Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.
Demand for computer network architects will increase as firms continue to expand their information technology (IT) networks. Designing and building these new networks, as well as upgrading existing ones, will create opportunities for computer network architects. The expansion of healthcare information technology will also contribute to employment growth.
Adoption of cloud computing, which allows users to access storage, software, and other computer services over the Internet, is likely to dampen the demand for computer network architects. Organizations will no longer have to design and build networks in-house; instead, firms that provide cloud services will do this. Smaller firms with minimal IT requirements will find it more cost effective to outsource their reliance on IT to cloud service providers. However, because architects at cloud providers can work on more than one organization's network, these providers will not have to employ as many architects as individual organizations do for the same amount of work.
Job Prospects
Applicants with relevant certification should have better prospects for positions where specific hardware or software knowledge and expertise is preferred.
Computer Network Architects
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Computer occupations
12%
Computer network architects
9%
Total, all occupations
7%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program