All About Computer Network Architects
Position 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. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
Computer Network Architect Responsibilities
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
- Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
- Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.
- Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
- Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
- 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.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Computer Network Architect?
Computer Network Architects state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles
- Networking Engineer
- Enterprise Architect
- Information Technology Specialist
- Personal Computer Network Engineer
- Networks Computer Consultant
What Kind of Computer Network Architect Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 162,700 jobs for Computer Network Architect in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,500 new jobs for Computer Network Architect by 2026. The BLS estimates 11,700 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Computer Network Architect are Utah, Tennessee, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Ohio, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Computer Network Architects Make A Lot Of Money?
Computer Network Architects make between $60,310 and $164,280 a year.

Computer Network Architects who work in Delaware, Maryland, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Network Architects make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $104,580 |
Alaska | $94,250 |
Arizona | $101,750 |
Arkansas | $89,840 |
California | $127,500 |
Colorado | $115,300 |
Connecticut | $122,200 |
Delaware | $126,990 |
District of Columbia | $123,200 |
Florida | $91,180 |
Georgia | $114,240 |
Hawaii | $98,880 |
Illinois | $114,780 |
Indiana | $88,210 |
Iowa | $119,590 |
Kansas | $93,670 |
Kentucky | $77,950 |
Louisiana | $79,560 |
Maine | $97,890 |
Maryland | $121,720 |
Massachusetts | $121,700 |
Michigan | $100,710 |
Minnesota | $110,330 |
Mississippi | $89,550 |
Missouri | $99,880 |
Montana | $88,520 |
Nebraska | $98,430 |
Nevada | $104,350 |
New Hampshire | $123,310 |
New Jersey | $124,310 |
New Mexico | $111,210 |
New York | $113,300 |
North Carolina | $108,040 |
North Dakota | $94,750 |
Ohio | $97,250 |
Oklahoma | $87,160 |
Oregon | $108,990 |
Pennsylvania | $101,090 |
Rhode Island | $117,650 |
South Carolina | $85,450 |
South Dakota | $100,330 |
Tennessee | $102,030 |
Texas | $119,340 |
Utah | $114,900 |
Vermont | $85,930 |
Virginia | $123,050 |
Washington | $111,960 |
West Virginia | $92,060 |
Wisconsin | $97,110 |
What Tools & Technology do Computer Network Architects Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Computer Network Architects:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Web browser software
- Python
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft SharePoint
Becoming a Computer Network Architect
What education is needed to be a Computer Network Architect?

What work experience do I need to become a Computer Network Architect?

Where Computer Network Architects Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Network Architect might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Computer Network Architect sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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