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ICT network architect

Also called network designer, network architects

ICT network architects design the topology and connectivity of ICT network such as hardware, infrastructure, communication and hardware components.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospects59 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.ICT professionalsWhat does it pay?Well above averageFrom about €2,900 (Slovakia) to €7,300 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · ICT professionalsWhat do I need to study?Usually a degree8 in 10 have a degree.ICT professionalsWill AI change it?SignificantlyLevel 5 of 6. AI could take on part of most tasks, but none fully.Computer network professionals · ILO

What you'd do

Computer network professionals · ILO
  • Analysing, developing, interpreting and evaluating complex system design and architecture specifications, data models and diagrams in the development, configuration and integration of computer systems
  • Researching, analysing, evaluating and monitoring network infrastructure to ensure networks are configured to operate at optimal performance
  • Assessing and recommending improvements to network operations and integrated hardware, software, communications and operating systems
  • Providing specialist skills in supporting and troubleshooting network problems and emergencies
  • Installing, configuring, testing, maintaining and administering new and upgraded networks, software database applications, servers and workstations
  • Preparing and maintaining procedures and documentation for network inventory, and recording diagnosis and resolution of network faults, enhancements and modifications to networks and maintenance instructions
  • Monitoring network traffic and activity, capacity and usage to ensure continued integrity and optimal network performance
Use back-up and recovery toolsImplement a firewallImplement a virtual private networkImplement ICT security policiesAssess ICT knowledge+ 15 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors
  • Sitting most of the day
  • Lots of contact with people
  • Some freedom to decide
  • Often more than 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the US job "Computer Network Architects"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

Many jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as ICT professionals in the EU
2.77m4.86m6.75m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
1,516,000 new jobs 1,592,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
ICT professionals59
All jobs29
Right now
7 of 27 countries report a shortage of computer network professionals, 2 a surplus.
Computer network professionals · EURES

What does it pay?

Well above average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €2,900 a month (Slovakia) to €7,300 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among professionals in the EU, women earn 21% less per hour than men. Professionals · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually a degree

A degree in database and network design and administration is the usual route.

Highest qualification of ICT professionals (EU, 2025)
Degree 81%Vocational 10%General secondary 7%Basic schooling 2%
Fields that teach it
Database and network design and administration · Management and administration
Vocational route, EU
4 in 10 trainees in this field
ICT graduates in a matching job
77% in the EU

887 institutions in the EU offer ICT bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Significantly

AI could take on part of most tasks, but none fully.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.52 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 7 tasks
Analysing, developing, interpreting and evaluating complex system design and architecture specifications, data models and diagrams in the development, configuration and integration of computer systems0.58
Assessing and recommending improvements to network operations and integrated hardware, software, communications and operating systems0.56
Preparing and maintaining procedures and documentation for network inventory, and recording diagnosis and resolution of network faults, enhancements and modifications to networks and maintenance instructions0.56
Researching, analysing, evaluating and monitoring network infrastructure to ensure networks are configured to operate at optimal performance0.53
Monitoring network traffic and activity, capacity and usage to ensure continued integrity and optimal network performance0.48
Installing, configuring, testing, maintaining and administering new and upgraded networks, software database applications, servers and workstations0.45
Providing specialist skills in supporting and troubleshooting network problems and emergencies0.43

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for computer network professionals. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).