How much does a network architect make?
a year · about $64 an hour
A typical network architect in the United States makes $134,050 a year, about $64 an hour, about 2.6× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They sketch how an organization’s networks should connect, explain the design to managers, and set up routers and other equipment. They test for slowdowns or outages, document the setup, and plan upgrades.
Did you know? Network architects test equipment and networks at every stage of setup, checking for slowdowns, blackouts, and other problems before the network is ready.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $79,900 and $202,680How do you become one?
In the U.S., most earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or engineering, then gain several years of IT experience, often as a network administrator. Employers may prefer certifications for the networking products they use; some prefer a master’s degree.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like figuring things out and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, useful skills, and certifications employers value. It also varies by location, industry, and employer; jobs with greater responsibility may pay more.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($168,070), lowest in Kansas ($100,610).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $79,900 | $134,050 | $202,680 | about 180,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $168,070 | about 5,000 |
| New Jersey | $162,350 | about 6,000 |
| Maryland | $159,460 | about 6,000 |
| California | $158,870 | about 15,000 |
| Massachusetts | $155,060 | about 6,000 |
Official definition: 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. Excludes “Information Security Analysts” (15-1212), “Computer Network Support Specialists” (15-1231), and “Network and Computer Systems Administrators” (15-1244).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1241.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes151241.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY