Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
5 years or more
None
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Computer network architects design and plan complex computer networks, working at the intersection of technology, analysis, and problem solving. Nationally, the occupation employs about 179,000 people, with a median annual salary of $130,390. Projected employment growth of 11.9% and about 11,000 annual openings indicate a sizable flow of opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals. The role combines computers and information technology with critical and analytical thinking, project management, and strong problem solving and decision making. Communication skills such as writing and reading, speaking and listening also matter, along with being detail oriented and comfortable with mathematics. Creativity and innovation, plus some mechanical awareness, round out the core skill profile. For those considering similar paths, related occupations include computer occupations (all other), software developers, computer systems analysts, network and computer systems administrators, and engineers (all other). Overall, this career offers a blend of technical depth, analytical work, and steady demand across states and major metro areas.
Computer network architects earn a national median annual salary of $130,390, with notable variation across states and metro areas. Among top states, Washington reports a median salary of $168,070, California $158,870, Massachusetts $155,060, New York $140,390, and Colorado $139,230. At the metro level, salaries can be even higher: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a median of $186,110, New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ is $163,010, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $166,760, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $159,820, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $160,650. These figures show that pay can differ significantly by location, with certain metros and states offering substantially higher median salaries than the national median. Candidates comparing offers or planning relocation can use these ranges to target regions that align with their earning goals.
Computer network architects benefit from a combination of sizable current employment and projected growth. National employment stands at about 179,000, with projected employment growth of 11.9%. This same 11.9% growth rate appears in the top states and top metro areas, suggesting consistent projections across key regions. About 11,000 annual openings are expected, reflecting both new positions and turnover in existing roles. Together, these numbers point to an occupation with ongoing demand and a steady pipeline of opportunities over time. For students and career changers, the combination of an established employment base and double-digit projected growth can support long-term planning. For experienced professionals, the forecasted openings may offer room for advancement, relocation, or specialization within the field, especially in states and metros with higher opportunity scores.
Location can make a clear difference for computer network architects in terms of salary, employment concentration, and overall opportunity scores. Among states, California leads with a median salary of $158,870, employment of 14,870, and an opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts and New York also stand out, with median salaries of $155,060 and $140,390 and opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, respectively. Washington offers the highest state-level median salary at $168,070 and an opportunity score of 56.29, while Colorado combines a median salary of $139,230 with relatively high employment of 16,380 and an opportunity score of 56.97. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ have the highest opportunity scores (77.42 and 77.27) and strong median salaries of $186,110 and $163,010. Other strong metros include San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV; and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH, all with six-figure median salaries and elevated opportunity scores.
Computer network architects typically need a bachelor’s degree, providing a formal educational foundation for the role. The skill profile for this career is broad, combining technical, analytical, and communication strengths. Core skills include computers and information technology, critical and analytical thinking, and project management, reflecting the need to plan and guide complex work. Problem solving and decision making are also central, supported by strong writing and reading abilities as well as effective speaking and listening. Mathematics and being detail oriented contribute to handling precise and complex tasks. Mechanical skills, along with creativity and innovation, round out the profile, indicating value in both practical understanding and new ideas. Students and career changers aiming for this field can use these skill areas as a roadmap when choosing degree programs, projects, and training experiences that align with the expectations for computer network architects.
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