Computer Network Architects vs Network and Computer Systems Administrators: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn $33,590 more per year than Network and Computer Systems Administrators professionals — that's 34.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Architects earns $198,030 compared to $150,320 for Network and Computer Systems Administrators.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Architects$79,520 – $198,030
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$60,320 – $150,320
$60,320$198,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Architects | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,520 | $60,320 | +$19,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,120 | $75,860 | +$26,260 |
| Median (50th) | $130,390 | $96,800 | +$33,590 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,440 | $123,390 | +$41,050 |
| 90th Percentile | $198,030 | $150,320 | +$47,710 |
| Mean (Average) | $135,890 | $101,190 | +$34,700 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Architects
177,010
employed nationwide
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
318,570
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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $128,620 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $127,030 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $124,050 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $119,150 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $113,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Network Architects or Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $33,590 (34.7% 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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators salaries range from $60,320 (10th percentile) to $150,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $96,800.
How many Computer Network Architects and Network and Computer Systems Administrators jobs are there?
There are approximately 177,010 Computer Network Architects positions and 318,570 Network and Computer Systems Administrators positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Network and Computer Systems Administrators to Computer Network Architects?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Architects has a median salary of $130,390 while Network and Computer Systems Administrators earns $96,800. 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