Computer network architects
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$130,390
~$63/hr · ~$10,866/mo
US Jobs
179K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
8/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 8/10
The core work of designing, documenting, and configuring networks is fundamentally digital and data-driven, making it highly susceptible to AI-driven automation and optimization tools. While physical hardware deployment and complex stakeholder management provide a slight buffer, AI is rapidly advancing in automated network topology design, security configuration, and predictive troubleshooting, which will significantly increase individual productivity and restructure the role.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NCBEST VALUE | $172,280 | Average (97.3) | $176,975 |
| Rochester, MN | $163,920 | Below avg (93.0) | $176,338 |
| Rapid City, SD | $150,370 | Below avg (90.3) | $166,528 |
| Boulder, CO | $162,320 | Average (100.6) | $161,329 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $144,160 | Below avg (90.1) | $160,016 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | $160,520 | Average (101.0) | $158,962 |
| Sheboygan, WI | $144,460 | Below avg (90.9) | $158,929 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $138,390 | Below avg (88.2) | $156,866 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $146,360 | Below avg (93.6) | $156,374 |
| Bloomington, IL | $143,200 | Below avg (92.1) | $155,451 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $174,120 | Above avg (113.1) | $154,008 |
| Binghamton, NY | $137,590 | Below avg (92.1) | $149,408 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $163,570 | Above avg (109.5) | $149,320 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $138,440 | Below avg (93.1) | $148,742 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $166,880 | Above avg (112.7) | $148,034 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+12% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$63/hr
Monthly Income
~$10,866/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)