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Information TechnologyTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Computer Network Architect

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.

Annual openings

711

BLS median wage

$139,230

Typical education

Flexible / varies by employer

10-year growth

+8%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

Flexible / varies by employer

Credential requirement

Getting certified in the appropriate or similar computer systems or network environment/toolset can usually help you get a job – however, it’s important to understand which certifications employers want to see on your resume. You can do this by looking at current job postings to see what certifications employers are requiring.

Credential detail

Certifications that are valued by some employers include: • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) • Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) • Security + • GIAC Security Essentials

Work experience

Two to five years as a Computer Network Engineer or significant experience in a related occupation.

Work-based learning

This job has been identified by employers as a key feeder role into a Cybersecurity career, with networking knowledge being considered as a foundation for many Cybersecurity jobs.

Remote work

Some companies (information technology companies for example) and jobs (such as call center support) offer the opportunity for staff to work remotely, including from rural locations. To see if a job offers this opportunity, please review job postings from job banks such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed or ConnectingColorado, and look for key words such as "location independent", "remote", "virtual", "telecommute", "flex" or for companies posting the same job in many locations.

Employer competency information

  • Problem Solving & Decision Making — Able to think about multiple systems (data, databases, applications, infrastructure) and how they interact when solving problems, addressing needs, and developing capabilities; meeting needs without causing problems (bringing network down); considering people, process, technology, and risks when making decisions and tradeoffs; being mindful of risks. Understanding how systems work including key elements such as data, databases, applications, and infrastructure; understanding the current system and how the system should work in the future given the businesses needs and technological options; understanding the major systems (databases, infrastructure) both individually and holistically.
  • Lifelong Learning — Interested and able to gather needed information and insights to handle new or novel systems requests (e.g., cloud applications) that reflect business needs (e.g., adding applications requires infrastructure change); identifying and thinking about future business needs and infrastructure solutions for those needs; learning about new technologies and how they can be useful.
  • Planning & Organizing — Work with and coordinate stakeholders (e.g., business, IT, database, applications, systems, security) to develop optimal, workable solutions to business needs; develop holistic designs that accommodate all key group’s needs; keep stakeholders up-to-date (e.g., meetings, white board sessions, e-mails) and engaged; ensure alignment from beginning to end.
  • Critical & Analytical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the best decision in a given situation by considering all the key issues at stake (cost, time, complexity, stability, supportability); identifying key risks, both of the current system and of potential changes, and managing and mitigating those risks, particularly those that can impact the business as a whole.
Got an Associate's Degree and certifications? LinkedIn identified that new Cybersecurity job holders were 3 times more likely to hold an Associate's degree than the average US worker. Getting an Associate's degree and obtaining in-demand industry certifications can be a good pathway into a Cybersecurity career.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

  • With kids/peopleOccasionally
  • On a computerOccasionally
  • Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
  • With your handsOccasionally

Interests it draws on

  • Technology
  • Networking

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
  2. Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
  3. Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
  4. Coordinate installation of new equipment.
  5. Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
  6. Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.