Computer Network Architects
Machines can already do 45% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 73%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Computer Network Architects in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 45% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 20% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2028, and 73% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 179,740 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $134,050 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 66% for contact with people.
- Also called: Computer Network Technologist, Network Analyst, Network Consultant, Network Systems Consultant.
- Competency here means how well the best AI model, tool or robot available can do a task, scored out of 100: today using the best available now, and for later years the 311 prediction of what AI and robots will be able to do.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs | 7% | 50% to 85% | |
| Develop and implement solutions for network problems | 6% | 81% to 97% | |
| Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing | 6% | 55% to 83% | |
| Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes | 5% | 72% to 92% | |
| Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades | 5% | 15% to 45% | |
| 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 | 5% | 50% to 85% | |
| Coordinate installation of new equipment | 4% | 10% to 30% | |
| Develop network-related documentation | 4% | 70% to 95% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills computer network architects use most, most used first.
Human value: what makes people in this job hard to replace
How much computer network architects rely on each one, from 0 to 10. 311 estimates, medium confidence.
- Go-to problem solver8/10
- Trust and reliability8/10
- Know-how about the organisation6/10
- Network and relationships5/10
- Mentoring and developing others5/10
- Culture and morale5/10
- Initiative beyond the role7/10
- Calm in a crisis6/10
- Bridge between teams6/10
- Reputation and influence4/10
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Blockchain Engineers72% of tasks by 2035 · US median $116,580
- Information Security Engineers67% of tasks by 2035 · US median $116,580
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators66% of tasks by 2035 · US median $99,130
- Nanosystems Engineers68% of tasks by 2035 · US median $122,930
What should you do about it?
Open this job in the Workforce Starburst to see it for your country, then use these to act on it.
Watch This Job
Get told when the outlook for this job changes.
Free planSkills to learn next
The skills that make this job, or the next one, last longer.
In the StarburstCheck your readiness
Ten quick questions on how ready you are.
FreeAsk Vantage
Ask what this job means for you and get a sourced answer.
Free to askFutures Academy courses
Courses matched to your gaps.
Coming soonPay trend
Where pay for this job is heading.
Coming soonTeam plan
Every role in your team, side by side, with a plan for each.
Pro and CorporateShared workspace
Work through it with your team, with notes and decisions kept.
Pro and Corporate
Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Computer Network Architects?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2028. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of computer network architects?
Machines can do 45% of the tasks of computer network architects today and 73% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 15-1241.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring, forecast and human value: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit (human value scores are 311 estimates, medium confidence); after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Computer Network Architects: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/computer-network-architects/