Computer Network Architects vs Computer User Support Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn $70,050 more per year than Computer User Support Specialists professionals — that's 116.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Architects earns $198,030 compared to $98,010 for Computer User Support Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Architects$79,520 – $198,030
Computer User Support Specialists$38,780 – $98,010
$38,780$198,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Architects | Computer User Support Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,520 | $38,780 | +$40,740 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,120 | $47,580 | +$54,540 |
| Median (50th) | $130,390 | $60,340 | +$70,050 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,440 | $77,010 | +$87,430 |
| 90th Percentile | $198,030 | $98,010 | +$100,020 |
| Mean (Average) | $135,890 | $64,990 | +$70,900 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Architects
177,010
employed nationwide
Computer User Support Specialists
697,210
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Network Architects
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $174,120 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $166,880 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $163,570 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $155,480 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $153,820 |
Best Cities for Computer User Support Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $102,430 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,010 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $80,930 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $77,750 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $75,250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Network Architects or Computer User Support Specialists?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $70,050 (116.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Network Architects?
Computer Network Architects salaries range from $79,520 (10th percentile) to $198,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $130,390.
What is the salary range for Computer User Support Specialists?
Computer User Support Specialists salaries range from $38,780 (10th percentile) to $98,010 (90th percentile), with a median of $60,340.
How many Computer Network Architects and Computer User Support Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 177,010 Computer Network Architects positions and 697,210 Computer User Support Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer User Support Specialists to Computer Network Architects?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Architects has a median salary of $130,390 while Computer User Support Specialists earns $60,340. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS