Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
Also called: Application Systems Architect, Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, Cloud Platform Engineer, Cloud Software Engineer
Median pay
$116,580
Pay for the broader BLS group “Computer Occupations, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$55,940 – $188,470
People employed
435,370
Whole BLS group
Holland code
CIR
Conventional · Investigative · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Computer Occupations, All Other”.
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects salary in every state →
What computer systems engineers/architects do
- 01Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
- 02Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
- 03Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
- 04Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
- 05Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
- 06Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from computer systems engineers/architects
- Computer Hardware Engineers80% · —
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists73% · group pay
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians73% · —
- Computer and Information Systems Managers72% · —
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters72% · —
Change into computer systems engineers/architects
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists82% · $130,220
- Logistics Engineers77% · $82,320
- Operations Research Analysts74% · $88,940
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians73% · $66,120
- Security Management Specialists73% · $83,050
Majors that lead here
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician
- Information Science/Studies
- Computer Science
- Information Technology Project Management
- Bioinformatics
- Computational Biology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Accounting and Computer Science
- Computational Science
- Human Computer Interaction
- Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.