Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Computer Network Architects
Occupation · SOC 15-1241.00
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 called: Computer Network Technologist · Network Analyst · Solutions Architect · Systems Engineer · Network Consultant · Network Systems Consultant · Networking Systems Engineer · System Programmer · WAN Engineer (Wide Area Network Engineer) · Wireless Network Engineer · Cloud Architect · Cloud Network Engineer
Job family: Computer and Mathematical Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-15-1241-00/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- Growing fast employment outlook (+11.9% by 2034)
- 11,200 openings/yr
- High AI exposure
- Median pay $130,390/yr
87th-percentile task overlap — yet about 11,200 openings a year (+11.9% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) High | 84th | 0.9 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) High | 80th | 0.3 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.4), with simple added tooling (β 0.7), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.9). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
How AI is actually used in this job
Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.
| Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies. | 4.5% | |
| Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers. | 2.3% | |
| Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes. | 1.3% | |
| Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs. | 1.2% | |
| Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup. | 1.0% | |
| Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems. | 1.0% |
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | Growing fast · +11.9% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 11,200 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 179,200 → 200,600 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Tasks
All 33 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Develop disaster recovery plans. Core · importance 4.4
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes. Core · importance 4.3
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems. Core · importance 4.2
- Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup. Supplemental · importance 4.2
- Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. Core · importance 4.2
- Coordinate installation of new equipment. Core · importance 4.0
- 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. Core · importance 3.9
- Develop network-related documentation. Core · importance 3.9
- Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software. Core · importance 3.8
- Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing. Core · importance 3.8
- Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems. Core · importance 3.8
- Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands. Core · importance 3.8
- Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems. Core · importance 3.8
- Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs. Core · importance 3.8
- Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues. Core · importance 3.7
- Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively. Core · importance 3.7
- Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement. Core · importance 3.7
- Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs. Core · importance 3.6
- Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas. Core · importance 3.6
- Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies. Core · importance 3.6
- Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions. Core · importance 3.6
- Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability. Core · importance 3.5
- Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects. Core · importance 3.4
- Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers. Supplemental · importance 3.4
- Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers. Core · importance 3.3
- Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization. Core · importance 3.3
- Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks. Core · importance 3.1
- Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems. Core · importance 3.1
- Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers. Core · importance 3.1
- Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs. Core · importance 3.1
- Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology. Core · importance 2.8
- Develop or maintain project reporting systems. Core · importance 2.7
- Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers. Core · importance 2.6
Work activities
- Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.
- Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
- Provide technical support for computer network issues.
- Coordinate software or hardware installation.
- Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
- Design integrated computer systems.
- Configure computer networks.
- Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
- Develop specifications for computer network operation.
- Resolve computer network problems.
- Develop testing routines or procedures.
- Develop models of information or communications systems.
- Maintain contingency plans for disaster recovery.
- Document network-related activities or tasks.
- Develop information communication procedures.
- Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.
- Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
- Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
- Manage budgets for appropriate resource allocation.
- Monitor the performance of computer networks.
- Analyze website or related online data to track trends or usage.
- Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects.
- Evaluate project designs to determine adequacy or feasibility.
- Communicate project information to others.
- Maintain computer hardware.
- Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
- Modify software programs to improve performance.
- Install computer software.
- Install computer hardware.
- Manage financial activities of the organization.
- Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
- Test computer hardware performance.
- Supervise information technology personnel.
- Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
- Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
| Computers and Electronics | 4.7 | |
| Engineering and Technology | 4.3 | |
| Telecommunications | 4.3 | |
| English Language | 3.8 | |
| Education and Training | 3.3 | |
| Design | 3.2 | |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.1 | |
| Mathematics | 3.0 |
Essential skills
| Critical Thinking | 4.1 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Active Listening | 3.8 | |
| Writing | 3.6 | |
| Speaking | 3.5 | |
| Active Learning | 3.3 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Mathematics | 3.0 | |
| Learning Strategies | 3.0 |
Abilities
| Oral Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Written Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Written Expression | 4.0 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 4.0 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 4.0 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 4.0 | |
| Information Ordering | 4.0 | |
| Category Flexibility | 4.0 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.8 | |
| Near Vision | 3.8 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.5 | |
| Speech Recognition | 3.3 | |
| Fluency of Ideas | 3.1 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.1 |
Transferable skills
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.9 | |
| Programming | 3.9 | |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.9 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.8 | |
| Systems Analysis | 3.8 | |
| Coordination | 3.5 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.3 | |
| Technology Design | 3.1 | |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Showing the top 40 of 107.
Tools & technology
Showing the top 40 of 278.
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 4 — Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Typical entry-level education
- Bachelor's degree · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Preparation level
- SVP (7.0 to < 8.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services , Engineering . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| Bachelor's Degree | 55.0% | |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 15.0% | |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 15.0% | |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 5.0% | |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 5.0% | |
| Master's Degree | 5.0% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Work styles
| Dependability | 7.0 | |
| Attention to Detail | 6.0 | |
| Integrity | 5.0 | |
| Cautiousness | 4.0 | |
| Intellectual Curiosity | 3.0 | |
| Innovation | 2.4 |
Interest areas
| Information Technology | 6.6 | |
| Engineering | 4.9 | |
| Mathematics/Statistics | 3.6 | |
| Mechanics/Electronics | 3.4 | |
| Management/Administration | 2.9 |
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Investigative | 5.3 | |
| Conventional | 5.1 | |
| Realistic | 4.0 | |
| Enterprising | 3.2 | |
| Artistic | 2.3 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $79,520 |
| 25th percentile | $102,120 |
| Median (50th) | $130,390 |
| 75th percentile | $164,440 |
| 90th percentile | $198,030 |
| People employed | 177,010 |
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 65,030 | $131,470 |
| Information · Sector | 32,580 | $125,140 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 17,530 | $137,770 |
| Finance and Insurance · Sector | 17,110 | $136,230 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | 10,830 | $127,800 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 6,990 | $147,170 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 6,790 | $137,280 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 6,380 | $130,670 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 4,950 | $105,810 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance · Sector | 4,410 | $119,450 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 4,130 | $127,160 |
| Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers · National industry | 1,860 | $136,370 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Information · Sector | 9.76× | 32,580 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 5.44× | 17,530 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 5.26× | 65,030 |
| Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers · National industry | 3.61× | 1,860 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 3.11× | 4,130 |
| Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation · National industry | 3.05× | 250 |
| Finance and Insurance · Sector | 2.39× | 17,110 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 2.1× | 6,380 |
Related occupations
Part of the Digital Technology career cluster.
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Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Computer Network Architects — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- Bachelor's degree · typical entry level
- Job zone 4 — Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services · field of study
- Engineering · field of study
Zoom out
See where this work sits in the bigger picture.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Computer Network Architects show 87th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 11,200 annual U.S. openings
- Computer Network Architects rank in the 87th percentile (High band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 11,200 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be growing fast (+11.9%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $130,390, across about 177,010 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Computer Network Architects show 87th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 11,200 annual U.S. openings • Computer Network Architects rank in the 87th percentile (High band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 11,200 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be growing fast (+11.9%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $130,390, across about 177,010 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Computer Network Architects". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1241-00 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Computer Network Architects." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1241-00
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Computer Network Architects. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1241-00
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-15-1241-00,
title = {Computer Network Architects},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1241-00}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.