Computer Network Architects vs Software Developers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Software Developers professionals earn $2,690 more per year than Computer Network Architects professionals — that's 2.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Architects earns $198,030 compared to $211,450 for Software Developers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Architects$79,520 – $198,030
Software Developers$79,850 – $211,450
$79,520$211,450
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Architects | Software Developers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,520 | $79,850 | $-330 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,120 | $103,050 | $-930 |
| Median (50th) | $130,390 | $133,080 | $-2,690 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,440 | $169,000 | $-4,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $198,030 | $211,450 | $-13,420 |
| Mean (Average) | $135,890 | $144,570 | $-8,680 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Architects
177,010
employed nationwide
Software Developers
1,654,440
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 Software Developers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,270 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $174,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $169,340 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $161,970 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $159,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Network Architects or Software Developers?
Software Developers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $2,690 (2.1% 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 Software Developers?
Software Developers salaries range from $79,850 (10th percentile) to $211,450 (90th percentile), with a median of $133,080.
How many Computer Network Architects and Software Developers jobs are there?
There are approximately 177,010 Computer Network Architects positions and 1,654,440 Software Developers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Software Developers to Computer Network Architects?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Architects has a median salary of $130,390 while Software Developers earns $133,080. 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