How long does it take to become a computer network architect?

Typically about four years for the degree, then 5 years or more of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do computer network architects make?

The US median is $134,050 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a computer network architect?

Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.

Where can you train to become a computer network architect?

1,916 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a computer network architect

Computers & IT · SOC 15-1241

$134,050US median pay, 2025

+7.7%Projected growth, 2025–35

9,600Openings per year

Degree + experienceUsual way in

How you get in

Not an entry-level job: it usually takes a degree plus years of related work.

Bachelor's degree
5 years or more of experience in a related job
Work as a computer network architect

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Computer and Information Sciences, General	CIP 11.0101	866
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance	CIP 11.1003	765
Information Technology	CIP 11.0103	629
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications	CIP 11.0901	464
Computer Engineering, General	CIP 14.0901	294
Network and System Administration/Administrator	CIP 11.1001	205
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst	CIP 11.0501	89
Cloud Computing	CIP 11.0902	35
Computer Engineering, Other	CIP 14.0999	17

See the 1,916 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a computer network architect?: Typically about four years for the degree, then 5 years or more of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do computer network architects make?: The US median is $134,050 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a computer network architect?: Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.
Where can you train to become a computer network architect?: 1,916 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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