How to hire a computer systems architect

How to hire a computer systems architect, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer systems architect hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a computer systems architect job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer systems architect
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your computer systems architect job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a computer systems architect for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A computer systems architect's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, computer systems architects from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of computer systems architect salaries for various roles:

   Type of Computer Systems Architect	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Systems Architect	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$26-59
   Network Engineer	A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs... Show more	$29-53
   Network Administrator	A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions... Show more	$26-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Computer System
   • Linux
   • Windows
   • Infrastructure
   • System Security
   • Cots
   • Java
   • PowerShell
   • Virtualization
   • Cloud
   • DOD
   • Unix
   • Configuration Management
   • AWS

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Create PowerShell scripts to automate deployment.
   • Create SharePoint program library repository and manage access control.
   • Manage QA teams in local and distribute international locations.
   • Develop strategic initiative for computer infrastructure & networks at 22 AMC bases.
   • Create Java GUI controls in Java2D as overlays to visual simulation applet.
   • Integrate image and 3D data sources to visual simulation applet in Java and OpenGL.

   More computer systems architect duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your computer systems architect job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A computer systems architect can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, computer systems architects' average salary in south carolina is 68% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level computer systems architects 55% less than senior-level computer systems architects.
   • Certifications. A computer systems architect with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a computer systems architect's salary.

   Average computer systems architect salary

   $83,727yearly

   $40.25 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer systems architect salary

   $56,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average computer systems architect salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$141,278	$68
   2	Washington	$120,547	$58
   3	Arizona	$91,538	$44
   4	Maryland	$87,006	$42
   5	Virginia	$86,787	$42
   6	Texas	$80,087	$39
   7	Massachusetts	$77,752	$37
   8	New York	$76,659	$37
   9	Pennsylvania	$76,435	$37
   10	Minnesota	$75,486	$36
   11	New Jersey	$74,811	$36
   12	New Hampshire	$74,609	$36
   13	Connecticut	$74,594	$36
   14	Missouri	$73,726	$35
   15	Florida	$73,613	$35
   16	Ohio	$73,399	$35
   17	Illinois	$72,894	$35
   18	North Carolina	$72,576	$35
   19	Georgia	$72,082	$35
   20	Indiana	$70,306	$34

   Average computer systems architect salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Google	$160,238	$77.04	160
   2	Apple	$147,786	$71.05	258
   3	Glu Mobile	$123,632	$59.44
   4	Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (sgt)	$122,198	$58.75
   5	Systems Technology Group	$120,871	$58.11	6
   6	Ocwen Financial	$120,785	$58.07
   7	Los Alamos National Laboratory	$118,303	$56.88	27
   8	Oak Ridge National Laboratory	$117,299	$56.39	4
   9	Proofpoint	$113,900	$54.76	6
   10	Serendebyte	$112,308	$53.99
   11	CompuGain	$110,551	$53.15
   12	Conga	$109,937	$52.85	1
   13	Populus Group	$106,094	$51.01
   14	SYSCOM	$104,939	$50.45
   15	General Motors	$103,801	$49.90	188
   16	eClinicalWorks	$103,743	$49.88
   17	Acumen Solutions	$102,709	$49.38	8
   18	TSR Consulting Services	$102,110	$49.09
   19	Pace Inc	$99,900	$48.03
   20	Global Eagle Entertainment	$99,799	$47.98

4. Writing a computer systems architect job description

   A computer systems architect job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a computer systems architect job description:

   Computer systems architect job description example

   JP1381 - Computing Systems Tec 2

   
   

   Education/Experience:
   - High school diploma or higher
   - Entry level computer hardware (Windows desktop) experience
   - Windows operating system experience
   - Proven customer service experience in a retail environment
   
   Responsibility level:
   - Exercises minimal independent judgment with direction from supervisor
   
   Skills:
   - Verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, customer service and interpersonal skills (Required)
   - Basic ability to work independently and manage one’s time (Required)
   - Knowledge of computer software, such as Microsoft Office/O365 and popular internet browsers
   - Experience using an incident or ticket management system
   -Experience troubleshooting Windows or Mac Operating Systems
   -Experience using Collaboration software such as MS Teams and webex
   
   Major Job Duties and Responsibilities:
   - Support Windows and Mac desktop/laptop systems on the unclassified network including Installing, configuring and troubleshooting desktop, or mobile systems, workstations, and network issues including, wireless and role-based access control in a heterogeneous environment
   - Ticket master role and responsibilities
   - Setup and installation of hardware and software
   - Troubleshoot issues through on-site and remote field support

   
   

   
   

   Summary:
   Provides day-to-day technical support services, locally or remotely, to employees for network infrastructure and internal desktop systems software and hardware. Installs, configures and troubleshoots desktop, or mobile systems, workstations, and network issues in a heterogeneous environment. Tests and evaluates commercial and Laboratory developed software for quality control and proper operation. Maintains passwords, data integrity and file system security for the desktop environment. Communicates highly technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel. Recommends hardware and software solutions, including new acquisitions and upgrades.
   
   Education:
   Position typically requires a high school diploma and one-to-two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

   
   

   
   

   COMPA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or protected Veteran status.

   COMPA's policy could disqualify an applicant who has certain criminal history from employment in particular positions .

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find computer systems architects for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any computer systems architects they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level computer systems architects with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your computer systems architect job on Zippia to find and recruit computer systems architect candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit computer systems architects, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with a computer systems architect applicant. In those cases, having candidates complete a test project can go a long way in figuring out who's the most likely to succeed in the role. If you aren't a technical person and don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer systems architect

   Once you've found the computer systems architect candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new computer systems architect first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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