Computer Network Architects

What Computer Network Architects 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.

Career Outlook

National employment outlook, 2024–2034.

Related work experience

5 years or more

On-the-job training

None

Self-employed

0.4%

Source: BLS Employment Projections — 2024-2034.

Key Knowledge Areas

Subject-matter areas this occupation draws on most, per O*NET.

• Computers and Electronicsimportance 4.7/5
• Engineering and Technologyimportance 4.3/5
• Telecommunicationsimportance 4.3/5
• English Languageimportance 3.8/5
• Education and Trainingimportance 3.3/5
• Designimportance 3.2/5
• Customer and Personal Serviceimportance 3.1/5
• Mathematicsimportance 3.0/5

Work Environment

What the day-to-day work setting is like, per O*NET.

• E-Mail5.0/5
• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7/5
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5/5
• Telephone Conversations4.4/5
• Spend Time Sitting4.3/5
• Contact With Others4.2/5

Related Careers

• Computer Network Support Specialists
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• Computer Occupations, All Other
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Software Developers
• Database Administrators
• Database Architects
• Computer Hardware Engineers

Careers With Similar Skills

Occupations whose Transferable Skills profile most closely matches this one — a mathematical comparison, not observed data about people actually moving between these careers.

• Computer Systems Analysts95% skill match
• Physicists91% skill match
• Database Administrators91% skill match
• Computer and Information Research Scientists89% skill match
• Web Developers89% skill match
• Software Developers88% skill match
• Aerospace Engineers88% skill match
• Mechanical Drafters87% skill match

Transferable Skills

Cross-functional skills this occupation draws on most, per O*NET — the kind that carry over to other careers.

• Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.9/5
• Programmingimportance 3.9/5
• Systems Evaluationimportance 3.9/5
• Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 3.8/5
• Systems Analysisimportance 3.8/5
• Coordinationimportance 3.5/5
• Quality Control Analysisimportance 3.3/5
• Technology Designimportance 3.1/5

Software & Technologies

Tools and software used in this occupation, per O*NET.

Work Style

Personal work characteristics that matter most for this occupation, per O*NET.

• Attention to Detail
• Dependability
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Innovation
• Cautiousness
• Integrity
• Achievement Orientation

Career Interests

This occupation’s RIASEC interest profile, per O*NET — how strongly it fits each of the six Holland interest types.

• InvestigativeHigh
• ConventionalHigh
• RealisticMedium
• EnterprisingMedium
• ArtisticLow
• SocialLow

Where This Career Is Most Concentrated

Metro areas where computer network architects make up the largest share of local employment, relative to the national average (BLS location quotient).

1. 1Boulder, CO9.00× national avg
2. 2Colorado Springs, CO6.73× national avg
3. 3Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO5.51× national avg
4. 4Huntsville, AL5.40× national avg
5. 5Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV2.58× national avg

Possible Career Moves

A computed starting point, not observed job-change data — see the full list for why each one might fit.

• Computer Systems AnalystsLateral Move
• Software DevelopersLateral Move
• Database ArchitectsLateral Move
• Information Security AnalystsLateral Move

See the full career path from Computer Network Architects →

Related Education Programs

Schools that offer related fields of study, based on the NCES CIP-SOC crosswalk — not a guarantee that graduates enter this specific career.