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Associate Degree Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less - All On One Page.

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary and including percentage of job holders with Associate's Degree or less.

An associate's degree can open doors to skilled technical, healthcare, and business support roles without the time commitment of a four-year degree. For people who want a faster, more affordable path into a stable career. Compare careers ranked by salary, review degree-holder and experience percentages, and access preparation resources for each role.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link.

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select a career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.



Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs External Link
What jobs can you get with an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are careers related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 484 specific careers are listed, with matching jobs currently available. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those careers that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers / (38.99%) / ($219,140)
Computer and Information Systems Managers / (35.15%) / ($169,510)
Clinical Research Coordinators / (33.77%) / ($157,740)
Air Traffic Controllers / (78.05%) / ($137,380)
Purchasing Managers / (36.84%) / ($136,380)
Loss Prevention Managers / (40.91%) / ($133,560)
Wind Energy Operations Managers / (65.24%) / ($133,560)
Computer Network Architects / (35.00%) / ($129,840)
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators / (84.67%) / ($120,350)
Industrial Production Managers / (70.50%) / ($116,970)
Geothermal Production Managers / (80.39%) / ($116,970)
Biofuels Production Managers / (47.96%) / ($116,970)
Biomass Power Plant Managers / (38.51%) / ($116,970)
Hydroelectric Production Managers / (77.90%) / ($116,970)
Commercial Pilots / (98.19%) / ($113,080)
Mechatronics Engineers / (32.67%) / ($111,970)
Solar Energy Systems Engineers / (40.74%) / ($111,970)
Administrative Services Managers / (71.74%) / ($106,470)
Web Administrators / (40.00%) / ($104,920)
Information Security Engineers / (47.37%) / ($104,920)
Blockchain Engineers / (37.50%) / ($104,920)
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects / (72.73%) / ($104,920)
Information Technology Project Managers / (33.33%) / ($104,920)
Construction Managers / (55.00%) / ($104,900)
Power Distributors and Dispatchers / (94.36%) / ($104,750)
Computer Systems Analysts / (56.64%) / ($103,800)
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / (99.66%) / ($102,420)
Facilities Managers / (92.59%) / ($102,340)
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / (47.05%) / ($101,800)
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / (80.58%) / ($101,750)
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / (84.15%) / ($101,740)
General and Operations Managers / (72.41%) / ($101,280)
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects / (36.84%) / ($100,270)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products / (58.63%) / ($99,710)
Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / (67.01%) / ($99,710)
Mechanical Engineers / (47.22%) / ($99,510)
Special Effects Artists and Animators / (46.91%) / ($99,060)
Video Game Designers / (45.00%) / ($98,540)
Radiation Therapists / (62.46%) / ($98,300)
Power Plant Operators / (87.46%) / ($97,010)
Biomass Plant Technicians / (90.28%) / ($97,010)
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians / (93.13%) / ($97,010)
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay / (97.61%) / ($96,600)
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / (100.00%) / ($94,580)
Ship Engineers / (81.03%) / ($94,270)
Nuclear Medicine Technologists / (68.68%) / ($92,500)
Police Identification and Records Officers / (75.14%) / ($91,100)
Labor Relations Specialists / (33.32%) / ($89,980)
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels / (90.68%) / ($88,730)
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / (86.55%) / ($88,670)
Dental Hygienists / (75.18%) / ($87,530)
Aviation Inspectors / (96.07%) / ($87,290)
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / (100.00%) / ($87,290)
Registered Nurses / (42.65%) / ($86,070)
Critical Care Nurses / (35.71%) / ($86,070)
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / (97.19%) / ($85,420)
Web Developers / (50.01%) / ($84,960)
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes / (41.87%) / ($84,900)
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / (42.07%) / ($84,570)
Subway and Streetcar Operators / (100.00%) / ($84,270)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / (86.96%) / ($83,740)
Signal and Track Switch Repairers / (100.00%) / ($82,710)
Gas Plant Operators / (100.00%) / ($82,560)
Producers and Directors / (43.30%) / ($82,510)
Media Programming Directors / (48.00%) / ($82,510)
Talent Directors / (30.75%) / ($82,510)
Gambling Managers / (93.26%) / ($82,380)
Technical Writers / (58.04%) / ($80,050)
Online Merchants / (58.72%) / ($79,590)
Fashion Designers / (49.34%) / ($79,290)
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment / (85.65%) / ($79,160)
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians / (92.08%) / ($77,830)
Avionics Technicians / (96.67%) / ($77,420)
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents / (34.85%) / ($76,900)
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers / (89.50%) / ($76,760)
Solar Energy Installation Managers / (93.70%) / ($76,760)
Commercial and Industrial Designers / (32.08%) / ($76,250)
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / (57.51%) / ($76,210)
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers / (90.39%) / ($75,820)
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / (60.66%) / ($75,670)
Coroners / (40.00%) / ($75,670)
Funeral Home Managers / (93.51%) / ($75,660)
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators / (39.64%) / ($75,050)
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians / (99.37%) / ($75,020)
Search Marketing Strategists / (52.18%) / ($74,680)
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage / (98.53%) / ($74,520)
Fire Inspectors and Investigators / (95.76%) / ($74,160)
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers / (50.00%) / ($73,690)
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / (90.91%) / ($73,500)
Photonics Technicians / (81.82%) / ($73,500)
Customs and Border Protection Officers / (70.66%) / ($72,280)
Transit and Railroad Police / (65.67%) / ($72,250)
Wellhead Pumpers / (100.00%) / ($71,830)
Computer Network Support Specialists / (49.70%) / ($71,530)
Boilermakers / (100.01%) / ($71,140)
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / (100.00%) / ($71,130)
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / (89.30%) / ($70,530)
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants / (80.15%) / ($70,310)
Athletes and Sports Competitors / (75.54%) / ($70,280)
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door / (98.56%) / ($70,100)
Loan Officers / (30.14%) / ($69,990)
Electrical and Electronics Drafters / (57.47%) / ($69,260)
Surveyors / (52.63%) / ($68,540)
Flight Attendants / (87.65%) / ($68,370)
Construction and Building Inspectors / (80.00%) / ($67,700)
Energy Auditors / (75.86%) / ($67,700)
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators / (100.00%) / ($67,640)
Occupational Therapy Assistants / (96.81%) / ($67,010)
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment / (100.00%) / ($66,680)
Roof Bolters, Mining / (100.00%) / ($66,660)
Film and Video Editors / (34.31%) / ($66,600)
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / (93.42%) / ($66,170)
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers / (87.18%) / ($65,930)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / (66.12%) / ($65,630)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / (32.71%) / ($65,130)
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians / (79.71%) / ($65,080)
Robotics Technicians / (77.27%) / ($65,080)
Rail Car Repairers / (99.99%) / ($65,030)
Forensic Science Technicians / (65.60%) / ($64,940)
Crane and Tower Operators / (100.00%) / ($64,690)
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic / (99.17%) / ($64,190)
Physical Therapist Assistants / (84.16%) / ($64,080)
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / (100.00%) / ($64,070)
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (63.49%) / ($64,020)
Automotive Engineering Technicians / (59.25%) / ($64,020)
Midwives / (41.58%) / ($63,630)
Pile Driver Operators / (100.01%) / ($63,550)
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers / (53.45%) / ($63,450)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers / (98.14%) / ($63,440)
Food Service Managers / (90.26%) / ($63,060)
Millwrights / (100.00%) / ($62,980)
Health Education Specialists / (64.77%) / ($62,860)
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers / (73.63%) / ($62,510)
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic / (100.01%) / ($62,270)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary / (67.55%) / ($62,060)
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines / (100.01%) / ($61,900)
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / (100.00%) / ($61,870)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / (93.10%) / ($61,800)
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / (91.08%) / ($61,770)
Wind Turbine Service Technicians / (100.01%) / ($61,770)
Electricians / (98.70%) / ($61,590)
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters / (100.00%) / ($61,590)
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / (100.01%) / ($61,550)
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / (77.54%) / ($61,550)
Tool and Die Makers / (100.00%) / ($61,490)
Continuous Mining Machine Operators / (100.00%) / ($61,420)
Industrial Machinery Mechanics / (100.01%) / ($61,420)
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers / (90.24%) / ($61,310)
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / (84.35%) / ($61,240)
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / (93.54%) / ($61,210)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants / (43.47%) / ($60,970)
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians / (81.66%) / ($60,700)
Medical Equipment Repairers / (99.99%) / ($60,670)
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / (99.99%) / ($60,170)
Brokerage Clerks / (61.77%) / ($60,150)
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / (88.91%) / ($59,730)
Brickmasons and Blockmasons / (99.99%) / ($59,640)
Postal Service Clerks / (100.00%) / ($59,570)
Sound Engineering Technicians / (72.00%) / ($59,430)
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / (64.62%) / ($59,300)
Computer User Support Specialists / (48.31%) / ($59,240)
Insurance Sales Agents / (53.10%) / ($59,080)
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists / (99.99%) / ($58,970)
Chefs and Head Cooks / (91.67%) / ($58,920)
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / (81.54%) / ($58,920)
Sheet Metal Workers / (100.01%) / ($58,780)
Hearing Aid Specialists / (43.26%) / ($58,670)
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / (98.23%) / ($58,620)
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / (62.46%) / ($58,530)
