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Computer Network Architects

The short answer

This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 715 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.

How much AI could touch this job

Most exposedband 5 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate about 92% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Develop disaster recovery plans.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Develop and implement solutions for network problems.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Coordinate installation of new equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Work with personnel and facilities management staff to install, remove, or relocate user connectivity equipment and devices.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Supervise maintenance of telecommunications equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Information Security Analysts

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay1,025 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$138,434 vs your $144,315 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with less than 5 years of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Written Comprehension
    • Critical Thinking
    • Reading Comprehension

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Software Developers

    Similar work
    +18% pay6,726 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 18% more—$170,831 vs your $144,315 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Written Comprehension
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Critical Thinking
    • Oral Expression

    New skills to build

    • Programming
  • Database Architects

    Similar work
    +1% pay249 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 1% more—$145,311 vs your $144,315 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with less than 5 years of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Written Comprehension
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Critical Thinking

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Computer and Information Systems Managers

    Similar work
    +51% pay4,059 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 51% more—$217,895 vs your $144,315 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with 5 years or more of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Written Comprehension
    • Critical Thinking
    • Reading Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Personnel and Human Resources
    • Monitoring
    • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Computer Hardware Engineers

    Somewhat similar work
    +16% pay142 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 16% more—$168,042 vs your $144,315 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a bachelor's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Computers and Electronics
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Written Comprehension
    • Critical Thinking

    New skills to build

    • Physics
    • Design
    • Mathematics
    • Operations Analysis
    • Science