Computer Network Architect Career Assessment
Designing networks and cloud systems — ND in-demand occupation
Welcome
Computer network architects design the networks that connect computers, offices, and cloud systems.
This is an advanced role that most people reach after years as network administrators. You will explore whether it fits your goals.
This takes about 15 minutes.
What is a Computer Network Architect?
A network architect plans and designs data networks, from small office networks to connections between cities and cloud services. They choose equipment, plan security, and make sure networks can grow.
The Reality: You need deep networking knowledge that takes years to build. Your designs affect everyone who uses the network, so mistakes are costly.
Your Responsibilities:
- Design network layouts
- Plan cloud connections
- Choose routers, switches, and firewalls
- Plan network security
- Estimate costs and timelines
- Test and upgrade networks
- Work with network admins who build your designs
- Write technical plans
You draw the blueprint for how everything connects.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM — Review network performance reports.
9:30 AM — Design a new network for a clinic that is opening.
11:00 AM — Meet with security about firewall plans.
12:00 PM — Lunch.
1:00 PM — Plan a move of servers to the cloud.
3:00 PM — Review equipment quotes.
4:00 PM — Write the design document.
Planning and design work, with some hands-on testing.
Training in North Dakota
Usually a bachelor's degree plus 5 or more years of experience. Most architects start as network support or network administrators and move up.
Training Pathways:
- Bachelor's degree: Computer science or information systems.
- Network experience (5+ years): Help desk → network support → network admin → architect.
- Advanced certifications: Cisco and cloud architect credentials.
Where to Train in North Dakota:
- University of North Dakota (Grand Forks or online) — B.S. Computer Science; BBA Information Systems
- North Dakota State University (Fargo) — B.S. Computer Science (tracks incl. Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity); Information Technology major
- Minot State University (Minot or online) — B.S. Computer Information Systems; B.S. Computer Science
- Valley City State University (Valley City or online) — B.S. Computer Information Systems; Software Engineering
- Dickinson State University (Dickinson, Bismarck, or online) — B.S. Computer Science; B.S. Computer Technology Management
- University of Mary (Bismarck) — B.S. Computer Information Systems; B.S. Computer Science
- Bismarck State College — AAS Cybersecurity and Computer Networks; B.A.S. Cybersecurity and Information Technology
Before You Start: Bachelor's degree is typical, plus years of networking experience.
Tip: Start with financial aid, scholarships, and any help an employer offers — that is where the money starts. After that, ask a career counselor or Job Service North Dakota whether WIOA or other programs can help with what is left over, like training, exam fees, or a laptop. What can be paid for depends on the program and on your own situation, so ask before you sign up rather than after. Many IT certifications are also sold as low-cost online courses you can do at home.
Certification & Licensing
No license. Advanced certifications matter. Architects usually hold advanced networking or cloud certifications.
Certifications Employers Look For:
- Cisco CCNA → CCNP → CCIE
- AWS Solutions Architect (Associate and Professional)
- Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
The Exams: Computer-based exams. CCIE also has a full-day hands-on lab exam.
Cost: CCNA $300; CCNP core $400; AWS Associate $150, Professional $300; CCIE lab about $1,600. Prices change.
Keeping It Current: Most renew every 3 years.
Salary & Job Outlook
North Dakota Computer Network Architect Pay (May 2025):
- Starting out (bottom 10–25%): $36.69–$45.17/hour ($76,320–$93,950/year)
- Middle (median — half earn more, half earn less): $52.40/hour ($108,990/year)
- Experienced (top 25–10%): $64.17–$70.46/hour ($133,480–$146,550/year)
What that means: Very high pay. Most people earning the median have many years of networking experience.
Jobs in North Dakota: About 280 people do this work in ND today. By 2034, that should be about 320 (about 16% growth). Expect about 20 job openings every year in ND from growth and people retiring or changing jobs. Across the U.S., the change is about 12% growth — much faster than average.
Outlook: Good growth, with about 20 openings a year in ND. Cloud and security needs keep architects in demand.
Who Hires in ND: State government (NDIT in Bismarck), Microsoft's Fargo campus, banks and insurance companies, health systems, energy companies, universities, and IT service companies. Many remote jobs exist.
Work Setting: Offices and data centers, with remote options. Some after-hours work during upgrades.
Physical Demands: Light. Mostly desk work.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota, May 2025 (SOC 15-1241); North Dakota and U.S. long-term employment projections 2024–2034, via O*NET OnLine. Numbers are rounded.
Where This Leads
Path 1: Cloud Architect — Design cloud systems.
Path 2: Security Architect — Design secure networks.
Path 3: Enterprise Architect — Plan all company technology.
Path 4: IT Director — Lead the IT department.
Path 5: Consultant — Design networks for many clients.
The Real Talk
What's Great:
- Very high pay
- Big-picture design work
- Growing field
- Remote options
- Respected expert role
What's Hard:
- Takes years of experience
- Constant learning
- Costly mistakes
- Tough certification exams
- Few openings in ND
Be Honest: Are you willing to spend years in networking first? Do you love big-picture design? Will you keep studying for tough certifications?