Quality Control Analysts / (72.10%) / ($58,350)
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / (99.99%) / ($58,210)
Watch and Clock Repairers / (98.31%) / ($58,140)
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians / (42.85%) / ($57,920)
Maintenance Workers, Machinery / (97.42%) / ($57,350)
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers / (65.10%) / ($57,320)
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / (100.00%) / ($57,070)
Biofuels Processing Technicians / (100.00%) / ($56,940)
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners / (59.20%) / ($56,920)
Chemical Technicians / (56.26%) / ($56,750)
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / (99.99%) / ($56,660)
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / (100.00%) / ($56,430)
Carpenters / (100.00%) / ($56,350)
Postal Service Mail Carriers / (100.00%) / ($56,330)
Riggers / (100.00%) / ($56,220)
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($56,160)
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / (100.00%) / ($55,750)
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers / (61.33%) / ($55,740)
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers / (95.18%) / ($55,700)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / (100.00%) / ($54,890)
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / (82.35%) / ($54,690)
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / (88.58%) / ($54,580)
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / (99.99%) / ($54,320)
Embalmers / (86.37%) / ($54,090)
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists / (75.97%) / ($54,080)
Tire Builders / (99.47%) / ($54,080)
Insulation Workers, Mechanical / (100.01%) / ($53,920)
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / (100.01%) / ($53,900)
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / (82.43%) / ($53,550)
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / (100.01%) / ($53,440)
Correctional Officers and Jailers / (100.00%) / ($53,300)
Bailiffs / (99.99%) / ($53,040)
Plasterers and Stucco Masons / (100.00%) / ($52,640)
Costume Attendants / (68.86%) / ($52,370)
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks / (68.16%) / ($52,240)
Traffic Technicians / (88.33%) / ($52,240)
Choreographers / (76.18%) / ($52,000)
Forest and Conservation Technicians / (85.19%) / ($51,880)
Stonemasons / (100.00%) / ($51,830)
Audio and Video Technicians / (57.32%) / ($51,640)
Biological Technicians / (31.37%) / ($51,430)
Desktop Publishers / (61.30%) / ($51,290)
Airfield Operations Specialists / (49.14%) / ($51,140)
Glaziers / (100.01%) / ($51,100)
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / (88.76%) / ($51,030)
Machinists / (100.00%) / ($50,840)
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / (99.99%) / ($50,720)
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants / (93.00%) / ($50,680)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / (31.83%) / ($50,660)
Dredge Operators / (100.00%) / ($50,440)
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / (68.62%) / ($50,270)
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / (92.80%) / ($50,270)
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($50,250)
Directors, Religious Activities and Education / (36.68%) / ($50,140)
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / (100.00%) / ($50,050)
Transportation Security Screeners / (100.00%) / ($50,020)
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($49,990)
Private Detectives and Investigators / (57.84%) / ($49,540)
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / (100.01%) / ($49,230)
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($49,210)
Bridge and Lock Tenders / (100.00%) / ($49,120)
Food Science Technicians / (52.50%) / ($49,090)
Tree Trimmers and Pruners / (100.00%) / ($49,070)
Tax Preparers / (76.20%) / ($49,010)
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($48,980)
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / (99.05%) / ($48,940)
Tile and Stone Setters / (100.00%) / ($48,910)
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / (100.01%) / ($48,900)
Public Safety Telecommunicators / (95.26%) / ($48,890)
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / (99.99%) / ($48,840)
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / (95.84%) / ($48,840)
Solar Photovoltaic Installers / (84.97%) / ($48,800)
Proofreaders and Copy Markers / (52.69%) / ($48,790)
Automotive Body and Related Repairers / (99.99%) / ($48,740)
Pourers and Casters, Metal / (100.00%) / ($48,690)
Patternmakers, Wood / (100.00%) / ($48,630)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / (96.78%) / ($48,550)
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / (100.00%) / ($48,480)
Paperhangers / (100.00%) / ($48,460)
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / (100.00%) / ($48,410)
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / (94.78%) / ($48,380)
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / (92.30%) / ($48,380)
Cargo and Freight Agents / (69.25%) / ($48,330)
Freight Forwarders / (41.92%) / ($48,330)
Logging Equipment Operators / (100.00%) / ($48,240)
Agricultural Inspectors / (87.88%) / ($48,010)
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / (100.00%) / ($47,950)
Floor Sanders and Finishers / (100.00%) / ($47,760)
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / (65.40%) / ($47,710)
Painters, Construction and Maintenance / (98.15%) / ($47,700)
Dental Laboratory Technicians / (92.45%) / ($47,690)
Animal Breeders / (95.94%) / ($47,540)
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / (100.00%) / ($47,540)
Carpet Installers / (100.00%) / ($47,520)
Neurodiagnostic Technologists / (83.87%) / ($47,470)
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists / (75.00%) / ($47,470)
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / (84.34%) / ($47,450)
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / (81.29%) / ($47,440)
Models / (96.06%) / ($47,430)
Travel Agents / (85.65%) / ($47,410)
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / (85.70%) / ($47,390)
Loan Interviewers and Clerks / (61.75%) / ($47,380)
Highway Maintenance Workers / (100.00%) / ($47,360)
Pipelayers / (100.00%) / ($47,330)
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($47,250)
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (81.16%) / ($47,200)
Home Appliance Repairers / (100.01%) / ($47,170)
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (90.27%) / ($47,110)
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($47,040)
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / (99.99%) / ($46,910)
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / (93.41%) / ($46,900)
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / (92.98%) / ($46,860)
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / (92.91%) / ($46,850)
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / (99.58%) / ($46,730)
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General / (98.46%) / ($46,700)
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers / (89.61%) / ($46,690)
Procurement Clerks / (67.27%) / ($46,670)
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / (87.75%) / ($46,650)
Dental Assistants / (100.00%) / ($46,540)
Rock Splitters, Quarry / (81.02%) / ($46,530)
Geothermal Technicians / (100.00%) / ($46,500)
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / (61.91%) / ($46,480)
Motorboat Operators / (85.14%) / ($46,420)
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / (100.00%) / ($46,340)
Motorcycle Mechanics / (89.26%) / ($46,270)
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($46,100)
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / (100.00%) / ($45,850)
Semiconductor Processing Technicians / (99.68%) / ($45,850)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / (100.00%) / ($45,760)
Bus Drivers, School / (100.00%) / ($45,660)
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / (98.16%) / ($45,640)
Log Graders and Scalers / (100.00%) / ($45,600)
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles / (100.00%) / ($45,570)
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($45,560)
Helpers--Extraction Workers / (100.01%) / ($45,520)
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($45,350)
Self-Enrichment Teachers / (45.76%) / ($45,330)
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers / (99.99%) / ($45,320)
Construction Laborers / (100.00%) / ($45,300)
Medical Equipment Preparers / (82.92%) / ($45,280)
Prepress Technicians and Workers / (94.79%) / ($45,070)
Model Makers, Wood / (85.67%) / ($45,040)
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / (100.00%) / ($44,980)
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / (59.63%) / ($44,890)
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / (99.99%) / ($44,890)
New Accounts Clerks / (100.00%) / ($44,630)
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (92.88%) / ($44,620)
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($44,510)
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / (57.73%) / ($44,490)
Endoscopy Technicians / (100.01%) / ($44,490)
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / (100.00%) / ($44,470)
Fence Erectors / (99.99%) / ($44,410)
Foundry Mold and Coremakers / (100.00%) / ($44,300)
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / (89.01%) / ($44,280)
Bill and Account Collectors / (78.88%) / ($44,250)
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($44,240)
Opticians, Dispensing / (100.00%) / ($44,170)
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / (100.00%) / ($44,140)
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / (100.00%) / ($44,030)
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / (89.60%) / ($43,740)
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / (99.99%) / ($43,540)
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / (99.03%) / ($43,310)
Potters, Manufacturing / (77.39%) / ($43,310)
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / (99.49%) / ($43,270)
Skincare Specialists / (78.15%) / ($43,200)
Agricultural Technicians / (63.19%) / ($43,180)
Precision Agriculture Technicians / (60.87%) / ($43,180)
Animal Control Workers / (96.15%) / ($43,170)
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / (90.92%) / ($42,800)
Upholsterers / (100.00%) / ($42,730)
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (96.10%) / ($42,670)
Cooks, Private Household / (100.00%) / ($42,590)
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / (93.77%) / ($42,470)
Light Truck Drivers / (100.00%) / ($42,470)
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($42,420)
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($42,400)
Correspondence Clerks / (88.39%) / ($42,120)
Medical Assistants / (82.53%) / ($42,000)
Printing Press Operators / (100.00%) / ($41,860)
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / (100.00%) / ($41,780)
Order Clerks / (87.93%) / ($41,600)
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($41,600)
Social and Human Service Assistants / (44.61%) / ($41,410)
Photographers / (81.82%) / ($40,760)
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants / (99.99%) / ($40,640)
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / (99.42%) / ($40,610)
Office Clerks, General / (99.76%) / ($40,480)
Pharmacy Technicians / (96.16%) / ($40,300)
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / (98.84%) / ($40,300)
