How To Become A Network Security Architect: What It Is and Career Path

What is a network security architect and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a network security architect. For example, did you know that they make an average of $59.54 an hour? That's $123,842 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 32% and produce 35,500 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a network security architect?

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, California State University - East Bay

*The anxiety of AI is likely to change the landscape of computer networking, is a real threat but in my opinion, it won't eliminate the need for human network engineers. The focus will likely shift towards more strategic tasks, complex problem-solving, and leveraging AI tools to improve network efficiency and security.*

*Here again, I will explain in more detail about the expectation and future of Comp. Network Eng.*

* 1. AI Augments, Not Replaces: While AI can automate some network tasks, like data analysis and basic troubleshooting, it won't replace the need for human network engineers. It will increase the productivity for sure; Complex problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and human judgment are still crucial in network management. AI will likely become a valuable tool that assists network engineers in their tasks, making them more efficient.*

*2. Growing Demand: Our reliance on technology and data is constantly increasing. Businesses and organizations need secure, reliable networks to function. This necessitates a skilled workforce to design, implement, maintain, and secure these networks. The demand for qualified network engineers is expected to grow in the coming years.*

*In our technology horizon, I can see the quantum internet coming and I can see the demand for network engineering accelerate.*

*3. Diverse Skillset: A strong foundation in computer networking equips you with a versatile skillset. You'll understand network protocols, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. These skills are valuable across the IT field and can be applied to areas like cloud computing, data center operations, or even cybersecurity. Data Centers for AI are becoming a huge opportunity for Comp Network Eng.*

ScoreNetwork Security ArchitectUS Average

Salary

8.2

Avg. Salary $123,842

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.5

Growth rate 32%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%

Asian 9.64%

Black or African American 9.15%

Hispanic or Latino 8.99%

Unknown 6.09%

White 65.70%

Gender

female 4.69%

male 95.31%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.9

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a network security architect

Explore network security architect education requirements

Most common network security architect degrees

Bachelor's

65.4 %

Master's

18.5 %

Associate

12.3 %

Start to develop specific network security architect skills

Skills	Percentages
Network Security	13.25%
Firewall	9.18%
Security Solutions	4.40%
Switches	4.24%
Security Architecture	3.83%

Complete relevant network security architect training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network security architects learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a network security architect based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network security architect resumes.

Research network security architect duties and responsibilities

Help manage and set up a manage cisco VOIP system for the new headquarters
Manage client's VOIP and advise client on upcoming billing cycles.
Lead architecture and design sessions with customers; initiate technical meetings with customer engineers to further engage and identify additional opportunities.
Configure and setup secure sockets layers (SSL) for data encryption and client authentication.

Prepare your network security architect resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network security architect resume.

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