How much does a computer network architect make?
The median computer network architect in the United States earns $134,050 per year, about $64.45 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all computer network architects earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 15-1241.
Computer network architect salary range
Pay for computer network architects spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $79,900 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $202,680. The average (mean) wage of $139,580 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,900 | $38.42 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $104,620 | $50.30 | |
| Median (50th) | $134,050 | $64.45 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $168,200 | $80.86 | |
| 90th percentile | $202,680 | $97.44 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for computer network architects (SOC 15-1241), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Computer network architect salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Computer network architects earn the most in Washington at $168,070 a year, and the least in Mississippi at $90,990. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $168,070 | 4,730 |
| New Jersey | $162,350 | 5,660 |
| Maryland | $159,460 | 5,860 |
| California | $158,870 | 14,870 |
| Massachusetts | $155,060 | 6,270 |
| South Dakota | $153,390 | 420 |
| Delaware | $148,390 | 760 |
| Connecticut | $143,890 | 1,570 |
| Virginia | $141,340 | 9,380 |
| New York | $140,390 | 9,800 |
| Colorado | $139,230 | 16,380 |
| Nevada | $138,060 | 1,010 |
| District of Columbia | $137,670 | 1,490 |
| Oregon | $135,660 | 1,540 |
| South Carolina | $134,990 | 1,950 |
| Georgia | $133,890 | 7,690 |
| Texas | $133,310 | 13,650 |
| Minnesota | $133,270 | 2,040 |
| Florida | $132,800 | 9,370 |
| Illinois | $132,790 | 7,810 |
| Pennsylvania | $131,840 | 6,080 |
| Wisconsin | $131,720 | 2,170 |
| Rhode Island | $131,320 | 460 |
| Ohio | $131,070 | 5,150 |
| Arizona | $130,890 | 3,990 |
| Alabama | $130,810 | 4,200 |
| North Carolina | $127,320 | 8,350 |
| New Hampshire | $125,420 | 560 |
| Indiana | $124,190 | 2,030 |
| Tennessee | $123,860 | 4,330 |
| West Virginia | $122,520 | 360 |
| Utah | $121,000 | 1,330 |
| Alaska | $119,720 | 120 |
| Nebraska | $116,420 | 1,350 |
| Michigan | $112,040 | 3,210 |
| Vermont | $110,930 | 130 |
| Arkansas | $110,400 | 910 |
| Oklahoma | $109,450 | 1,320 |
| New Mexico | $109,080 | 420 |
| North Dakota | $108,990 | 230 |
| Maine | $108,570 | 570 |
| Hawaii | $108,000 | 320 |
| Idaho | $107,620 | 720 |
| Louisiana | $106,620 | 470 |
| Montana | $104,300 | 250 |
| Kentucky | $103,740 | 1,710 |
| Missouri | $103,130 | 3,360 |
| Iowa | $103,050 | 1,170 |
| Kansas | $100,610 | 1,770 |
| Wyoming | $100,520 | 50 |
| Mississippi | $90,990 | N/A |
State median wages for computer network architects (SOC 15-1241), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for computer network architects
The BLS projects employment of computer network architects to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 181,800 jobs in 2025 moving toward 195,800 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 9,600 openings a year for computer network architects. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a computer network architect
The typical entry-level education for computer network architects is a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS. Most roles also expect 5 years or more of work experience in a related occupation.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a computer network architect earns
Seniority, employer, location, and specialization matter most. Workers at large tech firms and in expensive metros like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York cluster near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Washington, $168,070) and the lowest (Mississippi, $90,990) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 179,740 people work as computer network architects in the United States. At $134,050 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Computer network architect salary FAQ
How much does a computer network architect make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a computer network architect is $64.45. The middle half of computer network architects earn between $50.30 and $80.86 per hour.
What is the highest computer network architect salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of computer network architects earn more than $202,680 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a computer network architect make a year?
The median annual salary for a computer network architect is $134,050. The average (mean) wage of $139,580 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a computer network architect a well paid job?
At $134,050 a year, a computer network architect earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 179,740 people work as computer network architects in the United States.
Which state pays computer network architects the most?
Washington has the highest median salary for computer network architects at $168,070 a year. New Jersey ($162,350) and Maryland ($159,460) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a computer network architect a good career?
Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 9,600 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a computer network architect?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for computer network architects as a bachelor's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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