SOC 151241

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. Excludes "Information Security Analysts" (15-1212), "Computer Network Support Specialists" (15-1231), and "Network and Computer Systems Administrators" (15-1244).

National Median

$130,390

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$130,390

Entry Level (10th pct)

$79,520

Experienced (90th pct)

$198,030

Total Employed

177,010

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience	$79,520 - $102,120
Mid Career2-8 years experience	$102,120 - $164,440
Senior / Expert8+ years experience	$164,440 - $198,030

Highest Paying Locations for Computer Network Architects

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

$174,120

+33.5% vs national

Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

$172,280

+32.1% vs national

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

$166,880

+28.0% vs national

Rochester, MN

$163,920

+25.7% vs national

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

$163,570

+25.4% vs national

Computer Network Architects Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 50 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan Area	Median Salary	Employed
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	$174,120	2,950
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$172,280	820
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA	$166,880	3,370
Rochester, MN	$163,920	100
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	$163,570	8,910
Boulder, CO	$162,320	1,410
Waterbury-Shelton, CT	$160,520	120
Washington	$155,890	4,450
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	$155,480	5,340
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ	$153,820	10,600
Rapid City, SD	$150,370	N/A
Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT	$149,380	270
South Dakota	$149,300	580
Virginia	$148,080	9,340
New Jersey	$147,650	6,440
Logan, UT-ID	$146,360	50
Sheboygan, WI	$144,460	60
Sioux Falls, SD-MN	$144,160	340
East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area	$143,820	70
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD	$143,260	2,440
Maryland	$143,260	5,320
Bloomington, IL	$143,200	140
Lewiston-Auburn, ME	$142,290	40
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	$141,020	4,660
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$140,760	4,880
District of Columbia	$140,050	1,180
Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area	$139,380	N/A
Trenton-Princeton, NJ	$139,220	380
Medford, OR	$138,890	40
Greeley, CO	$138,790	220
Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC	$138,440	250
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD	$138,390	90
California	$138,350	19,800
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	$137,910	4,520
Binghamton, NY	$137,590	70
Kennewick-Richland, WA	$137,080	60
Massachusetts	$136,930	5,340
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT	$136,920	910
New York	$136,230	9,180
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO	$136,160	440
Colorado Springs, CO	$135,950	1,670
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL	$135,250	1,740
Reno, NV	$135,050	150
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA	$134,880	4,730
Colorado	$134,680	12,720
Connecticut	$134,150	1,850
Salt Lake City-Murray, UT	$134,040	1,170
New Hampshire	$133,100	720
New Haven, CT	$133,040	230
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO	$132,870	8,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Computer Network Architects?

The national median annual salary for Computer Network Architects is $130,390, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.

Where do Computer Network Architectss earn the most?

The highest-paying metro area for Computer Network Architectss is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, with a median salary of $174,120.

How much can an experienced Computer Network Architects make?

Top-earning Computer Network Architectss (90th percentile) make $198,030 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.