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / (100.00%) / ($40,230)
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / (99.36%) / ($40,200)
Etchers and Engravers / (99.99%) / ($40,040)
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($39,850)
Furniture Finishers / (100.00%) / ($39,790)
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / (89.25%) / ($39,780)
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (96.57%) / ($39,740)
Psychiatric Technicians / (68.09%) / ($39,700)
Agricultural Equipment Operators / (99.99%) / ($39,690)
Customer Service Representatives / (85.79%) / ($39,680)
Tutors / (54.54%) / ($39,580)
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / (89.50%) / ($39,360)
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($39,340)
Library Technicians / (68.58%) / ($39,310)
Conveyor Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($39,260)
Machine Feeders and Offbearers / (100.00%) / ($39,250)
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / (100.00%) / ($39,210)
Psychiatric Aides / (95.92%) / ($39,160)
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / (100.00%) / ($38,980)
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($38,940)
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / (100.00%) / ($38,870)
Animal Trainers / (98.25%) / ($38,810)
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($38,550)
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / (100.00%) / ($38,520)
Food Batchmakers / (99.99%) / ($38,460)
Helpers--Electricians / (98.70%) / ($38,340)
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($38,330)
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / (98.28%) / ($38,260)
Nursing Assistants / (87.36%) / ($38,200)
Slaughterers and Meat Packers / (100.00%) / ($38,160)
File Clerks / (91.72%) / ($38,130)
Print Binding and Finishing Workers / (100.01%) / ($38,100)
Telephone Operators / (100.00%) / ($38,080)
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / (100.00%) / ($38,000)
Residential Advisors / (59.02%) / ($37,950)
Data Entry Keyers / (100.00%) / ($37,790)
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / (91.17%) / ($37,720)
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($37,660)
Recycling and Reclamation Workers / (91.99%) / ($37,660)
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / (90.30%) / ($37,650)
Butchers and Meat Cutters / (100.00%) / ($37,650)
Tellers / (91.68%) / ($37,640)
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / (82.57%) / ($37,450)
Counter and Rental Clerks / (79.75%) / ($37,400)
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / (55.21%) / ($37,380)
Concierges / (90.91%) / ($37,150)
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / (62.81%) / ($37,130)
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($37,130)
Security Guards / (98.04%) / ($37,070)
Medical Transcriptionists / (100.00%) / ($37,060)
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($37,040)
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / (100.00%) / ($37,010)
Occupational Therapy Aides / (98.20%) / ($36,970)
Demonstrators and Product Promoters / (99.34%) / ($36,970)
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($36,970)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / (100.00%) / ($36,880)
Parts Salespersons / (86.38%) / ($36,860)
Orderlies / (100.00%) / ($36,830)
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / (96.96%) / ($36,750)
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers / (99.97%) / ($36,710)
Helpers--Production Workers / (92.38%) / ($36,700)
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / (90.54%) / ($36,650)
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($36,620)
Craft Artists / (86.96%) / ($36,600)
Dietetic Technicians / (93.29%) / ($36,520)
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / (99.54%) / ($36,440)
Crossing Guards and Flaggers / (100.00%) / ($36,370)
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / (98.70%) / ($36,300)
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / (82.36%) / ($36,230)
Pharmacy Aides / (100.00%) / ($36,200)
Gambling Cage Workers / (100.00%) / ($36,110)
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / (100.00%) / ($36,020)
Receptionists and Information Clerks / (100.00%) / ($35,840)
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / (80.95%) / ($35,820)
Cooks, Restaurant / (99.99%) / ($35,780)
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / (94.81%) / ($35,620)
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / (100.00%) / ($35,530)
Driver/Sales Workers / (100.00%) / ($35,420)
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / (100.01%) / ($35,340)
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / (93.22%) / ($35,320)
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs / (99.83%) / ($35,240)
Motion Picture Projectionists / (89.90%) / ($35,160)
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / (99.77%) / ($35,120)
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / (75.92%) / ($35,020)
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / (100.00%) / ($34,910)
Baggage Porters and Bellhops / (100.01%) / ($34,840)
Packers and Packagers, Hand / (100.00%) / ($34,830)
Telemarketers / (100.00%) / ($34,480)
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / (75.14%) / ($34,470)
Sewing Machine Operators / (99.99%) / ($34,440)
Recreation Workers / (37.90%) / ($34,410)
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / (100.00%) / ($34,360)
Manicurists and Pedicurists / (100.00%) / ($34,250)
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / (99.99%) / ($34,150)
Cooks, Short Order / (100.01%) / ($34,130)
Library Assistants, Clerical / (95.43%) / ($34,020)
