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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.
Other titles employers use
Computer Network Technologist · Network Analyst · Network Consultant · Network Systems Consultant · Networking Systems Engineer · Solutions Architect · System Programmer · Systems Engineer
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, organizing and practical work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation
- Active Listening
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- English Language
- Education and Training
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.1 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 2.5 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 2.6 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 55%
- A certificate or some college 15%
- A two-year degree 15%
- A master's degree 10%
- High school or less 5%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Web platform development software
- Development environment software
- Data base management system software
- Operating system software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Application server software
- Configuration management software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 19,000
- Job openings each year
- 1,060
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 5.0%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 19,000 | 1,060 | 5.0% |
| Texas | 14,130 | 900 | 18.1% |
| New York | 13,590 | 120 | 9.3% |
| Colorado | 13,280 | 840 | 17.3% |
| Virginia | 10,190 | 540 | 1.0% |
| Florida | 8,580 | 510 | 11.3% |
| Maryland | 8,420 | 500 | 9.6% |
| Illinois | 7,930 | 400 | −2.3% |
| North Carolina | 7,680 | 450 | 8.6% |
| Georgia | 6,760 | 370 | 2.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 6,520 | 360 | 4.3% |
| New Jersey | 6,010 | 290 | −4.5% |
| Washington | 5,690 | 380 | 9.6% |
| Missouri | 4,450 | 260 | 7.2% |
| Arizona | 4,330 | 260 | 11.9% |
| Tennessee | 4,260 | 270 | 17.7% |
| Alabama | 3,500 | 180 | — |
| Indiana | 3,190 | 180 | 6.0% |
| Wisconsin | 3,070 | 170 | 6.2% |
| Kansas | 2,870 | 150 | −1.4% |
| Michigan | 2,430 | 130 | 1.3% |
| Minnesota | 2,400 | 130 | 1.3% |
| Utah | 2,100 | 130 | 16.7% |
| Oregon | 2,020 | 120 | 8.0% |
| Oklahoma | 1,840 | 100 | 2.8% |
| Massachusetts | 1,780 | 100 | 2.9% |
| Connecticut | 1,710 | 90 | −1.2% |
| Iowa | 1,550 | 90 | 4.7% |
| Nebraska | 1,240 | 70 | 6.0% |
| South Carolina | 1,240 | 70 | 8.8% |
| Montana | 1,230 | 70 | 7.0% |
| District of Columbia | 1,160 | 60 | — |
| Kentucky | 1,000 | 60 | 3.1% |
| South Dakota | 880 | 50 | 10.0% |
| New Mexico | 810 | 50 | 9.5% |
| Nevada | 800 | 50 | 8.1% |
| Delaware | 790 | 40 | −1.3% |
| Idaho | 790 | 50 | 12.9% |
| Arkansas | 780 | 50 | 6.8% |
| New Hampshire | 670 | 40 | 6.3% |
| Maine | 510 | 30 | −1.9% |
| Puerto Rico | 440 | 30 | 10.0% |
| Rhode Island | 320 | 20 | 3.2% |
| Mississippi | 310 | 20 | 3.3% |
| Louisiana | 290 | 20 | 3.6% |
| West Virginia | 290 | 20 | 3.6% |
| North Dakota | 180 | 10 | 5.9% |
| Alaska | 130 | 10 | — |
| Vermont | 130 | 10 | 8.3% |
| Ohio | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
| Virgin Islands | 10 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Western Governors University
- Degrees each year
- 3,019
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Degrees each year
- 1,346
- Admit rate
- 65%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Degrees each year
- 1,319
- Admit rate
- 18%
- Annual cost after aid
- $5,000
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 1,227
- Admit rate
- 16%
- Annual cost after aid
- $11,000
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Degrees each year
- 997
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
University of Central Florida
- Degrees each year
- 970
- Admit rate
- 40%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Southern New Hampshire University
- Degrees each year
- 956
- Admit rate
- 96%
- Annual cost after aid
- $37,000
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Degrees each year
- 900
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- —
Compare every college offering computer and information sciences, general