Computer Network Architects

Computer Network Architects score 66 out of 100, which is high exposure to AI. That ranks #60 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 33 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 13 on its own and 18 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 11 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

66/ 100

High

Rank: #60of 923 jobs
US workers: 179,740BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $134,050a year
In real AI use: 11 of 33tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 13 (39%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 18 (55%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 2 (6%)

Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Develop and implement solutions for network problems.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Develop network-related documentation.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Develop or maintain project reporting systems.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Develop disaster recovery plans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Coordinate installation of new equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

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Questions about computer network architects and AI

Will AI replace computer network architects?

Probably not entirely, but the job is likely to change a lot. Computer Network Architects score 66 out of 100 (high exposure), #60 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 31 of the job's 33 tasks, 13 of them on its own, while 2 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which computer network architects tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes"; "Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs"; "Develop and implement solutions for network problems".

Which computer network architects tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Coordinate installation of new equipment"; "Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 11 of the 33 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as computer network architects, and what do they earn?

About 179,740 people in the US, with median pay of $134,050 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.