Computer Network Architects vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn $54,100 more per year than Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers professionals — that's 70.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Architects earns $198,030 compared to $115,280 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Architects$79,520 – $198,030
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$47,640 – $115,280
$47,640$198,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Architects | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,520 | $47,640 | +$31,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,120 | $58,980 | +$43,140 |
| Median (50th) | $130,390 | $76,290 | +$54,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,440 | $97,190 | +$67,250 |
| 90th Percentile | $198,030 | $115,280 | +$82,750 |
| Mean (Average) | $135,890 | $79,320 | +$56,570 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Architects
177,010
employed nationwide
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
666,990
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 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $150,650 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $133,190 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $115,630 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $114,200 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $112,630 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Network Architects or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $54,100 (70.9% 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 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salaries range from $47,640 (10th percentile) to $115,280 (90th percentile), with a median of $76,290.
How many Computer Network Architects and Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers jobs are there?
There are approximately 177,010 Computer Network Architects positions and 666,990 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers to Computer Network Architects?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Architects has a median salary of $130,390 while Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earns $76,290. 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