As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Network Architect I in California is $84,943 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Network Architect I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Network Architect I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $93,863 | $7,822 | $1,805 | $45 |
| Average | $84,943 | $7,079 | $1,634 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,823 | $6,485 | $1,497 | $37 |
Eclaro - Orange, CA
Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group - San Jose, CA
Hirextra -World's First Staffing Aggregator - Oakland, CA
VLink Inc - San Diego, CA
A Network Architect I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Network Architect I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Network Architect I | 0-2 years | $84,927 |
| Network Planning and Project Analyst II | 2-4 years | $104,284 |
| Network Planning and Project Analyst III | 4-7 years | $132,325 |
| Network Planning and Project Analyst IV | 7+ years | $154,997 |
| Network Planning and Project Analyst V | 7-10 years | $178,888 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Network Architect Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Network Architect I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $93,863 | $7,822 | $1,805 | $45 |
| Average | $84,943 | $7,079 | $1,634 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,823 | $6,485 | $1,497 | $37 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Network Architect I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology Data and Storage Capacity Planner | $104,300 | 23% |
| Network Planning and Project Analyst II | $104,290 | 23% |
| SAN Solutions Specialist II | $104,300 | 23% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Network Architect I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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