Computer Network Architects: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Computer Network Architects

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. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Salary
$119230
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Master's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

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. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

  • Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
  • Develop disaster recovery plans.
  • 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.
  • Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
Read more about what does a Computer Network Architect really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$111130 per year

Average hourly wage
$53 per hour


Computer Network Architects with little to no experience tend to make between $60310 and $81960 while the more experienced ones can earn over $137820 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
CA $61 $127,500
DE $61 $126,990
NJ $60 $124,310
NH $59 $123,310
DC $59 $123,200

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Computer Network Architect is to move to a higher paying state like CA. Right now, the highest paying states for Computer Network Architects are CA, DE, NJ, NH and DC.

However, a higher pay at CA doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at CA might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Computer Network Architect is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Master’s degree

We asked other Computer Network Architects what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Master’s Degree followed by a Bachelor’s Degree.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Computer and Information Sciences, General
Information Technology
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
Network and System Administration/Administrator
Read more about how to become a Computer Network Architect and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Computer Network Architect.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes to solve problems mentally
Suitable for people who values achievements and are results-oriented
One of the highest paid careers in the world
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
70%

Is this job meaningful
46%


70% of Computer Network Architects said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Thinkers and The Organizers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.



Learn more about Computer Network Architects

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Job Description
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Related career information

Computer Network Architects job description, Computer Network Architects salary, Computer Network Architects information, what is the job of a Computer Network Architect like, pros and cons about Computer Network Architects, colleges and universities for Computer Network Architects, is Computer Network Architects the right career for me, careers in Computer IT and Mathematics

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