Forest and Conservation Workers / (57.20%) / ($33,940)
Funeral Attendants / (88.97%) / ($33,850)
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / (100.00%) / ($33,820)
Retail Salespersons / (96.00%) / ($33,680)
Physical Therapist Aides / (81.30%) / ($33,520)
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / (89.15%) / ($33,450)
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / (89.23%) / ($33,450)
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / (100.00%) / ($33,230)
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / (87.18%) / ($33,110)
Parking Attendants / (99.04%) / ($32,840)
Food Preparation Workers / (95.85%) / ($32,420)
Gambling Dealers / (100.00%) / ($32,240)
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / (85.85%) / ($32,240)
Sewers, Hand / (99.48%) / ($32,240)
Waiters and Waitresses / (100.00%) / ($31,940)
Bartenders / (98.88%) / ($31,510)
Dishwashers / (100.00%) / ($31,200)
Animal Caretakers / (86.63%) / ($31,200)
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / (100.00%) / ($31,180)
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / (95.41%) / ($30,790)
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / (98.78%) / ($30,380)
Childcare Workers / (91.29%) / ($30,370)
Nannies / (96.00%) / ($30,370)
Cashiers / (100.00%) / ($29,720)
Fast Food and Counter Workers / (99.96%) / ($29,540)
Shampooers / (100.00%) / ($29,530)
Amusement and Recreation Attendants / (98.57%) / ($29,390)
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / (86.88%) / ($29,220)
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / (100.01%) / ($29,170)
Dancers / (100.01%) / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Computer Network Architects.

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Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Computer Network Architects" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.




Computer Network Architects

Description: 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.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
165,200
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
174,200
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
9,000 (5.5%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
11,000
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Computer Network Architects":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Develop disaster recovery plans.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Develop network-related documentation.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Coordinate installation of new equipment.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Develop or maintain project reporting systems.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
Analyze website or related online data to track trends or usage.
Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
Communicate project information to others.
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Configure computer networks.
Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
Coordinate software or hardware installation.
Design integrated computer systems.
Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
Develop information communication procedures.
Develop models of information or communications systems.
Develop specifications for computer network operation.
Develop testing routines or procedures.
Document network-related activities or tasks.
Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects.
Evaluate project designs to determine adequacy or feasibility.
Install computer hardware.
Install computer software.
Maintain computer hardware.
Maintain computer networks to enhance performance and user access.
Maintain contingency plans for disaster recovery.
Manage budgets for appropriate resource allocation.
Manage documentation to ensure organization or accuracy.
Manage financial activities of the organization.
Modify software programs to improve performance.
Monitor the performance of computer networks.
Provide technical support for computer network issues.
Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
Resolve computer network problems.
Supervise information technology personnel.
Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
Test computer hardware performance.
Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Technology Design: Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on the design or use of technologies.
Activity: Analyze data to improve operations.
Activity: Analyze market or industry conditions.
Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details.
Activity: Coordinate regulatory compliance activities.
Activity: Coordinate with others to resolve problems.
Activity: Design computer or information systems or applications.
Activity: Develop contingency or emergency response plans.
Activity: Develop models of systems, processes, or products.
Activity: Develop operational or technical procedures or standards.
Activity: Develop technical specifications for products or operations.
Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures.
Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities.
Activity: Document technical designs, procedures, or activities.
Activity: Estimate project development or operational costs.
Activity: Evaluate project feasibility.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment.
Activity: Manage budgets or finances.
Activity: Monitor operation of computer or information technologies.
Activity: Research technology designs or applications.
Activity: Resolve computer problems.
Activity: Set up computer systems, networks, or other information systems.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Activity: Test performance of computer or information systems.
