Computer Network Architects vs Software Developers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Computer Network Architects

Median Salary
$120,889
Average (Mean)
$125,120
Employed Nationwide
174,120
VS

Software Developers

Median Salary
$118,749
Average (Mean)
$123,645
Employed Nationwide
1,656,880
Computer Network Architects earns $2,139 more (1.8%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $120,889 $118,749
Average (Mean) Salary $125,120 $123,645
Total Employment 174,120 1,656,880
States with Higher Pay 29 22

Salary by State: Computer Network Architects vs Software Developers

Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer Network Architects pays more in 29 states; Software Developers pays more in 22.

State Computer Network Architects Software Developers Difference
Alabama $125,980
$102,730
+$23,250
Alaska $104,960
$151,400
$-46,440
Arizona $116,970
$123,180
$-6,210
Arkansas $99,370
$92,140
+$7,230
California $144,980
$168,660
$-23,680
Colorado $132,960
$134,960
$-2,000
Connecticut $129,790
$125,080
+$4,710
Delaware $128,180
$131,690
$-3,510
District of Columbia $133,890
$140,360
$-6,470
Florida $126,290
$122,310
+$3,980
Georgia $132,370
$127,070
+$5,300
Hawaii $104,180
$104,860
$-680
Idaho $112,910
$102,700
+$10,210
Illinois $131,740
$126,200
+$5,540
Indiana $108,220
$105,740
+$2,480
Iowa $122,320
$105,920
+$16,400
Kansas $99,230
$104,250
$-5,020
Kentucky $102,780
$103,030
$-250
Louisiana $102,420
$104,840
$-2,420
Maine $103,530
$113,190
$-9,660
Maryland $144,280
$138,050
+$6,230
Massachusetts $153,200
$137,130
+$16,070
Michigan $105,480
$103,830
+$1,650
Minnesota $129,150
$125,380
+$3,770
Mississippi $96,120
$85,190
+$10,930
Missouri $109,760
$104,600
+$5,160
Montana $102,750
$109,270
$-6,520
Nebraska $110,020
$109,800
+$220
Nevada $122,530
$125,590
$-3,060
New Hampshire $132,980
$128,860
+$4,120
New Jersey $144,670
$131,680
+$12,990
New Mexico $109,500
$126,560
$-17,060
New York $134,550
$145,470
$-10,920
North Carolina $120,660
$130,620
$-9,960
North Dakota $115,450
$100,980
+$14,470
Ohio $122,690
$107,560
+$15,130
Oklahoma $104,000
$104,030
$-30
Oregon $121,760
$130,000
$-8,240
Pennsylvania $111,650
$111,910
$-260
Rhode Island $133,590
$128,990
+$4,600
South Carolina $105,050
$111,130
$-6,080
South Dakota $152,990
$82,850
+$70,140
Tennessee $110,400
$110,660
$-260
Texas $132,400
$127,000
+$5,400
Utah $130,190
$116,830
+$13,360
Vermont $125,100
$112,620
+$12,480
Virginia $136,410
$135,040
+$1,370
Washington $164,500
$162,390
+$2,110
West Virginia $100,180
$81,380
+$18,800
Wisconsin $112,150
$102,660
+$9,490
Wyoming $108,110
$137,860
$-29,750

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Computer Network Architects or Software Developers?
On average across all states, a Computer Network Architects earns more than a Software Developers. The national median salary difference is $2,139 (1.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer Network Architects earn more than a Software Developers?
A Computer Network Architects earns a higher median salary than a Software Developers in 29 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Software Developers pays more in 22 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer Network Architects vs Software Developers?
The national median salary for a Computer Network Architects is $120,889 per year, compared to $118,749 for a Software Developers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer Network Architects or Software Developers?
There are more people employed as Software Developers. BLS reports approximately 174,120 Computer Network Architects positions and 1,656,880 Software Developers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Computer Network Architects or Software Developers?
Both Computer Network Architects and Software Developers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.