How Much Does a Network Architect Make? (2025)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees a significant growth in job openings with 13% for network architect jobs from 2023 to 2033. This is a notable increase and is considered much faster compared to the average growth of other occupations. Taking advantage of this positive trend and understanding salary expectations for this role is beneficial to a company’s talent acquisition strategies.
According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for network architects in the United States for 2025 is $73,470. This salary guide provides a comprehensive overview of network architect salaries, job descriptions, FAQs, and job expectations.
What Does a Network Architect Do?
A network architect’s primary responsibility is to design, implement, and upgrade data communication networks, including intranets, wide area networks (WANs), and local area networks (LANs), for small offices to large companies.
Network architects, or computer network architects are responsible for the entire life cycle of a data communication network. He must oversee the whole process including everything from its design, creation, implementation, configuration, and upgrading.
This occupation typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer-related courses and especially experience in network and computer systems administration.
What is the Network Architect Salary Overview?
The projected average salary for network architects in the United States in 2025 is $73,470 per year or $35.32 per hour, representing a 1.0% increase from the 2024 average annual salary of $72,743.
According to Salary.com, a network architect’s salary ranges from $56,695 to $89,421 per year, with most earning between $64,343 and $81.473. The average salary per month is $6,062.
Network architects typically earn an average of $35 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $27 to $43. Moreover, the average weekly salary for network architects is $1,399, with weekly pay ranging from $1,090 to $1,720.
2025 Assistant Chef Average Salary: $73,470 ($35.32 per hour)
2024 Assistant Chef Average Salary: $72,743 per year ($35 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core compensation for a network architect is $73,953 per year, including salary and bonuses, and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $57,198 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,183 |
| 50th Percentile | $73,953 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,013 |
| 90th Percentile | $93,172 |
On the other hand, the average total compensation for network architects in the US is $105,643, according to Salary.com report. The total compensation package includes benefits like healthcare ($8,352), time off ($9,102), and Social Security ($5,567), which make up 21.9% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $72,743 | 68.9% |
| Bonus | $1,210 | 1.1% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $5,657 | 5.4% |
| 401K/403B | $3,106 | 2.9% |
| Disability | $1,479 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 7.9% |
| Pension | $3,993 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $9,102 | 8.6% |
| Total Compensation | $105,643 | 100% |
What Can Affect a Network Architect’s Salary?
Various factors such as experience level, geographic location, education, and skills can significantly influence the salary of network architects. Below is a breakdown of key salary components:
By Experience Level
Salary.com data shows that entry-level network architects with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $71,845. In contrast, network architects with eight or more years of experience, considered expert-level professionals, can expect to earn an average salary of $75,435.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Network Architect | $71,845 ($34.54 per hour) |
| Intermediate Level Network Architect | $72,742 ($34.97 per hour) |
| Senior Level Network Architect | $74,762 ($35.94 per hour) |
| Specialist Level Network Architect | $75,166 ($36.14 per hour) |
| Expert Level Network Architect | $75,435 ($36.27 per hour) |
By Geographic Location
Salary for network architects in the United States vary by geographic location due to key factors like cost of living, the local economy, and industry presence.
Among the hot cities in the United States, San Francisco reports the highest median salary at $90,923, while Miami and Dallas reflect lower median salaries at $70,193 and $71,793, respectively.
| Cities | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $80,423 | $90,923 | $101,833 |
| Washington, District of Columbia | $71,613 | $80,953 | $90,683 |
| Miami, Florida | $62,093 | $70,193 | $78,623 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $67,493 | $76,303 | $85,463 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $72,133 | $81,543 | $91,333 |
| New York, New York | $75,153 | $84,953 | $95,163 |
| Dallas, Texas | $63,513 | $71,793 | $80,413 |
By Skills
Gaining sought-after skills is an effective way to increase network architect salaries and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand network architect skills are operating system and project documentation with 8.38% and 6.38%, respectively.
On the other hand, essential skills such as project documentation and technical writing can increase the salary for network architects by 5.54% and 5.53%, respectively. The table below includes more in-demand skills for network architects and their respective influence on their salary:
| Skills | Demand (%) | Salary (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | 8.38% | +4.32% |
| Project Documentation | 6.38% | +5.54% |
| Virtual Private Network | 6.18% | +5.13% |
| Network Optimization | 6.18% | +4.29% |
| Network Analysis | 5.98% | +5.51% |
| Local Area Networks | 5.98% | +5.49% |
| Network Monitoring | 5.78% | +4.24% |
| Technical Writing | 5.58% | +5.53% |
By Education
Educational levels can influence the pay scale of network architects. Most network architects possess a bachelor’s degree (45.1%), followed by an associate’s degree (23.5%), and with a small percentage having a master's degree (17.6%).
| Degree Level | % of Users with this Level of Education |
|---|---|
| Associates | 23.5% |
| Bachelors | 45.1% |
| Masters | 17.6% |
How to Become a Network Architect?
To pursue a career as a network architect, concentrate on developing following key areas such as the following:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Enroll in an accredited institution offering computer-related degree programs to gain knowledge on network security, information security, and database design. These programs give network architects hands-on experience and prepare them to work with various technologies for building data communication networks.
- Gain relevant experience: Network architects typically need several years of work experience to master their craft in information technology (IT) systems. Some of them accomplish that by working in related occupations such as database administrators, information systems analysts, and network engineers.
- Develop necessary skills, training, and qualifications: A network architect must possess analytical, interpersonal, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, they may also acquire certification and licenses directly from vendors and product companies to increase their credibility.
What are the FAQs About Network Architects?
Here are some common questions about the network architect salary:
What does a network architect do?
A network architect in the United States is typically in charge of accomplishing the following tasks:
- Create plans, layouts, and designs for data communication systems.
- Present designs to the management, development team, and clients.
- Deploy approved designs and conduct necessary testing, troubleshooting, and upgrading to ensure smooth working conditions.
- Prepare documentation of the entire building process to help companies adapt.
How much do network architects earn?
According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for network architects a 1.0% increase from the 2024 average annual salary of $72,743.
Can you become a network architect without a degree?
Yes. Education requirements for becoming a network architect vary across the US. Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree, but some IT firms and companies also accept applicants with only an associate’s degree or none. However, it’s important to note that these applicants could have an edge with their related experience to the occupation.
Does network architecture require coding?
Yes. Since network architects typically need several years of experience working on IT systems and possess the skills of a database administrator or computer systems analyst, it would be a huge advantage to be proficient in coding.