Activity: Train others to use equipment or products.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Configuration management software:
IBM Terraform
Data base user interface and query software:
Amazon Web Services AWS software
Structured query language SQL
Development environment software:
Microsoft Azure software
Microsoft PowerShell
Expert system software:
Ansible software
Object or component oriented development software:
Oracle Java
Python
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software:
Linux
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Switch or router software:
Border Gateway Protocol BGP
Widely Used Tech Skills
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software:
Firewall software
Emerging Tech Skills
Analytical or scientific software:
The MathWorks MATLAB
Application server software (scroll table below):
Docker
GitHub
Microsoft Windows Server
Red Hat OpenShift
Spring Boot
Business intelligence and data analysis software:
Apache Spark
Tableau
Cloud-based management software:
Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
IBM WebSphere MQ
Splunk Enterprise
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk Revit
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Configuration management software:
Chef
Puppet
Content workflow software:
Atlassian JIRA
Data base management system software (scroll table below):
Amazon DynamoDB
Apache Cassandra
Apache Hadoop
Apache Hive
Elasticsearch
MongoDB
MySQL
NoSQL
Oracle PL/SQL
Teradata Database
Data base reporting software:
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below):
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
Amazon Redshift
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Oracle Database
Transact-SQL
Development environment software (scroll table below):
Apache Kafka
Apache Maven
C
Eclipse IDE
Go
Microsoft .NET Framework
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Studio
Ruby
Document management software:
Microsoft SharePoint
Enterprise application integration software:
Extensible markup language XML
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
File versioning software:
Apache Subversion SVN
Git
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcGIS software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Internet directory services software:
Microsoft Active Directory
Object or component oriented development software (scroll table below):
C#
C++
jQuery
Perl
Scala
Swift
Object oriented data base management software:
Hibernate ORM
PostgreSQL
Operating system software (scroll table below):
Apple macOS
Bash
Google Android
Microsoft Windows
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Shell script
UNIX
UNIX Shell
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Program testing software:
JUnit
Selenium
Project management software:
Atlassian Confluence
Microsoft Project
Video conferencing software:
Cisco Webex
Video creation and editing software:
Adobe After Effects
Web platform development software (scroll table below):
AJAX
Apache Tomcat
Cascading style sheets CSS
Django
Google Angular
Hypertext markup language HTML
JavaScript
JavaScript Object Notation JSON
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Microsoft ASP.NET
Node.js
PHP
Spring Framework
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Access software:
Access management software
Citrix cloud computing software
Remote access software
Administration software (scroll table below):
Aruba Networks AirWave
Asset management administration software
Cisco Systems CiscoWorks
Cisco Systems CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution
Cisco Systems Wireless Control System WCS
Element management software
Infoblox security and networking software
Lucent VitalSuite
NetIQ
Netreo OmniCenter
Network documentation software
Riverbed Technology
Simple network management protocol SNMP software
Analytical or scientific software:
Discrete event simulation software
Minitab
Root cause analysis software
Application server software:
Citrix XenApp
Oracle WebLogic Server
Red Hat WildFly
Authentication server software:
Microsoft Forefront Identify Manager
Backup or archival software:
Computer Associates ArcServ Backup
System and data disaster recovery software
Veritas NetBackup
Bridge software:
Network bridge software
Business intelligence and data analysis software:
IBM Cognos Impromptu
MicroStrategy
Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
Qlik Tech QlikView
Cloud-based management software:
IBM WebSphere
Cloud-based protection or security software:
SolarWinds
Clustering software:
VMware
Communications server software:
Email management software
IBM Domino
Computer aided design CAD software:
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Configuration management software (scroll table below):
Application management software
Automated installation software
Logical partition LPAR software
Patch and update management software
Perforce Helix software
Software distribution software
Data base management system software:
Apache Pig
Apache Solr
Relational database management software
Data base reporting software:
Network reporting software
Data base user interface and query software:
Oracle JDBC
Desktop communications software:
BroadSoft BroadWorks
Development environment software (scroll table below):
Adobe ActionScript
Apache Ant
Common business oriented language COBOL
Integrated development environment IDE software
Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
National Instruments LabVIEW
Oracle Java Enterprise Edition EE
Systems and applications migration software
Verilog
Electronic mail software:
IBM Notes
Microsoft Exchange
Enterprise application integration software:
Atlassian Bamboo
IBM InfoSphere DataStage
Oracle Fusion Middleware
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
Microsoft Dynamics
Oracle Fusion Applications
Enterprise system management software:
IBM Power Systems software
Financial analysis software:
Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Helpdesk or call center software:
Help desk software
Ticket information tracking software
Human resources software:
Human resource management software HRMS
Industrial control software:
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Instant messaging software:
Blink
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Internet directory services software:
Domain name system DNS
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software:
Multiprotocol Label Switching MPLS
Open Shortest Path First OSPF
Session Initiation Protocol SIP
Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
LAN software:
Local area network LAN software
Metadata management software:
Quest Erwin Data Modeler
Network monitoring software (scroll table below):
AirMagnet Enterprise
Compaq Insight Manager
Dynatrace
Ethereal
Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold
Micro Focus OpenView
Multi-router traffic grapher MRTG software
Nagios
NetScout InfinitiStream Console
Network and application load and performance testing software
Network and component performance analysis software
Network availability monitoring software
Network intrusion prevention systems NIPS
Network modeling, mapping, and analysis software
Network traffic flow monitoring and analysis software
Network traffic probe software
Online traffic calculator software
Packet analysis software
Packet tracing software
Snort
Symantec Intruder Alert
Tcpdump
Wireshark
Network operating system enhancement software (scroll table below):
