National Salary Overview
Computer Network Architects
Median Salary
$126,451
Average (Mean)
$129,631
Employed Nationwide
179,340
VS
Software Developers earns $950 more (0.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$126,451
$127,401
Average (Mean) Salary
$129,631
$131,905
Total Employment
179,340
1,687,370
States with Higher Pay
29
21
Salary by State: Computer Network Architects vs Software Developers
Showing 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer Network Architects pays more in 29 states; Software Developers pays more in 21.
| State | Computer Network Architects | Software Developers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $130,810 | $122,540 | +$8,270 | ||
| Arizona | $130,890 | $129,690 | +$1,200 | ||
| Arkansas | $110,400 | $104,490 | +$5,910 | ||
| California | $158,870 | $174,410 | $-15,540 | ||
| Colorado | $139,230 | $138,390 | +$840 | ||
| Connecticut | $143,890 | $134,120 | +$9,770 | ||
| Delaware | $148,390 | $133,020 | +$15,370 | ||
| District of Columbia | $137,670 | $136,880 | +$790 | ||
| Florida | $132,800 | $130,980 | +$1,820 | ||
| Georgia | $133,890 | $131,010 | +$2,880 | ||
| Hawaii | $108,000 | $124,040 | $-16,040 | ||
| Idaho | $107,620 | $131,590 | $-23,970 | ||
| Illinois | $132,790 | $132,110 | +$680 | ||
| Indiana | $124,190 | $105,920 | +$18,270 | ||
| Iowa | $103,050 | $114,890 | $-11,840 | ||
| Kansas | $100,610 | $113,420 | $-12,810 | ||
| Kentucky | $103,740 | $109,010 | $-5,270 | ||
| Louisiana | $106,620 | $102,800 | +$3,820 | ||
| Maine | $108,570 | $123,120 | $-14,550 | ||
| Maryland | $159,460 | $138,680 | +$20,780 | ||
| Massachusetts | $155,060 | $165,210 | $-10,150 | ||
| Michigan | $112,040 | $125,570 | $-13,530 | ||
| Minnesota | $133,270 | $130,050 | +$3,220 | ||
| Mississippi | $90,990 | $95,330 | $-4,340 | ||
| Missouri | $103,130 | $126,120 | $-22,990 | ||
| Montana | $104,300 | $121,990 | $-17,690 | ||
| Nebraska | $116,420 | $110,900 | +$5,520 | ||
| Nevada | $138,060 | $128,810 | +$9,250 | ||
| New Hampshire | $125,420 | $139,720 | $-14,300 | ||
| New Jersey | $162,350 | $135,940 | +$26,410 | ||
| New Mexico | $109,080 | $124,520 | $-15,440 | ||
| New York | $140,390 | $166,180 | $-25,790 | ||
| North Carolina | $127,320 | $134,710 | $-7,390 | ||
| North Dakota | $108,990 | $105,600 | +$3,390 | ||
| Ohio | $131,070 | $114,090 | +$16,980 | ||
| Oklahoma | $109,450 | $118,100 | $-8,650 | ||
| Oregon | $135,660 | $142,720 | $-7,060 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $131,840 | $126,550 | +$5,290 | ||
| Rhode Island | $131,320 | $130,590 | +$730 | ||
| South Carolina | $134,990 | $129,450 | +$5,540 | ||
| South Dakota | $153,390 | $96,310 | +$57,080 | ||
| Tennessee | $123,860 | $122,430 | +$1,430 | ||
| Texas | $133,310 | $132,150 | +$1,160 | ||
| Utah | $121,000 | $128,810 | $-7,810 | ||
| Vermont | $110,930 | $125,280 | $-14,350 | ||
| Virginia | $141,340 | $136,460 | +$4,880 | ||
| Washington | $168,070 | $166,540 | +$1,530 | ||
| West Virginia | $122,520 | $121,000 | +$1,520 | ||
| Wisconsin | $131,720 | $122,660 | +$9,060 | ||
| Wyoming | $100,520 | $115,170 | $-14,650 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Computer Network Architects vs Software Developers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Computer Network Architects or Software Developers?
On average across all states, a Software Developers earns more than a Computer Network Architects. The national median salary difference is $950 (0.8%) based on 2025 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 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Software Developers pays more in 21 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer Network Architects vs Software Developers?
The national median salary for a Computer Network Architects is $126,451 per year, compared to $127,401 for a Software Developers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer Network Architects or Software Developers?
There are more people employed as Software Developers. BLS reports approximately 179,340 Computer Network Architects positions and 1,687,370 Software Developers positions nationwide (2025).
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.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Build In-Demand Tech Skills Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible JobsCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.