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AI exposure Computer and mathematical

Will AI replace computer network architects?

Computer Network Architects. US occupation 15-1241.

19.9%

of the time computer network architects spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of computer network architects' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.

Ranked 120 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 83% of them.Further along than 83% of them.

Average US job 7.7%

Well above the typical job.Ahead of most of the workforce.

What AI already does for computer network architectsWhat computer network architects no longer do alone

O*NET lists 59 tasks for computer network architects. AI use at work shows up in 13 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.

  1. Prepare system activity and performance reports.Core task mostly automated 1.00
  2. Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.Core task mostly automated 1.00
  3. Implement controls to provide security for operating systems, software, and data. mostly automated 0.98
  4. Manage user access to systems and equipment through account management and password administration. mostly automated 0.96
  5. Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.Core task mostly automated 0.94
  6. Develop and implement solutions for network problems.Core task mostly automated 0.92
  7. Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.Core task automated and assisted 0.80
  8. Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.Core task automated and assisted 0.80
Show the other 5
  1. Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.Core task automated and assisted 0.78
  2. Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.Core task automated and assisted 0.75
  3. Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.Core task automated and assisted 0.75
  4. Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.Core task automated and assisted 0.74
  5. Instruct in use of voice, video, and data communications systems.Core task automated and assisted 0.70

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

46 of the 59 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

  • Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.Core task
  • Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems.Core task
  • Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.Core task
  • Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.Core task
  • Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services.Core task
  • Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.Core task
Show the other 40
  • Coordinate installation of new equipment.Core task
  • Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.Core task
  • Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.Core task
  • Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.Core task
  • Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.Core task
  • Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.Core task
  • Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.Core task
  • Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.Core task
  • Develop disaster recovery plans.Core task
  • Develop network-related documentation.Core task
  • Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.Core task
  • Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.Core task
  • Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.Core task
  • Document procedures for hardware and software installation and use.Core task
  • Document user support activity, such as system problems, corrective actions, resolution status, and completed equipment installations.Core task
  • Estimate costs for system or component implementation and operation.Core task
  • Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.Core task
  • Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.Core task
  • Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.Core task
  • Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures.Core task
  • Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.Core task
  • Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.Core task
  • Install, or coordinate installation of, new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of telecommunications systems.Core task
  • Keep abreast of changes in industry practices and emerging telecommunications technology by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences.Core task
  • Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.Core task
  • Order or maintain inventory of telecommunications equipment for customer premises equipment (CPE), facilities, access networks, or backbone networks.Core task
  • Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.Core task
  • Prepare purchase requisitions for computer hardware and software, networking and telecommunications equipment, test equipment, cabling, or tools.Core task
  • Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.Core task
  • Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.Core task
  • Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.Core task
  • Supervise maintenance of telecommunications equipment.Core task
  • Test and evaluate hardware and software to determine efficiency, reliability, or compatibility with existing systems.Core task
  • Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare or evaluate network diagrams, floor plans, or site configurations for existing facilities, renovations, or new systems.Core task
  • Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.Core task
  • Work with personnel and facilities management staff to install, remove, or relocate user connectivity equipment and devices.Core task
  • Develop or maintain project reporting systems.
  • Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.
  • Monitor and analyze system performance, such as network traffic, security, and capacity.
  • Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.

How that compares

Among the 21 computer and mathematical occupations, computer network architects rank 20. The group averages 37.9%, and its most exposed job is Computer Programmers at 74.5%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.

All 756 occupations, ranked

Just above in the ranking

  1. 117Librarians and Media Collections Specialists 20.3%
  2. 118Loan Interviewers and Clerks 20.2%
  3. 119Purchasing Managers 20.0%

Just below

  1. 122Photographers 19.5%
  2. 123Billing and Posting Clerks 19.2%
  3. 124Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary 19.1%

What this does and does not mean

Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.

A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.

Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.