Computer Network Architect

O*NET: Computer Network Architects·15-1241.00

The Verdict:AI network design tools now generate configurations, optimize capacity, and predict issues, automating routine architecture tasks. Humans handle stakeholder alignment, custom integration, and oversight, but AI is rapidly closing gaps in complex modeling. Demand persists for seniors, yet teams accomplish more with fewer amid accelerating automation.

Resilience Score

/100

Moderate Risk

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$130k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+11.9%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 11 of 33 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

33%

Moderate exposure

Task Analysis

This role has a mixed AI profile.
11 tasks are automatable, 42% reward AI fluency, and 8 remain human-essential.

Read the action plan for high-risk roles

11exposed

14AI leverage

8human-essential

View all 33 tasks

AI Can Handle This11 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.

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.

Develop network-related documentation.

Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.

Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.

Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.

Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.

Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.

Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.

Develop or maintain project reporting systems.

Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.

AI Leverage14 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

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.

Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.

Coordinate installation of new equipment.

Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.

Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.

Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.

Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.

Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.

Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.

Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.

Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.

Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.

Human Advantage8 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.

Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.

Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.

Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.

Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.

Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.

Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.

Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.

Resilience Landscape

Computer Network Architect lands in Well-Paid, High Risk

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Resilience Landscape

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