What is a Computer Network Architect?
Computer Network Architect Job 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.
What Do Computer Network Architects Do On a Daily Basis?
- Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
- Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
- Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
- Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
- Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
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Skills Needed to be 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.
Other Computer Network Architect Job Titles
- Wireless Engineer
- Network Engineer
- Network Operations Analyst
- Wide Area Network Engineer (WAN Engineer)
- Network Developer
Computer Network Architect Job Outlook
There were about 162,700 jobs for Computer Network Architect in 2016 (in the United States). 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. There will be an estimated 11,700 positions for Computer Network Architect per year.

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.
Average Computer Network Architects Salary
The typical yearly salary for Computer Network Architects is somewhere between $60,310 and $164,280.

Computer Network Architects who work in Delaware, Maryland, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Network Architects make in each U.S. state?
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
Are there Computer Network Architects education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer Network Architect?

Where Computer Network Architects Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Computer Network Architects work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Network Architect might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Computer Network Architect sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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