Computer Network Architect

Explore This Path

Design and build networks that connect people and businesses globally.
Ensure seamless communication and data flow with robust network infrastructures.
Innovate in network security to protect vital information and systems.

💰 Earn $107K-$187K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 13.4% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll 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.

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.
Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

12,300 Annually

Median Earnings

$144,980 in California

$129,840 Nationally

$25K

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Programming
Quality Control Analysis

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Computer Network Architect

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Hybrid College

A hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years

Professional Upskilling

Professional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 1 week - 3 months