Network Architect Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Network architects create layouts for data communications networks and upgrade hardware for companies and organizations to ensure their effective operation. Network architect positions are likely to grow 13 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than average, as companies move toward adopting IT networks [1]. As such, network architects are among the highest-paid professionals in the tech field. Learn more about this role and the various factors that may impact your salary as a network architect.

What is a network architect?

Network architects work for companies or organizations to design data communications networks, test and implement networks, upgrade hardware, and recommend technology upgrades. Network architects also manage and deploy local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets, aligning with the company's needs. They may also review current networks to improve or troubleshoot network issues. Network architects can work in a wide range of industries, including computer systems design, telecommunications, data processing, cloud computing, insurance, finance, and more. 

How much does a network architect make?

Based on data from various salary aggregate sites, the average annual pay for network architects ranges from $105,375 to $148,061 as of February 2025 [3, 4]. Network architect salaries from four salary websites are as follows [2, 3, 4, 5]:

Factors that may affect network architect salary

Factors such as your education level and experience in the field can boost your potential earnings. Where you live can also affect your salary, including the demand for network architects in your location or the cost of living in a particular area. Some industries and sectors may also offer higher salaries than others for this position.

Education

Network architect salary could depend on your education level, with master’s degree holders having the highest earning potential as a network architect. The difference in the average annual salary for a network architect based on education level is as follows [6]:

• High school diploma: $102,131

• Associate degree: $103,469

• Bachelor’s degree: $114,409

• Master’s degree: $118,608

Experience

Previous experience in a network architect or similar role can affect your earnings, as more experience in the field can lead to a higher annual income. Below, find the estimated average salary you can expect based on your experience [4]:

• 0–1 year: $118,398

• 1–3 years: $119,207

• 4–6 years: $124,509

• 7–9 years: $136,729

• 10–14 years: $155,367

• 15+ years: $167,953

Industry

You can work in various industries as a network architect, with some companies and organizations needing employees in this position more than others. Industries with the highest concentration of network architects and their annual mean wages are as follows [7]:

• Telecommunications: $114,290

• Monetary authorities: $142,230

• Computer systems design and related services: $140,550

• Computing infrastructure providers and related services: $143,310

• Communications equipment manufacturing: $127,290

Industries that offer the highest salaries for network architects include [7]:

• Information services: $181,890

• Motor vehicle manufacturing: $177,540

• Computer equipment manufacturing: $176,770

• Wholesale trade: $174,290

Location

Where you live can affect your earnings as a network architect, depending on the cost of living and demand for work in the area, as well as other regional factors.

The top five highest-paying states for network architects in the US are [7]:

• Washington: $159,130

• South Dakota: $154,370

• California: $153,300

• Maryland: $151,840

• Utah: $151,320

Some cities offer the opportunity for higher earnings than others based on the cost of living or the number of network architect positions. You can earn more if you live in one of these areas or are willing to relocate [7]:

• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California: $186,830

• San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California: $171,370

• Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Washington: $167,420

• Salt Lake City, Utah: $164,620

• Sioux City, Iowa-Nebraska-South Dakota: $164,210

Related job titles

Other positions related to network architecture can help you gain additional experience, or you can find a job that better fits your interests if you don’t want to become a network architect.

A computer hardware engineer designs, develops, and tests computer components or systems. You can earn a median annual wage of $138,080 as a computer hardware engineer [9].

You may also want to work as a network and computer systems administrator, which involves installing, configuring, and maintaining computer networks and systems. In this role, you can expect to earn a median annual wage of $95,360 [10].

Network architect job outlook

Network architect positions are projected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033, above the national average of 4 percent for all occupations [2]. You can expect about 23,900 new openings in the field from 2023 to 2033 [2].

Positions for network architects will continue to grow as companies and organizations design and deploy new information technology networks or update existing networks.

Getting started as a network architect on Coursera

Network architects design and implement computer networks. Whether you are starting a career as a network architect or continuing your training in the field, obtaining new knowledge and skills can help you earn higher salaries.

If you want to learn more about network systems, you can also consider the Akamai Network Engineering Professional Certificate on Coursera. The program covers database management, network theory, and security management.