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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,470 | $114,250 | $54.93 | |
| Alaska | 110 | $103,570 | $49.79 | |
| Arizona | 3,970 | $118,810 | $57.12 | |
| Arkansas | 730 | $94,140 | $45.26 | |
| California | 20,700 | $129,240 | $62.14 | |
| Colorado | 8,460 | $124,800 | $60.00 | |
| Connecticut | 1,450 | $120,290 | $57.83 | |
| Delaware | 620 | $137,040 | $65.88 | |
| District of Columbia | 1,030 | $126,360 | $60.75 | |
| Florida | 6,180 | $111,580 | $53.64 | |
| Georgia | 6,510 | $122,410 | $58.85 | |
| Hawaii | 230 | $106,450 | $51.18 | |
| Idaho | 540 | $80,650 | $38.77 | |
| Illinois | 7,330 | $124,940 | $60.07 | |
| Indiana | 3,250 | $99,180 | $47.68 | |
| Iowa | 980 | $107,940 | $51.90 | |
| Kansas | 3,090 | $84,130 | $40.45 | |
| Kentucky | 1,110 | $95,420 | $45.88 | |
| Louisiana | 300 | $87,840 | $42.23 | |
| Maine | 390 | $105,770 | $50.85 | |
| Maryland | 6,730 | $136,520 | $65.64 | |
| Massachusetts | 5,910 | $131,910 | $63.42 | |
| Michigan | 2,720 | $109,700 | $52.74 | |
| Minnesota | 3,380 | $121,210 | $58.28 | |
| Mississippi | 210 | $87,200 | $41.92 | |
| Missouri | 3,440 | $107,840 | $51.85 | |
| Montana | 310 | $99,140 | $47.66 | |
| Nebraska | 1,210 | $95,350 | $45.84 | |
| Nevada | 740 | $118,000 | $56.73 | |
| New Hampshire | 330 | $110,720 | $53.23 | |
| New Jersey | 6,700 | $139,990 | $67.30 | |
| New Mexico | 450 | $102,520 | $49.29 | |
| New York | 11,040 | $128,230 | $61.65 | |
| North Carolina | 6,060 | $112,020 | $53.86 | |
| North Dakota | 120 | $106,620 | $51.26 | |
| Ohio | 4,750 | $111,260 | $53.49 | |
| Oklahoma | 1,760 | $99,300 | $47.74 | |
| Oregon | 1,750 | $113,840 | $54.73 | |
| Pennsylvania | 5,260 | $112,060 | $53.88 | |
| Rhode Island | 350 | $138,530 | $66.60 | |
| South Carolina | 940 | $105,470 | $50.71 | |
| Tennessee | 2,280 | $100,370 | $48.26 | |
| Texas | 14,720 | $115,840 | $55.69 | |
| Utah | 970 | $110,820 | $53.28 | |
| Vermont | 130 | $109,080 | $52.44 | |
| Virginia | 10,130 | $136,710 | $65.72 | |
| Washington | 3,450 | $129,320 | $62.17 | |
| West Virginia | 170 | $91,510 | $44.00 | |
| Wisconsin | 2,640 | $104,420 | $50.20 | |
| Wyoming | 40 | $92,760 | $44.59 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A general program that focuses on computing, computer science, and information science and systems. Such programs are undifferentiated as to title and content and are not to be confused with specific programs in computer science, information science, or related support services.
A program that focuses on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. Includes instruction in the principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design.
A program that prepares individuals to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation, and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle. Includes instruction in computer hardware and software; compilation, composition, execution, and operating systems; low- and high-level languages and language programming; programming and debugging techniques; installation and maintenance testing and documentation; process and data flow analysis; user needs analysis and documentation; cost-benefit analysis; and specification design.
A program that focuses on the design, implementation, and management of linked systems of computers, peripherals, and associated software to maximize efficiency and productivity, and that prepares individuals to function as network specialists and managers at various levels. Includes instruction in operating systems and applications; systems design and analysis; networking theory and solutions; types of networks; network management and control; network and flow optimization; security; configuring; and troubleshooting.
A program that prepares individuals to design and implement enterprise software systems that rely on distributed computing and service-oriented architecture, including databases, web services, cloud computing, and mobile apps. Includes instruction in data management, distributed and cloud computing, enterprise software architecture, enterprise and cloud security, mobile systems and applications, server administration, and web development.
A program that prepares individuals to manage the computer operations and control the system configurations emanating from a specific site or network hub. Includes instruction in computer hardware and software and applications; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) networking; principles of information systems security; disk space and traffic load monitoring; data backup; resource allocation; and setup and takedown procedures.
A program that prepares individuals to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation, auditing, and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures. Includes instruction in computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis; networking; telecommunications; cryptography; security system auditing and design; applicable law and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; user access issues; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting.
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and facilities; and the analysis of specific problems of computer applications to various tasks.
Any instructional program in computer engineering not listed above.
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$120,650 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Bachelor's degreeTypical education requirement
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5 years or moreTypical experience requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as computer network architects.
- Less than high school 1%
- High school graduate 6%
- College dropout 21%
- Associate’s degree 16%
- Bachelor’s degree 40%
- Master’s degree 14%
- Doctorate degree 2%
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