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.

Also called: Computer Network Technologist, Network Analyst, Network Consultant, Network Systems Consultant, Networking Systems Engineer, Solutions Architect, System Programmer, Systems Engineer, WAN Engineer (Wide Area Network Engineer), Wireless Network Engineer, Cloud Architect, Cloud Network Engineer, Computer Network Analyst, Computer Network Engineer, Data Communications Analyst, Enterprise Architect, Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech), IT Analyst (Information Technology Analyst), IT Network Engineer (Information Technology Network Engineer), Network Architect, Network Computer Consultant, Network Control Analyst, Network Control Analyst Assistant, Network Designer, Network Developer, Network Operations Analyst (Network Ops Analyst), Network Operations Specialist (Network Ops Specialist), Network Security Analyst, Network Security Systems Analyst, Network Specialist, Network Systems Analyst, Network Systems Engineer, Network Systems Integrator, Networking Engineer, Networking Specialist, NOC Engineer (Network Operations Center Engineer), PC Network Engineer (Personal Computer Network Engineer), Platform Architect, Principal Network Engineer, Server Engineer, Solutions Engineer, Target Network Analyst, Telecommunications Analyst (Telecom Analyst), Wireless Engineer

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.
Coordinate installation of new equipment.
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.
Develop network-related documentation.
Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.

Skills, machines and equipment

Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Complex Problem Solving
Programming
Systems Evaluation
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Systems Analysis
Writing
Speaking
Coordination
Active Learning

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (55.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

104,620–168,200 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 15-1241.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (55.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Computer Network Architects