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Boston Career Explorer

Computer and Mathematical

Computer Network Architects

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.

Also called: Computer Network Technologist, Network Analyst, Network Consultant, Network Systems Consultant, Networking Systems Engineer, Solutions Architect

Compare with my current job (Computer Systems Analysts)
Median pay in Greater Boston
$160,650
$77.24/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
5,240
Massachusetts 2024–2034
+7.4%
300 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Bachelor's degree
5 years or more of related work experience

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$100,050$122,880$160,650$173,780$211,820

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • 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.
  • Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
  • Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
  • Coordinate installation of new equipment.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Higher exposure69 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 60
  • Language-model AIOE 59
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 87

Observed AI use today: Substantial (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure is higher for this job, and observed AI use is substantial. AI tools can help draft recovery plans, run security checks, and handle routine tasks like backups. Designing a network around an organization's needs, choosing security measures, and coordinating upgrades with other people still rely on human judgment. Massachusetts growth is projected at 7.4%.

Likely to change

  • Drafting disaster recovery plans
  • Running routine security checks and backups

Still relies on people

  • Designing networks around an organization's needs
  • Coordinating upgrades and repairs with teams

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

60 programs near Boston (plus 29 graduate)

Related occupations

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