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.
Also known as: Cloud Architect, Cloud Network Engineer, Computer Network Analyst, Computer Network Engineer, Computer Network Technologist, Data Communications Analyst, Enterprise Architect, Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech), ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Much faster than average)
What You'd Do
- Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
- Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
- Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
- Coordinate installation of new equipment.
- Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
- Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
- Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
- Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
- Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
- Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
- Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
- Develop disaster recovery plans.
- Develop network-related documentation.
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
- Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.
- Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
- Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.
- Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
- Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
Software and tools commonly used in this role
In-Demand Technologies
Work Styles
Personality traits and work styles important for this career
Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.