EMC Smarts Network Protocol Manager
Infoblox NetMRI
Network, server and operating system optimization software
OPNET APMXpert
Silver Peak
Wide area network WAN optimization software
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software:
Content filter software
Network intrusion detection software
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software (scroll table below):
Computer intrusion detection systems
Internet Protocol Security IPSEC
Intrusion prevention system IPS
LogRhythm
Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway
Network and system vulnerability assessment software
Risk assessment software
Security incident management software
Virtual local area network management software
Virtual private networking VPN software
Websense Data Loss Prevention
Object or component oriented development software:
Advanced business application programming ABAP
Apache Groovy
Microsoft ActiveX
Operating system software (scroll table below):
Cisco IOS
Hewlett Packard HP-UX
IBM AIX
Job control language JCL
KornShell
Oracle Solaris
Simple mail transfer protocol SMTP
Ubuntu
Pattern design software:
Diagramming software
Portal server software:
Apache HTTP Server
Program testing software:
Hewlett Packard LoadRunner
Segue SilkPerformer
System testing software
Requirements analysis and system architecture software:
Capacity planning software
Network architecture design software
Requirements management software
Unified modeling language UML
Storage networking software:
Amazon Simple Storage Service S3
Network storage software
Storage area network SAN software
Storage management software
Switch or router software (scroll table below):
Cisco Systems Cisco Web Cache Communication Protocol WCCP
Cisco Systems Gateway Load Balancing Protocol GLBP
Cisco Systems Hot Standby Router Protocol HSRP
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol EIGRP
Intermediate System to Intermediate System IS-IS
Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links TRILL
Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol VRRP
Time accounting software:
Time reporting software
Transaction security and virus protection software (scroll table below):
CA eTrust
Encryption software
McAfee
McAfee VirusScan
NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
Packet filter software
Penetration testing software
Ping Identity
Virus scanning software
Transaction server software:
Customer information control system CICS
Video conferencing software:
Videoconferencing software
WAN switching software and firmware:
Wide area network WAN software
Web platform development software (scroll table below):
Apache Struts
Drupal
Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
Enterprise JavaBeans
Ext JS
Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
LAMP Stack
Microsoft ASP.NET Core MVC
Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
Ruby on Rails
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 55.0 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 15.0 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
Frequency of Attainment: 15.0 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%) Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Frequency of Attainment: 5.0 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 35.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 25.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 10.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Administration of Symantec Secure Sockets Layer Visibility 5.0 External Link
Administration of Symantec VIP External Link
BICSI Installer 2, Optical Fiber External Link
CCIE Data Center External Link
CCIE Service Provider External Link
CCNP Data Center Certification External Link
CCNP Enterprise Certification External Link
Certified Senior System Architect External Link
Citrix Certified Associate - Networking External Link
Citrix Certified Expert - Networking External Link
Citrix Certified Professional - Networking External Link
Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop 7.15 Advanced Administration External Link
Cloud Architect External Link
IBM Certified Solution Architect - Cloud Pak for Applications V4.1 External Link
IBM Certified Solution Architect - Cloud Pak for Automation v20.0.1 External Link
IBM Certified Solution Architect - Cloud Pak for Integration v2020.1 External Link
IBM Certified Solution Architect - Watson IoT Asset Performance Management V1 External Link
IBM Certified System Administrator - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V9.0 External Link
ICDL Insights External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Associate, Automation and DevOps (JNCIA-DevOps) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Associate, Cloud (JNCIA-Cloud) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Associate, Data Center (JNCIA-DC) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Associate, Security (JNCIA-SEC) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Expert, Data Center (JNCIE-DC) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Expert, Service Provider Routing and Switching (JNCIE-SP) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Professional, Cloud (JNCIP-Cloud) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Professional, Data Center (JNCIP-DC) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Specialist, Automation and DevOps (JNCIS-DevOps) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Specialist, Cloud (JNCIS-Cloud) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Specialist, Mist AI (JNCIS-MistAI) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Specialst, Data Center (JNCIS-DC) External Link
Juniper Networks Certified Specialst, Security (JNCIS-SEC) External Link
Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty External Link
Network Automation Essentials v10.x. Certified Professional External Link
Network Technology Associate External Link
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2021 Certified Architect Associate External Link
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2021 Certified Architect Professional External Link
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Developer 2021 Certified Associate Certification External Link
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations 2021 Certified Associate Certification External Link
Professional Cloud Architect External Link
Professional Cloud Network Engineer External Link
Red Hat Certified Architect External Link
SAP Certified Application Associate - SAP Analytics Cloud: Planning External Link
Symantec Certified Specialist - Administration of Symantec Messaging Gateway 10.6 External Link
The Open Group Architecture Framework External Link
VMware Certified Professional - Network Virtualization 2022 External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) External Link
Computer Science and Telecommunications Board (CSTB) External Link
Network Professional Association (NPA) External Link
Job Listings
Related Careers to Consider

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Computer Network Architects". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Computer Network Architects". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Computer Network Architects". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Computer Network Architects


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Computer Network Architects" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page