Computer Network Architects vs Computer Programmers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn $31,720 more per year than Computer Programmers professionals — that's 32.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Architects earns $198,030 compared to $162,090 for Computer Programmers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Architects$79,520 – $198,030
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
$52,190$198,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Architects | Computer Programmers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,520 | $52,190 | +$27,330 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,120 | $71,860 | +$30,260 |
| Median (50th) | $130,390 | $98,670 | +$31,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,440 | $128,960 | +$35,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $198,030 | $162,090 | +$35,940 |
| Mean (Average) | $135,890 | $103,640 | +$32,250 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Architects
177,010
employed nationwide
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Network Architects
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $174,120 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $166,880 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $163,570 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $155,480 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $153,820 |
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Network Architects or Computer Programmers?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $31,720 (32.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Network Architects?
Computer Network Architects salaries range from $79,520 (10th percentile) to $198,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $130,390.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
How many Computer Network Architects and Computer Programmers jobs are there?
There are approximately 177,010 Computer Network Architects positions and 109,870 Computer Programmers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Programmers to Computer Network Architects?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Architects has a median salary of $130,390 while Computer Programmers earns $98,670. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS