Computer & Mathematical
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Also called: Infrastructure Engineer, IT Architect (Information Technology Architect), IT Engineer (Information Technology Engineer), Network and Infrastructure Engineer
US median pay
$116,580
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.1%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
27,000
471,200 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.
What they do day to day
- Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
- Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
- Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
- Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
- Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
- Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
- Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
- Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
- Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
- Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Systems Evaluation3.9/5
- Systems Analysis3.9/5
- Operations Analysis3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Programming3.5/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics4.9/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Telecommunications4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Engineering and Technology3.8/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-secondary certificate41%
- Associate's degree27%
- Bachelor's degree23%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.