Computer Network Architects vs Computer Network Support
Median pay is about $58k higher for Computer Network Architects. The usual entry education is bachelor's for Computer Network Architects and associate's for Computer Network Support.
marks the higher pay or growth. Education, difficulty and the AI rows depend on what you want, so they are not marked.
| Measure | Computer Network Architects | Computer Network Support |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | ||
| Median pay | $134,050, higher | $76,220 |
| Entry pay 25th percentile | $104,620, higher | $58,240 |
| Experienced pay 75th percentile | $168,200, higher | $98,750 |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | ||
| Projected growth | +7.7% Growing fast, higher | +1.2% Growing |
| Openings a year | 9,600 | 9,000 |
| Getting in | ||
| Typical education | Bachelor's | Associate's |
| Difficulty modeled | 2.6 / 5 | 1.8 / 5 |
| AI | ||
| Displacement risk modeled | High | High |
| AI exposure modeled, percentile | 85th pct | 83rd pct |
Where the skills differ
Only Computer Network Architects
- Writing
Only Computer Network Support
- Monitoring
Both lean on critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, active learning.
More comparisons
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Pay and outlook: BLS (OEWS 2025, Employment Projections 2025-2035). Skills: O*NET 30.3. Difficulty, displacement risk and AI exposure are modeled estimates. How these numbers are made.