Computer Network Architect
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Salary Range: $80,000 or more
Average Hourly: $56.14
Education: Bachelor's degree
Number of Jobs: 165,200
Jobs Added to 2029: 9,000
Growth: Slower than average
Go here to see salary and job data specific to the United Kingdom.
What Computer Network Architects Do
Duties
Computer network architects typically do the following:
- Create plans and layouts for data communication networks
- Present plans to management and explain why they are in the organization’s best interest to pursue them
- Consider information security when designing networks
- Upgrade hardware, such as routers or adaptors, and software, such as network drivers, as needed to support computer networks
- Research new networking technologies to determine what would best support their organization in the future
Computer network architects, or network engineers, design and deploy computer and information networks. After deployment, they also may manage the networks and troubleshoot any issues as they arise. Network architects also predict future network needs by analyzing current data traffic and estimating how growth will affect the network.
Some computer network architects work with other IT workers, such as network and computer system administrators and computer and information systems managers to ensure workers’ and clients’ networking needs are being met. They also must work with equipment and software vendors to manage upgrades and support the networks.
Work Environment
| Computer systems design and related services | 27% |
| Telecommunications | 10 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 8 |
| Insurance carriers and related activities | 4 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 4 |
Computer network architects spend most of their time in offices, but occasionally work in server rooms where they have access to the hardware that make up an organization’s computer and information network.
Work Schedules
Most computer network architects work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 11,000 openings for computer network architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
How to Become a Computer Network Architect
Education
Computer network architects usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related field. Degree programs in a computer-related field give prospective network architects hands-on experience in classes such as network security or database design. These programs prepare network architects to be able to work with the wide array of technologies used in networks.
Employers of network architects sometimes prefer applicants to have a master’s of business administration (MBA) in information systems. MBA programs generally require 2 years of study beyond the undergraduate level and include both business and computer-related courses.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Network architects generally need to have at least 5 to 10 years of experience working with information technology (IT) systems. They often have experience as a network and computer system administrator but also may come from other computer-related occupations such as database administrator or computer systems analyst.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Certification programs are generally offered by product vendors or software firms. Vendor-specific certification verifies a set of skills to ensure network architects are able to work in specific networking environments. Companies may require their network architects to be certified in the products they use.
Advancement
Some network architects advance to become computer and information systems managers.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Computer network architects have to examine data networks and decide how to best connect the networks based on the needs and resources of the organization.
Detail oriented. Computer network architects create comprehensive plans of the networks they are creating with precise information describing how the network parts will work together.
Interpersonal skills. These workers must work with different types of employees to successfully design and implement computer and information networks.
Leadership skills. Many computer network architects direct teams of engineers, such as computer hardware engineers, who build the networks they have designed.
Organizational skills. Computer network architects who work for large firms must coordinate many different types of communication networks and make sure they work well together.