Headline risk
10%
Low RiskComputer network architects
United States AI Work Index tracks this occupation on the shared structural baseline and then layers on local demand resilience, wages, and confidence.
Why This Score
Share of job tasks that overlap with current AI capabilities
Median annual wage
Projected employment change over 10 years
Typical preparation needed for this occupation
Occupation profile
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.
Task evidence
100% weighted task match · 18% effective coverage
Scores combine AI task overlap, human advantages, and local demand. How it works
United States Now
Median Wage
USD 130,390
Employment 2024
179.2K
Projected Change (2024–34)
11.9%
Openings (2024–34)
11.2K
Wage distribution
Demand outlook
Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Role Profile
Tasks
- 1. Develop disaster recovery plans. AI use: 0%
- 2. Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes. AI use: 74%
- 3. Develop and implement solutions for network problems. AI use: 92%
- 4. Keep abreast of changes in industry practices and emerging telecommunications technology by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences. AI use: 0%
- 5. Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup. AI use: 94%
- 6. Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems. AI use: 0%
Technologies
Requirements
Work context
Worker profile
Median age 45.1 · 96K employed
Under 25: 0% · 25–54: 79% · 55+: 21%
Related
Source coverage
11/11 source families · O*NET 30.2 / OEWS 2024 / ORS 2025 / OOH 2025-08-28 / Projections 2024-34 / CPS 2025 / Anthropic task penetration
Mapping quality
title_match · employment series present
Narrative & sources
Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
Most computer network architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Network architects work in a variety of industries, usually in an office setting.
Computer network architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field and experience in a related occupation, such as network and computer systems administrators .
The median annual wage for computer network architects was $130,390 in May 2024.
Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Published limitations
This page shows the local country layer, not realised individual job outcomes. The global structural baseline is shared across countries; only the local demand and wage layer changes here.
Built from O*NET occupation descriptions, task statements, technology skills, work context, Job Zones, Anthropic task penetration, BLS OEWS wages, BLS projection tables, BLS ORS requirements, BLS OOH narrative content, BLS skills data, and BLS CPS occupation age tables.