Computer Network Architects

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.

Most important skills

Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Complex Problem Solving
Programming
Systems Evaluation
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Systems Analysis

Key knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Telecommunications
English Language
Education and Training
Design
Customer and Personal Service
Mathematics

What the work involves

Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
Coordinate installation of new equipment.
Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.

Strongest interest areas (O*NET): Investigative, Conventional, Realistic.

Qualifications and licensing

Most common education: Bachelor's Degree (55% of respondents)
Related experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (35%)
On-the-job training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (26.3%)
Preparation level: O*NET job zone 4: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Licensing: Not yet verified. Check your state licensing board.

Check before planning

Licensing for Computer Network Architects is not yet verified for any state: check the state licensing board before planning.

Limits

Distributions show what current workers or occupational experts report, not legal minimums.
Requirements vary by employer and state; time to qualify is not estimated.

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections · dataset 2026.10.8 · method e3-qualification-1.0.0

Work environment

How the typical conditions of this occupation compare with 911 occupations in O*NET (very low = the lowest fifth).

Levels are relative. Most occupations involve a lot of contact with people, for example, so “very low” can still mean regular contact; the last column shows what workers actually reported.

Rankings compare typical U.S. occupation-level work conditions; individual jobs and employers vary. Data: O*NET 31.0 Work Context and BLS wages (May 2025).
Condition	Level	Compared with other occupations	Most common answer (O*NET survey)
Contact with others	Low	Lower on contact with others than 67% of occupations compared	50% of surveyed respondents chose “Constant contact with others”
Dealing with the public	Low	Lower on dealing with the public than 70% of occupations compared	30% of surveyed respondents chose “Fairly important”
Teamwork	Low	Lower on teamwork than 74% of occupations compared	35% of surveyed respondents chose “Extremely important”
Freedom to make decisions	Low	Lower on freedom to make decisions than 79% of occupations compared	55% of surveyed respondents chose “Some freedom”
Time pressure	Low	Lower on time pressure than 70% of occupations compared	55% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a month or more but not every week”
Conflict situations	Low	Lower on conflict situations than 79% of occupations compared	55% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a year or more but not every month”
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people	Moderate	Lower on dealing with unpleasant or angry people than 57% of occupations compared	50% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a month or more but not every week”
Consequence of error	High	Higher on consequence of error than 68% of occupations compared	30% of surveyed respondents chose “Extremely serious”

Work-pressure profile

Time pressure: low
Conflict situations: low
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people: moderate
Consequence of error: high

Each part is shown on its own. There is no combined stress score, and conditions vary by employer and role.

Full answer distributions