Occupation · SOC 15-1241
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 wage
$130,390
$79,520–$198,030
Projected growth
+11.9%
Faster than average
Annual openings
2,140
per year
Employed (US)
177,010
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
2,998 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionProgrammingSystems EvaluationComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingSystems Analysis
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsTelecommunicationsEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageEducation and Training
Technology & tools
Access softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareObject or component oriented development softwareNetwork monitoring software
Representative tasks
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.Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.Develop or maintain project reporting systems.Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Network topology diagrams — interpret and document under direct supervision when onboarding to an enterprise networking team.Disaster recovery plan templates — review and apply established procedures under guidance during initial project assignments.Network security baselines — identify gaps between current configurations and recommended firewall policies with supervisor oversight.Network monitoring software — execute scheduled performance checks and log anomalies under direction on a corporate LAN environment.File backup and deletion tasks — perform routine maintenance activities following documented protocols on managed network infrastructure.New equipment installation checklists — assist senior architects in coordinating rack-and-stack activities during hardware refresh projects.Technical documentation drafts — compile network-related records and configuration notes under review by experienced team members.Network performance reports — gather and format data input and output statistics using monitoring dashboards in a supervised setting.Basic scripting tools — apply pre-written scripts to automate simple network tasks under direction in a development or staging environment.Vendor technical materials — read and summarize product specifications and telecommunications standards to support team decision-making.
developing
Disaster recovery plans — develop and test recovery procedures for mid-size network environments with limited oversight from senior architects.Firewall rules and security audit checklists — recommend and implement network security measures based on identified vulnerabilities in an enterprise setting.Network problem resolutions — diagnose and implement solutions for recurring connectivity or performance issues across familiar infrastructure segments.Routine network maintenance operations — manage file addition, deletion, and backup schedules independently across multi-site corporate networks.Network operations coordination — schedule and communicate maintenance windows, repairs, and upgrades to operations teams with reduced management involvement.Equipment installation projects — coordinate vendor and internal technician activities during new hardware deployments in a data center environment.Performance trend analysis — monitor and interpret network utilization metrics to identify inefficient resource usage and inform capacity planning decisions.Network-related documentation packages — produce and maintain accurate architecture diagrams, runbooks, and change logs for departmental infrastructure.Cloud-based management tools — configure and monitor cloud networking resources to support hybrid infrastructure in an established enterprise environment.Cross-functional communication — present network status and technical findings to IT operations peers through written reports and verbal briefings.
proficient
Enterprise disaster recovery frameworks — design, validate, and own end-to-end recovery strategies for complex, multi-site network environments autonomously.Advanced security architecture — develop and enforce layered network security measures including automated probes, intrusion detection, and audit programs across the full organization.Complex network problem resolution — independently analyze, architect, and implement solutions for non-routine failures spanning LAN, WAN, and cloud infrastructure.Infrastructure maintenance governance — oversee backup strategies, capacity thresholds, and lifecycle management policies for large-scale network environments.Network upgrade programs — lead coordination of major hardware and software upgrades across distributed sites, managing vendor relationships and stakeholder timelines.Capacity planning and performance optimization — evaluate network performance data and model growth scenarios to recommend resource allocation changes to leadership.Storage and cloud networking integration — design and implement storage networking and cloud-based management solutions that meet evolving organizational workload demands.Comprehensive technical documentation — author authoritative network architecture specifications, disaster recovery guides, and security policies consumed organization-wide.Systems evaluation and technology selection — assess emerging networking technologies and tools against business requirements using structured evaluation criteria.Mentorship and technical guidance — coach junior and mid-level network staff through complex problem-solving scenarios in a professional enterprise context.
advanced
Organizational network strategy — define long-range architecture vision and roadmap aligned to business objectives, influencing executive and board-level technology decisions.Enterprise security posture — establish organization-wide network security governance frameworks, directing audit programs and risk mitigation investments at scale.Innovation pipeline leadership — identify and champion adoption of transformative networking technologies, guiding proof-of-concept initiatives from ideation to production deployment.Disaster resilience policy — own enterprise-wide business continuity and disaster recovery standards, ensuring cross-functional alignment with regulatory and compliance requirements.Network center of excellence — build and lead a practice of senior architects and engineers, setting quality standards and professional development pathways for the discipline.Capital and vendor strategy — negotiate enterprise agreements and direct multi-million-dollar infrastructure investments, balancing cost, performance, and risk at an organizational level.Cross-enterprise coordination model — design operational frameworks that govern network operations, maintenance, and incident response across geographically dispersed business units.Systems analysis at organizational scale — evaluate interdependencies between network infrastructure, application platforms, and business processes to inform enterprise transformation initiatives.Thought leadership and external representation — author industry white papers, present at professional conferences, and engage standards bodies to advance network architecture practices.Executive reporting and communication — translate complex network performance, risk, and investment data into strategic insights delivered to C-suite and board stakeholders.
Also known as
185 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Developmental Engineer, Trainer (Air Force 62E4Q)Cyber Warfare Operations Craftsman (Air Force 1B471)Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Officer (Marine Corps 8858)Cyber Warfare Operations Helper (Air Force 1B411)Cyber Capabilities Development Officer (Army 17D)Computer Network AnalystDevelopmental Engineer, RPA (Air Force 62E1M)Data Communications AnalystDevelopmental Engineer, C2ISREW (Air Force 62E3Z)Network Systems AnalystDevelopmental Engineer, Bomber (Air Force 62E3R)Data Operations Warrant Officer (Army 255A)Developmental Engineer, Tanker (Air Force 62E1S)Developmental Engineer, Flight Test (Air Force 62E3F)Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Craftsman, C4ISR Mission Systems (E-3, E-4, E-7, EC-130H, RC-135, VC-25) (Air Force 2A974A)Developmental Engineer, General (Air Force 62E1W)Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Helper, C4ISR Mission Systems (E-3, E-4, E-7, EC-130H, RC-135, VC-25) (Air Force 2A914A)Cyber Warfare Operations Apprentice (Air Force 1B431)Network AnalystDevelopmental Engineer, Systems/Industrial/Human Factors (Air Force 62E3I)Cyber Network Systems Chief (Marine Corps 0659)IT Analyst (Information Technology Analyst)Cyber RandD Specialist (Navy 002775)Warfighter Communications and IT Systems Operations (Air Force 17WX)Developmental Engineer, RPA (Air Force 62E3M)Cyber Warfare Operations Superintendent (Air Force 1B491)Enterprise ArchitectSystem ProgrammerWireless EngineerNetwork Administrator (Marine Corps 0631)Network Operations Analyst (Network Ops Analyst)Developmental Engineer, Tanker (Air Force 62E4S)IT Network Engineer (Information Technology Network Engineer)Developmental Engineer, RPA (Air Force 62E4M)Applications Developer (Marine Corps 0673)Network Systems EngineerComputer Network TechnologistHeavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics Journeyman (Air Force 2A954)Information Technology Manager Submarines (Navy 002713)Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Systems Operations (Air Force 1D731B)