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.
BLS SOC 15-1241 · O*NET-SOC 15-1241.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$134,050
Projected change, 2025–2035
7.7%
2025–2035 annual average openings
9,600
AI exposure
Very high
Editorial analysis
Networks may become more self-managing, but architecture still begins with trade-offs
Enterprise networks already produce more telemetry than a person can inspect manually. AI can help analyze performance, detect unusual traffic, predict congestion, recommend configurations, and identify potential failures across cloud, data center, wireless, and wide-area networks.
The network can optimize itself only within the goals it is given
Architects decide how reliability, cost, performance, security, geographic redundancy, vendor choices, compliance, and future growth fit together. Those are organizational trade-offs, not merely configuration problems.
- Capacity analysis and topology modeling can become more automated.
- AI can suggest configuration changes and identify likely causes of performance issues.
- Intent-based networking may allow engineers to specify outcomes rather than configure every device manually.
- Security architecture, resilience planning, integration, and accountability remain high-value responsibilities.
Network architects may write fewer individual configuration commands while designing larger automated systems that generate and enforce them. That moves the occupation further toward systems thinking rather than away from technical expertise.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 181,800 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 195,800 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- 14,100 jobs (7.7%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Very high. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Very high
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- 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.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Access software
- Development environment software
- Video creation and editing software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Network monitoring software
- Web platform development software
- Data base management system software
- Data base user interface and query software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- Related experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- None
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.