Computer Network Architects vs Firefighters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn $70,860 more per year than Firefighters professionals — that's 119.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Architects earns $198,030 compared to $101,330 for Firefighters.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Architects$79,520 – $198,030
Firefighters$34,490 – $101,330
$34,490$198,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Architects | Firefighters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,520 | $34,490 | +$45,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,120 | $44,180 | +$57,940 |
| Median (50th) | $130,390 | $59,530 | +$70,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,440 | $77,410 | +$87,030 |
| 90th Percentile | $198,030 | $101,330 | +$96,700 |
| Mean (Average) | $135,890 | $63,890 | +$72,000 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Architects
177,010
employed nationwide
Firefighters
332,240
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 Firefighters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $164,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $121,270 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $108,320 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $105,250 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $102,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Network Architects or Firefighters?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $70,860 (119.0% 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 Firefighters?
Firefighters salaries range from $34,490 (10th percentile) to $101,330 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,530.
How many Computer Network Architects and Firefighters jobs are there?
There are approximately 177,010 Computer Network Architects positions and 332,240 Firefighters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Firefighters to Computer Network Architects?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Architects has a median salary of $130,390 while Firefighters earns $59,530. 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