Jobs Similar to Computer Network Architects
The careers below use the most similar skills, knowledge and work activities to computer network architects, according to O*NET 31.0. The closest are Penetration Testers, Computer Systems Engineers/Architects and Information Security Engineers.
Computer Network Architects: $134,050 median pay · usual preparation: Bachelor's degree.
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
The 20 most similar careers
| # | Career | Similarity | Median pay (vs. Computer Network Architects) | Usual preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penetration TestersSame group | 84% | $116,580Broader BLS group · not compared | Bachelor's degree |
| 2 | Computer Systems Engineers/ArchitectsSame group | 84% | $116,580Broader BLS group · not compared | Training or associate |
| 3 | Information Security EngineersSame group | 83% | $116,580Broader BLS group · not compared | Bachelor's degree |
| 4 | Computer Systems AnalystsSame group | 82% | $105,850−21% | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Information Security AnalystsSame group | 81% | $129,180−4% | Bachelor's degree |
| 6 | Software DevelopersSame group | 80% | $135,980+1% | Bachelor's degree |
| 7 | Blockchain EngineersSame group | 80% | $116,580Broader BLS group · not compared | Bachelor's degree |
| 8 | Database AdministratorsSame group | 80% | $104,620−22% | Bachelor's degree |
| 9 | Data Warehousing SpecialistsSame group | 80% | $139,500Broader BLS group · not compared | Bachelor's degree |
| 10 | Computer and Information Research ScientistsSame group | 80% | $140,300+5% | Graduate degree |
| 11 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and TestersSame group | 79% | $104,300−22% | Bachelor's degree |
| 12 | Database ArchitectsSame group | 79% | $139,500+4% | Bachelor's degree |
| 13 | Geographic Information Systems Technologists and TechniciansSame group | 78% | $116,580Broader BLS group · not compared | Bachelor's degree |
| 14 | Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists | 78% | $130,220Broader BLS group · not compared | Bachelor's degree |
| 15 | Web AdministratorsSame group | 77% | $116,580Broader BLS group · not compared | Bachelor's degree |
| 16 | Web DevelopersSame group | 77% | $92,650−31% | Training or associate |
| 17 | Digital Forensics AnalystsSame group | 77% | $116,580Broader BLS group · not compared | Bachelor's degree |
| 18 | Computer ProgrammersSame group | 77% | $100,390−25% | Bachelor's degree |
| 19 | Computer Hardware Engineers | 76% | $161,740+21% | Bachelor's degree |
| 20 | Remote Sensing Technicians | 75% | $62,280Broader BLS group · not compared | Bachelor's degree |
- 1Penetration Testers
84% similar · $116,580 (broader group) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 2Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
84% similar · $116,580 (broader group) · Training or associate · Same group
- 3Information Security Engineers
83% similar · $116,580 (broader group) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 4Computer Systems Analysts
82% similar · $105,850 (−21%) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 5Information Security Analysts
81% similar · $129,180 (−4%) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 6Software Developers
80% similar · $135,980 (+1%) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 7Blockchain Engineers
80% similar · $116,580 (broader group) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 8Database Administrators
80% similar · $104,620 (−22%) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 9Data Warehousing Specialists
80% similar · $139,500 (broader group) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 10Computer and Information Research Scientists
80% similar · $140,300 (+5%) · Graduate degree · Same group
- 11Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
79% similar · $104,300 (−22%) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 12Database Architects
79% similar · $139,500 (+4%) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 13Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
78% similar · $116,580 (broader group) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 14Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
78% similar · $130,220 (broader group) · Bachelor's degree
- 15Web Administrators
77% similar · $116,580 (broader group) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 16Web Developers
77% similar · $92,650 (−31%) · Training or associate · Same group
- 17Digital Forensics Analysts
77% similar · $116,580 (broader group) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 18Computer Programmers
77% similar · $100,390 (−25%) · Bachelor's degree · Same group
- 19Computer Hardware Engineers
76% similar · $161,740 (+21%) · Bachelor's degree
- 20Remote Sensing Technicians
75% similar · $62,280 (broader group) · Bachelor's degree
Similarity: weighted correlation of O*NET 31.0 transferable skills (35%), knowledge (25%), work activities (15%) and interests (15%). Pay and schooling do not change it. Pay change compares BLS May 2025 national medians; careers with only a broader BLS group wage are not compared. “Same group”: the same BLS occupation group (SOC minor group). Methodology
Similar jobs that pay more
Only careers that usually need no more preparation than computer network architects.
Similar jobs that need less preparation
Thinking of a career change?
Similar is not the same as a good next step. Our career-change list for computer network architects also weighs pay drops and extra schooling, and puts jobs outside the field first.
Jobs that can lead here
Careers where computer network architects is one of the best career-change matches (match score in brackets).
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists (82)
- Remote Sensing Technicians (75)
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists (74)
- Data Scientists (72)
- Electrical Engineers (72)
- Automotive Engineers (71)
- Computer Hardware Engineers (71)
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer (71)
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists (70)
- Industrial Engineers (70)
Questions about jobs like computer network architects
What jobs are most similar to computer network architects?
By O*NET 31.0 data, the closest are Penetration Testers (84% similar), Computer Systems Engineers/Architects (84% similar), Information Security Engineers (83% similar), Computer Systems Analysts (82% similar) and Information Security Analysts (81% similar).
Which jobs like computer network architects pay more?
Among the 20 most similar careers, Computer Hardware Engineers ($161,740, +21%; usually a bachelor's degree), Computer and Information Research Scientists ($140,300, +5%; usually a graduate degree) and Database Architects ($139,500, +4%; usually a bachelor's degree) have the highest BLS median pay compared with computer network architects ($134,050). Without more preparation than computer network architects usually need: Computer Hardware Engineers, Database Architects and Software Developers.
How is the similarity percentage worked out?
We compare how important each transferable skill, knowledge area, work activity and interest area is in both jobs (O*NET 31.0 ratings) with a weighted correlation. 100% would mean the same profile. Unlike our career-change matches, pay and extra schooling do not lower the similarity on this page.