required level gap multiplied by O*NET importance. No prediction or recommendation is implied.
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Compare with Computer Network ArchitectsHow salary varies by location
| Location | Median | Employment | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $186,110 | 2,730 | 2025 |
| Seattle, WA | $172,650 | 3,710 | 2025 |
| Rochester, MN | $168,910 | 90 | 2025 |
| Bremerton, WA | $168,720 | 40 | 2025 |
| WA | $168,070 | 4,730 | 2025 |
| San Francisco, CA | $166,760 | 3,350 | 2025 |
| Kiryas Joel, NY | $165,570 | 220 | 2025 |
| New York, NY | $163,010 | 10,230 | 2025 |
| NJ | $162,350 | 5,660 | 2025 |
| Bloomington, IL | $161,780 | 240 | 2025 |
| Greenville, SC | $161,170 | 390 | 2025 |
| Boston, MA | $160,650 | 5,240 | 2025 |
| Baltimore, MD | $160,340 | 2,480 | 2025 |
| Washington, DC | $159,820 | 9,370 | 2025 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $159,820 | 240 | 2025 |
| Hartford, CT | $159,720 | 690 | 2025 |
| MD | $159,460 | 5,860 | 2025 |
| CA | $158,870 | 14,870 | 2025 |
| San Diego, CA | $157,700 | 1,490 | 2025 |
| Orlando, FL | $156,560 | 1,730 | 2025 |
Career transition paths
Compare the skills of a career you hold today with Computer Network Architects to see shared skills, target-only skills and skill overlap.
Build a transition comparisonCareer and skills data: O*NET 31.0.
Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, 2025 (May 2025 release).
Figures are periodic published survey snapshots, not real-time market rates.