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Technology

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$134,050

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$80k – $203k

Job outlook

+12% (much faster than average)

AI exposure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 2 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $109,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Computer Network Architects

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$40,300–$152,000

Time to qualify

4.3 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Bachelor's degree

    Degree

    Four years at public in-state rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $11,610/yr, plus books. Private and out-of-state run higher; grant aid lowers most students' actual net price.

    $40,000–$150,000 · 4 years source

  2. 2

    Industry certification (optional)

    Certification

    Vendor certifications (AWS, CompTIA, Google, Microsoft…) are a common entry booster, rarely a hard requirement.

    $300–$2,000 · 3 months source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Computer Network Architects" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Computer Network Architects Intern

    Internship

    $39,950

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Computer Network Architects

    Entry / Junior

    $79,900

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Computer Network Architects

    Established

    $134,050

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Computer Network Architects

    Senior

    $168,365

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Develop disaster recovery plans.
  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Technology

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.