Career-PathGPS
← All education and training
Career

Computer Network Architects

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeModerate pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $134,050 Median per year · $64.45/hr Most earn $79,900–$202,680

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Develop or maintain project reporting systems.
  • Develop network-related documentation.
  • Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
  • Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
  • Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
  • Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
8% more jobs by 2035, much faster than average · about 9,600 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Computer systems design and related services24.7%
  • Telecommunications9.0%
  • Management of companies and enterprises8.6%
  • Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting, and related services4.3%
  • Credit intermediation and related activities3.4%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 4 to 6 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeExperience before this job: 4 to 6 years

Computer Network Architect is not usually an entry-level job. Most people earn a bachelor's degree, then spend several years working on networks in support and administration roles before moving into design work, which usually takes about 4 to 6 years of related experience in total.

  1. Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or network engineering

    4 years

    You learn how computers, networks, and security work together, which gives you the foundation for every later job on this path.

  2. Computer Network Support Specialist

    2-3 years

    You troubleshoot and maintain networks day to day, learning how real networks break and how businesses use them.

  3. Network and Computer Systems Administrator

    2-3 years

    You take on ownership of servers, routers, and network systems, and you begin planning upgrades and handling security settings.

  4. Computer Network Architect

    Career goal

    You design the overall network, plan how much capacity it needs, and decide how new systems will connect and stay secure.

Where it can lead

  1. Senior Network Architect

    3-5 years of experience first

    You lead larger or more complex network designs, mentor other engineers, and make the big technology decisions for an organization.

  2. Information Security Engineer

    4-6 years of experience first

    You focus more deeply on protecting networks and data, which means learning security tools, threat response, and security design.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take computer science, math, and any networking or IT classes your school offersStrong math and computer skills make a bachelor's degree in a technical field much easier to handle.
  • Join a computer club, robotics team, or coding clubTeamwork and hands-on problem solving in these groups build the habits network work depends on.
  • Build a home lab or set up a home networkSetting up routers, switches, and a small server teaches you how networks actually fit together.
  • Look for a starter job like a tech help desk, computer lab aide, or IT volunteerHelping people fix computer problems gives you real support experience and shows how businesses rely on networks.
  • Try an entry-level certification like CompTIA IT FundamentalsA basic certification shows you are serious about IT and gives you a foundation for later networking study.

In college

  • Major in computer science, information technology, or network engineeringA bachelor's degree in one of these fields is the usual starting point for this career.
  • Take courses in networking, operating systems, and cybersecurityThese classes directly cover the skills you would use to design and secure networks.
  • Work a campus IT help desk or lab support jobCampus tech jobs give you hands-on troubleshooting experience you can list on a resume.
  • Apply for a summer or part-time internship in IT or network operationsAn internship shows you what network work looks like on a real team and helps you build professional contacts.
  • Earn a networking certification such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNACertifications show employers you know current networking standards, which helps you get your first support job.

Tips for getting started

  • Get hands-on with real equipment early. Labs, home setups, and repair jobs teach you more about networks than reading alone.
  • Consider industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA. Many employers look for them when hiring for support and admin roles.
  • Ask people who already work in IT how they got started. Their paths often show which jobs to aim for and which skills to build first.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

Related careers