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 Systems Engineers/Architects
Occupation · SOC 15-1299.08
Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
Also called: IT Architect (Information Technology Architect) · Infrastructure Engineer · Solutions Architect · Systems Engineer · IT Engineer (Information Technology Engineer) · Network and Infrastructure Engineer · Systems Application Engineer · Systems Architect · Systems Consultant · Web Architect · Application Systems Architect · Cloud Architect
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-15-1299-08/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 (+8.2% by 2034)
- 31,300 openings/yr
- High AI exposure
- Median pay $108,970/yr
97th-percentile task overlap — yet about 31,300 openings a year (+8.2% 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 | 95th | 1.0 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) High | 88th | 0.3 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.5), with simple added tooling (β 0.8), and including AI-powered software (γ 1.0). 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.
| Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems. | 32.5% | |
| Develop application-specific software. | 16.9% | |
| Complete models and simulations, using manual or automated tools, to analyze or predict system performance under different operating conditions. | 12.5% | |
| Configure servers to meet functional specifications. | 10.1% | |
| Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components. | 4.1% | |
| Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures. | 2.5% |
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 · +8.2% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 31,300 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 472,000 → 510,500 |
“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 28 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements. Core · importance 4.2
- Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use. Core · importance 4.2
- Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems. Core · importance 4.2
- Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems. Core · importance 4.2
- Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware. Core · importance 4.1
- Monitor system operation to detect potential problems. Core · importance 4.1
- Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs. Core · importance 4.0
- Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software. Core · importance 4.0
- Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture. Core · importance 4.0
- Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes. Core · importance 3.9
- Configure servers to meet functional specifications. Core · importance 3.9
- Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components. Core · importance 3.8
- Design and conduct hardware or software tests. Core · importance 3.7
- Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information. Core · importance 3.7
- Evaluate existing systems to determine effectiveness, and suggest changes to meet organizational requirements. Core · importance 3.7
- Perform security analyses of developed or packaged software components. Core · importance 3.7
- Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems. Core · importance 3.6
- Define and analyze objectives, scope, issues, or organizational impact of information systems. Core · importance 3.6
- Establish functional or system standards to address operational requirements, quality requirements, and design constraints. Core · importance 3.6
- Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures. Core · importance 3.6
- Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability. Core · importance 3.5
- Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes. Core · importance 3.5
- Develop or approve project plans, schedules, or budgets. Core · importance 3.4
- Communicate project information through presentations, technical reports, or white papers. Core · importance 3.4
- Train system users in system operation or maintenance. Core · importance 3.3
- Complete models and simulations, using manual or automated tools, to analyze or predict system performance under different operating conditions. Core · importance 3.3
- Develop application-specific software. Core · importance 3.1
- Develop efficient and effective system controllers. Core · importance 3.1
Work activities
- Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
- Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
- Document technical specifications or requirements.
- Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
- Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
- Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
- Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
- Identify information technology project resource requirements.
- Develop guidelines for system implementation.
- Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
- Manage information technology projects or system activities.
- Install computer software.
- Install computer hardware.
- Maintain computer hardware.
- Configure computer networks.
- Develop detailed project plans.
- Develop organizational goals or objectives.
- Design integrated computer systems.
- Test computer hardware performance.
- Test software performance.
- Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology.
- Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
- Prepare analytical reports.
- Communicate project information to others.
- Design computer modeling or simulation programs.
- Develop models of information or communications systems.
- Coordinate software or hardware installation.
- Train others in computer interface or software use.
- Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
- Design software applications.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
| Computers and Electronics | 4.9 | |
| English Language | 4.1 | |
| Telecommunications | 4.0 | |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.9 | |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.8 | |
| Administration and Management | 3.3 |
Essential skills
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Active Listening | 4.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 4.0 | |
| Writing | 3.9 | |
| Speaking | 3.9 | |
| Active Learning | 3.6 | |
| Monitoring | 3.5 | |
| Mathematics | 3.0 | |
| Science | 3.0 | |
| Learning Strategies | 3.0 |
Abilities
| Oral Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Written Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Oral Expression | 4.0 | |
| Written Expression | 4.0 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 4.0 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 4.0 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 4.0 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.9 | |
| Originality | 3.8 | |
| Near Vision | 3.5 | |
| Fluency of Ideas | 3.4 | |
| Category Flexibility | 3.3 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.3 | |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 3.1 | |
| Number Facility | 3.1 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.1 | |
| Speech Recognition | 3.1 |
Transferable skills
| Systems Analysis | 3.9 | |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.9 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.8 | |
| Operations Analysis | 3.8 | |
| Programming | 3.5 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.4 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 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 124.
Tools & technology
Showing the top 40 of 267.
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 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Typical entry-level education
- Bachelor's degree · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Preparation level
- SVP (6.0 to < 7.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Biological and Biomedical Sciences , Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services , Health Professions and Related Programs , Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services , Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies , Physical Sciences . 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.
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 40.9% | |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 27.3% | |
| Bachelor's Degree | 22.7% | |
| Some College Courses | 4.5% | |
| Master's Degree | 4.5% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Work styles
| Dependability | 8.0 | |
| Attention to Detail | 7.0 | |
| Integrity | 6.0 | |
| Cautiousness | 5.0 | |
| Intellectual Curiosity | 4.0 | |
| Achievement Orientation | 3.0 | |
| Innovation | 2.5 |
Interest areas
| Information Technology | 6.6 | |
| Engineering | 5.3 | |
| Mechanics/Electronics | 3.8 | |
| Mathematics/Statistics | 3.6 | |
| Management/Administration | 3.0 |
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Conventional | 5.8 | |
| Investigative | 5.5 | |
| Realistic | 4.1 | |
| Enterprising | 3.0 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $52,650 |
| 25th percentile | $76,360 |
| Median (50th) | $108,970 |
| 75th percentile | $147,530 |
| 90th percentile | $176,800 |
| People employed | 439,380 |
Wages and employment are reported by BLS for the broader occupation group this specialty belongs to (SOC 15-1299), not for the specialty alone.
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 | 130,160 | $106,200 |
| Information · Sector | 43,000 | $126,550 |
| Finance and Insurance · Sector | 28,690 | $126,080 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 25,660 | $127,600 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | 24,880 | $96,000 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 21,020 | $102,950 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 18,100 | $79,900 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 13,460 | $95,780 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 13,130 | $100,550 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance · Sector | 11,030 | $83,320 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 9,590 | $108,370 |
| Transportation and Warehousing · Sector | 7,000 | $65,350 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities · National industry | 7.16× | 1,240 |
| Information · Sector | 5.19× | 43,000 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 4.24× | 130,160 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 3.21× | 25,660 |
| Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers · National industry | 3.02× | 3,860 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 2.91× | 9,590 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 1.78× | 13,460 |
| Finance and Insurance · Sector | 1.62× | 28,690 |
Related occupations
Part of the Digital Technology and Public Service & Safety career clusters.
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- Computer Programmers · 15-1251.00 Compare →
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 Systems Engineers/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 3 — Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences · field of study
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services · field of study
Zoom out
See where this work sits in the bigger picture.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects show 97th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 31,300 annual U.S. openings
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects rank in the 97th 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 31,300 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 (+8.2%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $108,970, across about 439,380 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects show 97th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 31,300 annual U.S. openings • Computer Systems Engineers/Architects rank in the 97th 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 31,300 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 (+8.2%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $108,970, across about 439,380 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Computer Systems Engineers/Architects". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1299-08 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 Systems Engineers/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-15-1299-08
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Computer Systems Engineers/Architects. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1299-08
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-15-1299-08,
title = {Computer Systems Engineers/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-15-1299-08}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.