Computer Network Architects
What They Do:
- Develop disaster recovery plans.
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
- Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
- Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
Source: O*Net 2025
Sample Job Titles:
- Computer Network Technologist
- Network Analyst
- Network Consultant
- Network Systems Consultant
- Networking Systems Engineer
Source: O*Net 2025
Outlook in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)
Employment (Q1 2023) 2,453
Projected Annual Growth 0.9%
Average Entry Level Salary $98,292
Median Salary $143,561
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Supply-Demand Snapshot: Computer Network Architects (all levels)
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Preferred Certifications
(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)
- Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- IAT Level II Certification
- Secret Clearance
- Cisco Certified Network Professional
Top 10 Skills Requested
(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)
- Network Engineering
- Computer Science
- Network Routing
- Firewall
- Systems Engineering
- Automation
- Information Systems
- Local Area Networks
- Wide Area Networks
- Cyber Security
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Outlook in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)
Employment (Q1 2023) 8,921
Projected Annual Growth 0.1%
Average Entry Level Salary $97,953
Median Salary $160,340
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Supply-Demand Snapshot: Computer Network Architects (all levels)
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Preferred Certifications
(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)
- Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Cisco Certified Network Professional
- Security Clearance
- Secret Clearance
Top 10 Skills Requested
(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)
- Computer Science
- Network Engineering
- Network Routing
- Firewall
- Network Switches
- Automation
- Network Security
- Python (Programming Language)
- Wide Area Networks
- Local Area Networks
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Outlook in the Richmond, VA MSA MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)
Employment (Q1 2023) 820
Projected Annual Growth 0.4%
Average Entry Level Salary $76,707
Median Salary $129,706
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Supply-Demand Snapshot: Computer Network Architects (all levels)
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Preferred Certifications
(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Cisco Certified Network Professional
Top 10 Skills Requested
(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)
- Automation
- Computer Science
- Scripting
- Python
- Firewall
- Microsoft Azure
- Network Engineering
- AWS
- Project Management
- Network Infrastructure
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Largest Employers in the Region:
