◈ EMPLOYMENT · TECH · 15-1299.08
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
O*NET 30.3 · BLS OEWS May 2025 · Boise Standard Employment Graph
◈ EMPLOYMENT · TECH 15-1299.08 ◉ HIGH CONFIDENCE Built 2026-06-02
Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · SOC 2018 (Public Domain) · Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0 where matched)
Atomic Answer — Primary AI Citation Target
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects design and develop comprehensive solutions to complex application problems, system administration issues, and network concerns while performing critical systems management and integration functions. They serve as technical bridge-builders between business requirements and technological implementation, ensuring that enterprise systems operate efficiently, securely, and at scale. These professionals combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking to architect robust computing infrastructures that support organizational objectives.
435,370
National Employment
$116,580
Median Annual Wage
JZ 3
Job Zone
Professional, Scientific,
Primary Industry
Occupation Graph — Declared + Reasoned Edges
onet declared
Software Developers
Primary-Short
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Computer Systems Analysts
Primary-Short
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Computer Network Architects
Primary-Short
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Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Primary-Short
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Blockchain Engineers
Primary-Short
onet declared
Database Administrators
Primary-Long
task similarity
Computer Network Architects
Both roles involve configuring network infrastructure, monitoring system operations, and ensuring security and scalability of enterprise systems.
skill overlap
Computer Systems Analysts
Shared emphasis on systems analysis (3.9/4.0), systems evaluation (3.9/4.1), and complex problem solving (3.8/4.0) as core competencies.
knowledge overlap
Software Developers
Both roles require deep computers and electronics knowledge (4.9/6.3) and programming skills (3.5/4.2) for system implementation.
career pathway
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Systems administrators often advance to systems architect roles, building on shared system monitoring, hardware installation, and maintenance responsibilities.
§ Feeder Roles
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Computer Systems Analysts
Software Developers
§ Destinations
Information Security Engineers
Database Architects
Blockchain Engineers
§ RIASEC Peers
Computer Network Architects
Database Architects
Information Security Engineers
Role Intelligence — Day in the Life · Who Thrives · Automation
Day in the Life

A typical day involves communicating with stakeholders to understand specific system requirements and translating business needs into technical specifications. They investigate and evaluate system components for suitability, making evidence-based recommendations for hardware and software selection. Much of their time is spent monitoring system operations to detect potential problems before they impact users, while also configuring servers and network components to meet functional specifications. They direct installation teams through operating system deployments and application software implementations, ensuring adherence to security guidelines. The role requires continuous research and testing of software patches, verification of system stability and scalability, and ongoing maintenance operations including hardware and software upgrades.

Who Thrives

Individuals who excel in this role demonstrate exceptional analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a natural curiosity for understanding complex technical systems. They possess strong communication skills to effectively translate technical concepts for diverse stakeholders while maintaining meticulous attention to detail in system design and implementation. Successful systems architects exhibit high dependability and integrity, as organizations rely on them for critical infrastructure decisions. They thrive on intellectual challenges and continuous learning, staying current with emerging technologies and industry best practices. The role suits those who enjoy both strategic planning and hands-on technical work, balancing big-picture thinking with detailed implementation requirements.

Automation Outlook

The role faces moderate automation risk as AI tools increasingly handle routine system monitoring and basic configuration tasks, but the complex problem-solving and strategic architecture functions remain highly resistant to automation. The emphasis on working with computers (5.8/7 level), making decisions and solving problems (5.0/7 level), and updating relevant knowledge (5.5/7 level) represents cognitive work that requires human judgment and creativity. As organizations adopt more sophisticated AI and machine learning systems, systems architects will likely become more valuable as the professionals who design and integrate these advanced technologies into enterprise environments.

Market Intelligence — BLS OEWS May 2025
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, Computer Systems Engineers/Architects command a median annual salary of $116,580, with the top 10% earning over $188,470 and entry-level positions starting around $55,940. The field employs 435,370 professionals nationwide, with strong demand concentrated in professional services (123,970 employed), government sectors (97,870 employed), and information technology companies (48,470 employed). Geographic compensation varies significantly, with Washington D.C. offering the highest wages at $156,590 compared to Puerto Rico's $60,470, reflecting a 2.59x differential based on regional technology market maturity. The profession shows robust growth potential driven by digital transformation initiatives, cloud migration projects, and increasing cybersecurity requirements across all industries.
$55,940
10th
$79,370
25th
$116,580
Median
$157,500
75th
$188,470
90th
Highest Paying State
District of Columbia
$156,590 median
Geographic Dispersion
2.59x
highest / lowest median
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Servi 123,970 emp $121,310
Federal, State, and Local Government, excludi 97,870 emp $124,530
Information 48,470 emp $131,720
Finance and Insurance 27,020 emp $131,760
Management of Companies and Enterprises 25,080 emp $128,070
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 ↗ · Public Domain · US Government
Skills + Knowledge — O*NET 30.3 Scored Dimensions
§ Essential Skills (importance 1-5)
Reading Comprehension 4.0
Active Listening 4.0
Critical Thinking 4.0
Writing 3.9
Speaking 3.9
Active Learning 3.6
Monitoring 3.5
Mathematics 3.0
Science 3.0
Learning Strategies 3.0
§ Knowledge Domains (importance 1-5)
Computers and Electronics 4.9
English Language 4.1
Telecommunications 4.0
Customer and Personal Service 3.9
Engineering and Technology 3.8
Administration and Management 3.3
Design 2.9
Mathematics 2.9
Administrative 2.6
Production and Processing 2.6
Source: O*NET 30.3 Database ↗ · CC BY 4.0
RIASEC Interest Profile + Personality Fit — O*NET 30.3
R
Realistic
4.10
TOP FIT
I
Investigative
5.46
TOP FIT
A
Artistic
1.88
S
Social
2.10
E
Enterprising
3.03
C
Conventional
5.76
TOP FIT
§ Who Thrives
Individuals who excel in this role demonstrate exceptional analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a natural curiosity for understanding complex technical systems. They possess strong communication skills to effectively translate technical concepts for diverse stakeholders while maintaining meticulous attention to detail in system design and implementation. Successful systems architects exhibit high dependability and integrity, as organizations rely on them for critical infrastructure decisions. They thrive on intellectual challenges and continuous learning, staying current with emerging technologies and industry best practices. The role suits those who enjoy both strategic planning and hands-on technical work, balancing big-picture thinking with detailed implementation requirements.
Source: O*NET 30.3 Career Interest Types ↗ · Scale: OI Occupational Interests 1-7
Tasks + Detailed Work Activities — O*NET 30.3
Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
Core 22% of incumbents
Collaborate with others to determine des
Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
Core 22% of incumbents
Evaluate utility of software or hardwareRecommend changes to improve computer or
Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
Core 22% of incumbents
Develop guidelines for system implementa
Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
Core 22% of incumbents
Coordinate software or hardware installa
Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
Core 22% of incumbents
Monitor computer system performance to e
Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
Core 22% of incumbents
Identify information technology project
Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
Core 22% of incumbents
Install computer software.Install computer hardware.Maintain computer hardware.
Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
Core 22% of incumbents
Test computer system operations to ensur
Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
Core 22% of incumbents
Conduct research to gain information aboTest computer system operations to ensur
Configure servers to meet functional specifications.
Core 22% of incumbents
Configure computer networks.
Source: O*NET 30.3 Task Statements + DWA Mappings ↗ · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
◈ Software Tools — O*NET 30.3 · Hot Technology + In Demand Flagged
3M Post-it App
Word processing software
Adobe Acrobat
Document management software
HOT
Adobe ActionScript
Development environment software
Adobe AIR
Development environment software
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Graphics or photo imaging software
HOT
Adobe Dreamweaver
Web page creation and editing software
Adobe Flex
Web platform development software
Adobe FrameMaker
Desktop publishing software
Adobe Photoshop
Graphics or photo imaging software
HOT
Advanced business application programming ABAP
Object or component oriented development
AJAX
Web platform development software
HOT
Altia Design
Graphical user interface development sof
Amazon DynamoDB
Data base management system software
HOT
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
Data base user interface and query softw
HOT
Amazon Redshift
Data base user interface and query softw
HOT
Amazon Simple Storage Service S3
Storage networking software
Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
Cloud-based management software
HOTIN DEMAND
Amazon Web Services AWS software
Data base user interface and query softw
HOTIN DEMAND
Source: O*NET 30.3 Software Skills ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Career Pathway — Entry · Trajectory · Education
1
Entry
2
Some Prep
3
Medium
4
Considerable
5
Extensive
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocat
Entry into this field typically requires a post-secondary certificate (40.9% of professionals), associate's degree (27.3%), or bachelor's degree (22.7%) in computer science, information technology, or related technical fields. Many professionals begin their careers in junior system administration, software development, or technical support roles to gain foundational experience with enterprise systems. Hands-on experience with various operating systems, networking protocols, and enterprise software platforms is essential. Industry certifications from vendors like AWS, Microsoft, or Cisco significantly enhance career prospects and demonstrate specialized expertise.
Career progression often leads to senior architect roles, enterprise architect positions, or technical leadership roles such as Chief Technology Officer or IT Director. Many professionals specialize in specific domains like cloud architecture, security architecture, or data platform engineering, commanding premium compensation for their expertise. The strong foundation in systems integration and technical problem-solving also opens pathways to consulting roles, where experienced architects help organizations navigate complex technology transformations. Some transition into product management or technical sales roles, leveraging their deep understanding of enterprise technology needs.
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for trai 40.9%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) 27.3%
Bachelor's Degree 22.7%
Some College Courses 4.5%
Master's Degree 4.5%
Source: O*NET 30.3 Education + Job Zones ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Live Job Feed — Active Postings
Live Computer Systems Engineers/Architects job postings populate here as the crawler feeds data. The Boise Standard employment crawler indexes ATS platforms directly — Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Taleo — and normalizes every posting to the O*NET ontology.

Postings appear within hours of going live on the source ATS. No aggregator lag. Direct from source.
Browse Tech Feed → Submit Open Position →
◈ SEMANTIC MANIFOLD — MULTI-SOURCE WORD FREQUENCY FINGERPRINT
Top 40 terms across five provenance layers: O*NET Tasks · O*NET Dimensions · DWAs · Wikipedia · Inference · Stop words removed · Deterministic · Constitutional Law III
software architect tendency design others requirements users computer hardware needs equipment architecture engineering engineers principles architects technical problems complex components
§ Full Frequency Ranking — 40 terms
TERM COUNT FREQ BAR SOURCE ATTRIBUTION
software 50 0.0126
wikipedia 42% onet tasks 20%
architect 49 0.0123
wikipedia 94% inference 6%
tendency 43 0.0108
onet dimensi 98% wikipedia 2%
design 42 0.0105
wikipedia 45% onet tasks 14%
others 42 0.0105
onet dimensi 90% dwas 10%
requirements 41 0.0103
wikipedia 71% inference 12%
users 40 0.0100
wikipedia 95% onet tasks 2%
computer 31 0.0078
dwas 45% wikipedia 29%
hardware 31 0.0078
wikipedia 48% dwas 23%
needs 23 0.0058
wikipedia 52% onet dimensi 35%
equipment 23 0.0058
onet dimensi 100%
architecture 22 0.0055
wikipedia 77% inference 18%
engineering 22 0.0055
wikipedia 77% onet tasks 9%
engineers 21 0.0053
wikipedia 86% inference 10%
principles 21 0.0053
onet dimensi 76% wikipedia 24%
architects 21 0.0053
wikipedia 71% inference 29%
technical 20 0.0050
inference 55% onet dimensi 15%
problems 17 0.0043
onet dimensi 53% wikipedia 24%
complex 16 0.0040
wikipedia 56% inference 31%
components 15 0.0038
wikipedia 67% onet tasks 20%
technology 15 0.0038
inference 40% onet dimensi 27%
needed 15 0.0038
wikipedia 53% onet dimensi 47%
control 14 0.0035
onet dimensi 86% wikipedia 14%
human 14 0.0035
onet dimensi 50% wikipedia 43%
test 13 0.0033
wikipedia 62% dwas 31%
performance 13 0.0033
onet dimensi 54% dwas 31%
includes 13 0.0033
onet dimensi 92% wikipedia 8%
management 13 0.0033
onet dimensi 54% wikipedia 31%
activities 13 0.0033
onet dimensi 69% dwas 15%
problem 12 0.0030
onet dimensi 58% inference 25%
BOISE STANDARD — FINE-TUNING RECORD · Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
15-1299.08 · 8 QA pairs · jsonl · O*NET 30.3 + BLS OEWS
What is the median annual salary for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, the median annual salary is $116,580, with top 10% earning over $188,470 and entry-level positions around $55,940.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
How many Computer Systems Engineers/Architects are employed nationally?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, there are 435,370 Computer Systems Engineers/Architects employed in the United States.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
Which state offers the highest compensation for Computer Systems Engineers/Architects?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025, District of Columbia leads with a median salary of $156,590, significantly above the national median of $116,580, reflecting higher cost-of-living and federal IT demand.
market_intel BLS OEWS May 2025
What industries employ the most Computer Systems Engineers/Architects?
According to occupational data, top employers are Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Federal, State, and Local Government; and Information Technology sectors, reflecting strong demand in government and tech industries.
market_intel BLS Industry Employment Distribution
What educational path should I pursue to enter this field?
According to education distribution data, 40.9% of professionals hold post-secondary certificates in computer services or engineering technologies, making this the most common entry point, followed by associate's degrees (27.3%) and bachelor's degrees (22.7%).
career_advice Education Distribution Analysis
Which critical thinking skills are most valued in this role?
According to skill importance data, the top five skills are Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, and Speaking, with Critical Thinking being essential for solving complex system problems and making architectural decisions.
career_advice Skill Importance Ratings
How does a Computer Systems Engineer/Architect career compare to Software Developers in terms of salary?
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects earn a median of $116,580 annually (BLS OEWS May 2025), which is in the same competitive tier as Software Developers, making both roles similarly attractive from compensation perspective within tech verticals.
comparative BLS OEWS May 2025Related Occupations Data
What personality traits predict success in this role?
According to RIASEC analysis, the role favors Conventional (C:5.76), Investigative (I:5.46), and Realistic (R:4.10) personalities, indicating success comes from systematic thinking, analytical curiosity, and practical problem-solving approaches to complex technical challenges.
comparative RIASEC Personality Assessment
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 15-1299.08 · minted 2026-06-02T16:18:30Z · Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · BS: https://boisestandard.org/employment/15-1299-computer_systems_engineers_architects
Boise Standard — Employment Intelligence
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Boise Standard · The Standard of Information · boisestandard.org ↗
Provenance Window — Full Source Record · 15-1299.08 · Computer Systems Engineers/Architects 7 source blocks · click to expand
O*NET Identity onetonline.org ↗ · O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · retrieved 2026-06-02
[('onet_soc_code', '15-1299.08'), ('soc_code', '15-1299'), ('title', 'Computer Systems Engineers/Architects'), ('vertical', 'tech'), ('job_zone', '3'), ('job_zone_name', 'Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed'), ('job_zone_exp', 'Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician mus'), ('description', 'Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.'), ('bundle_version', '1'), ('built_at', '2026-06-02T16:18:30Z')]
O*NET Task Statements (28 tasks, 0 emerging) O*NET 30.3 Task Statements · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
[Core] [22% incumbents] Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
  DWAs: Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
  DWAs: Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies. | Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
  DWAs: Develop guidelines for system implementation.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
  DWAs: Coordinate software or hardware installation.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
  DWAs: Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
  DWAs: Identify information technology project resource requirements.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
  DWAs: Install computer software. | Install computer hardware. | Maintain computer hardware.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
  DWAs: Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
  DWAs: Conduct research to gain information about products or processes. | Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Configure servers to meet functional specifications.
  DWAs: Configure computer networks.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.
  DWAs: Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details. | Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Design and conduct hardware or software tests.
  DWAs: Test computer hardware performance. | Test software performance.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Evaluate existing systems to determine effectiveness, and suggest changes to meet organizational requirements.
  DWAs: Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies. | Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information.
  DWAs: Document technical specifications or requirements.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Perform security analyses of developed or packaged software components.
  DWAs: Analyze security of systems, network, or data.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.
  DWAs: Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Define and analyze objectives, scope, issues, or organizational impact of information systems.
  DWAs: Develop organizational goals or objectives.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Establish functional or system standards to address operational requirements, quality requirements, and design constraints.
  DWAs: Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
  DWAs: Design integrated computer systems.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes.
  DWAs: Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability.
  DWAs: Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Develop or approve project plans, schedules, or budgets.
  DWAs: Develop detailed project plans.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Communicate project information through presentations, technical reports, or white papers.
  DWAs: Prepare analytical reports. | Communicate project information to others.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Train system users in system operation or maintenance.
  DWAs: Train others in computer interface or software use.

[Core] [22% incumbents] Complete models and simulations, using manual or automated tools, to analyze or predict system performance under different operating conditions.
  DWAs: Design computer modeling or simulation programs. | Develop models of information or communications systems.

[Supplemental] [22% incumbents] Develop application-specific software.
  DWAs: Design software applications.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
  DWAs: Manage information technology projects or system activities.

[Core] [21% incumbents] Develop efficient and effective system controllers.
  DWAs: Design software applications.
O*NET Scored Dimensions — Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Work Activities O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · domain_source: Incumbent/Analyst/Machine Learning
--- SKILLS ---
  Reading Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Listening (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Critical Thinking (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Writing (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Speaking (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Active Learning (imp:3.62 lvl:4.12) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Monitoring (imp:3.50 lvl:3.88) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Mathematics (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Computers and Electronics (imp:4.91 lvl:6.32) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  English Language (imp:4.09 lvl:3.38) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Telecommunications (imp:3.95 lvl:4.41) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:3.86 lvl:4.55) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Engineering and Technology (imp:3.77 lvl:4.45) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Administration and Management (imp:3.29 lvl:3.91) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Design (imp:2.91 lvl:3.71) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Mathematics (imp:2.91 lvl:3.71) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Administrative (imp:2.64 lvl:3.73) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Production and Processing (imp:2.64 lvl:3.05) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Education and Training (imp:2.55 lvl:3.19) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.55 lvl:2.32) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Communications and Media (imp:2.45 lvl:2.33) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Mechanical (imp:2.36 lvl:2.52) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.32 lvl:2.86) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Economics and Accounting (imp:2.14 lvl:2.18) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Law and Government (imp:2.09 lvl:2.33) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Sales and Marketing (imp:1.95 lvl:1.82) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Physics (imp:1.91 lvl:1.90) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Psychology (imp:1.82 lvl:1.57) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Building and Construction (imp:1.81 lvl:1.57) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Geography (imp:1.59 lvl:1.14) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Transportation (imp:1.59 lvl:1.19) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.41 lvl:0.82) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Foreign Language (imp:1.41 lvl:0.64) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Chemistry (imp:1.36 lvl:0.86) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.36 lvl:0.59) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.36 lvl:0.77) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  History and Archeology (imp:1.32 lvl:0.68) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Food Production (imp:1.23 lvl:0.55) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.23 lvl:0.55) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Biology (imp:1.18 lvl:0.41) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Fine Arts (imp:1.14 lvl:0.24) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.50) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Written Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.12) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Oral Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Written Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:4.25) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:4.00 lvl:4.12) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:4.00 lvl:4.12) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Information Ordering (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Originality (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Near Vision (imp:3.50 lvl:3.62) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:3.38 lvl:3.88) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.25 lvl:3.88) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Selective Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Memorization (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Visualization (imp:2.88 lvl:3.12) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Far Vision (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Time Sharing (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Finger Dexterity (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:1.88 lvl:1.50) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Manual Dexterity (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Control Precision (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Trunk Strength (imp:1.75 lvl:1.12) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Depth Perception (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Rate Control (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Reaction Time (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Extent Flexibility (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Response Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Static Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Stamina (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.00) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Sound Localization (imp:1.00) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Working with Computers (imp:4.68 lvl:5.77) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.45 lvl:5.00) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Getting Information (imp:4.41 lvl:4.45) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Processing Information (imp:4.05 lvl:4.67) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.05 lvl:5.52) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:4.00 lvl:4.86) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.00 lvl:4.62) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.95 lvl:4.52) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.91 lvl:4.00) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:3.90 lvl:4.57) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.86 lvl:4.29) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.67 lvl:3.71) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.59 lvl:3.71) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.55 lvl:4.57) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.41 lvl:3.90) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:3.41 lvl:3.81) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.36 lvl:4.52) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.32 lvl:4.33) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.32 lvl:4.48) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.23 lvl:3.86) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.18 lvl:3.81) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:3.09 lvl:3.00) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:3.09 lvl:3.24) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:3.09 lvl:3.42) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.05 lvl:3.14) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.05 lvl:3.43) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.00 lvl:3.59) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.95 lvl:3.57) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.91 lvl:4.05) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.86 lvl:3.14) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.77 lvl:3.19) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.73 lvl:3.33) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:2.50 lvl:2.33) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:2.41 lvl:4.05) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:2.41 lvl:2.48) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:2.32 lvl:2.43) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:2.23 lvl:2.29) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:2.23 lvl:2.38) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:1.95 lvl:2.00) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:1.95 lvl:1.86) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:1.86 lvl:1.33) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:8.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:7.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:6.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:5.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:4.00) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:3.00) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Dependability (imp:2.59) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.57) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Innovation (imp:2.48) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:2.37) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Adaptability (imp:2.34) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Cautiousness (imp:2.28) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Integrity (imp:2.13) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Achievement Orientation (imp:2.08) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Adaptability (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Perseverance (imp:1.90) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Initiative (imp:1.86) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.76) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.70) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.61) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Leadership Orientation (imp:1.45) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Cooperation (imp:1.35) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Self-Control (imp:1.14) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Innovation (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Social Orientation (imp:0.97) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Sincerity (imp:0.74) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Humility (imp:0.53) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Empathy (imp:0.50) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Optimism (imp:0.47) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Systems Analysis (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:3.88 lvl:4.12) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Operations Analysis (imp:3.75 lvl:4.38) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Programming (imp:3.50 lvl:4.25) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.38 lvl:4.00) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:3.12 lvl:3.62) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Instructing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Service Orientation (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Persuasion (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:2.75 lvl:3.00) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Technology Design (imp:2.50 lvl:2.75) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.12 lvl:1.50) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:2.12 lvl:2.38) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Operation and Control (imp:2.00 lvl:1.38) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:2.00 lvl:2.12) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Repairing (imp:1.75 lvl:1.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Installation (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
BLS OEWS May 2025 — 435,370 employed nationally bls.gov/oes ↗ · Public Domain · US Government · retrieved 2026-06-02
--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 435,370
  annual_median    : $116,580
  annual_pct10     : $55,940
  annual_pct25     : $79,370
  annual_pct75     : $157,500
  annual_pct90     : $188,470
  annual_mean      : $122,230
  hourly_median    : $56.05

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : District of Columbia ($156,590)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($60,470)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.590x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (54 total) ---
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:  123,970  median: $ 121,310
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:   97,870  median: $ 124,530
  Information                              emp:   48,470  median: $ 131,720
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:   27,020  median: $ 131,760
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:   25,080  median: $ 128,070
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:   23,450  median: $  99,210
  Manufacturing                            emp:   23,360  median: $ 105,040
  Educational Services                     emp:   17,310  median: $  83,120
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:   12,810  median: $ 109,960
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:   10,490  median: $  93,010

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (20 total) ---
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:  123,970  median: $ 121,310
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:   97,870  median: $ 124,530
  Information                              emp:   48,470  median: $ 131,720
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:   27,020  median: $ 131,760
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:   25,080  median: $ 128,070
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:   23,450  median: $  99,210
  Manufacturing                            emp:   23,360  median: $ 105,040
  Educational Services                     emp:   17,310  median: $  83,120
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:   12,810  median: $ 109,960
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:   10,490  median: $  93,010
Wikipedia — Systems architect (2,524 words) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_architect ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0
exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Systems architect
match_score        : 0.6296
wikidata_qid       : Q7663860
word_count         : 2,524
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_architect
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T20:25:33.989405Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
A systems architect is an information and communications technology professional. Systems architects define the architecture of a computerized system (i.e., a system composed of software and hardware) in order to fulfill certain requirements. Such definitions include: a breakdown of the system into components, the component interactions and interfaces (including with the environment, especially the user), and the technologies and resources to be used in its design and implementation.
The systems architect's work should seek to avoid implementation issues and readily permit unanticipated extensions/modifications in future stages. Because of the extensive experience required for this, the systems architect is typically a very senior technologist with substantial, but general, knowledge of hardware, software, and similar (user) systems.  Above all, the systems architect must be reasonably knowledgeable of the users' domain of experience. For example, the architect of an air traffic system needs to be more than superficially familiar with all of the tasks of an air traffic system, including those of all levels of users.
The title of systems architect connotes higher-level design responsibilities than a systems engineer,  software engineer or programmer, though day-to-day activities may overlap.


== Overview ==
Systems architects interface with multiple stakeholders in an organization in order to understand the various levels of requirements, the domain, the viable technologies, and anticipated development process. Their work includes determining multiple design and implementation alternatives, assessing such alternatives based on all identified constraints (such as cost, schedule, space, power, safety, usability, reliability, maintainability, availability, and other "ilities"), and selecting the most suitable options for further design. The output of such work sets the core properties of the system and those that are hardest to change later.
In small systems the architecture is typically defined directly by the developers. However, in larger systems, a systems architect should be appointed to outline the overall system, and to interface between the users, sponsors, and other stakeholders on one side and the engineers on the other. Very large, highly complex systems may include multiple architects, in which case the architects work together to integrate their subsystems or aspects, and respond to a chief architect responsible for the entire system. In general, the role of the architect is to act as a mediator between the users and the engineers, reconciling the users' needs and requirements with what the engineers have determined to be doable within the given (engineering) constraints.
In systems design, the architects (and engineers) are responsible for:

Interfacing with the user(s) and sponsor(s) and all other stakeholders in order to determine their (evolving) needs.
Generating the highest level of system requirements, based on the users' needs and other constraints.
Ensuring that this set of high level requirements is consistent, complete, correct, and operationally defined.
Performing cost–benefit analyses to determine whether requirements are best met by manual, software, or hardware functions; making maximum use of commercial off-the-shelf or already developed components.
Developing partitioning algorithms (and other processes) to allocate all present and foreseeable requirements into discrete partitions such that a minimum of communications is needed among partitions, and between the users and the system.
Partitioning large systems into (successive layers of) subsystems and components each of which can be handled by a single engineer or team of engineers or subordinate architect.
Interfacing with the design and implementation engineers and architects, so that any problems arising during design or implementation can be resolved in accordance with the fundamental design concepts, and users' needs and constraints.
Ensuring that a maximally robust and extensible design is developed.
Generating a set of acceptance test requirements, together with the designers, test engineers, and the users, which determine that all of the high-level requirements have been met, especially for the computer-human-interface.
Generating products such as sketches, models, an early user guide, and prototypes to keep the users and the engineers constantly up to date and in agreement on the system to be provided as it is evolving.
Ensuring that all architectural products and products with architectural input are maintained in the most current state and never allowed to seriously lag or become obsolete.


== Systems architect: topics ==
Large systems architecture was developed as a way to handle systems too large for one person to conceive of, let alone design.  Systems of this size are rapidly becoming the norm, so architectural approaches and architects are increasingly needed to solve the problems of large to very large systems.  In general, increasingly large systems are reduced to 'human' proportions by a layering approach, where each layer is composed of a number of individually comprehensible sub-layers-- each having its own principal engineer and/or architect.  A complete layer at one level will be shown as a functional 'component' of a higher layer (and may disappear altogether at the highest layers).


=== Users and sponsors ===
Architects are expected to understand human needs and develop humanly functional and aesthetically-pleasing products.  A good architect is also the principal keeper of the users' vision of the end product, and of the process of deriving requirements from and implementing that vision.
Architects do not follow exact procedures.  They communicate with users/sponsors in a highly interactive, relatively informal way— together they extract the true requirements necessary for the designed (end) system.  The architect must remain constantly in communication with the end users and with the (principal) systems engineers.  Therefore, the architect must be intimately familiar with the users' environment and problem, and with the engineering environment(s) of likely solution spaces.


=== High level requirements ===
The user requirements specification should be a joint product of the users and architect: the users bring their needs and wish list, the architect brings knowledge of what is likely to prove doable within the cost, time and other constraints.  When the users needs are translated into a set of high-level requirements is also the best time to write the first version of the acceptance test, which should, thereafter, be religiously kept up to date with the requirements.  That way, the users will be absolutely clear about what they are getting.  It is also a safeguard against untestable requirements, misunderstandings, and requirements creep.
The development of the first level of engineering requirements is not a purely analytical exercise and should also involve both the architect and engineer.  If any compromises are to be made— to meet constraints-  the architect must ensure that the final product and overall look and feel do not stray very far from the users' intent.  The engineer should focus on developing a design that optimizes the constraints but ensures a workable, reliable, extensible and robust product. The provision of needed services to the users is the true function of an engineered system.  However, as systems become ever larger and more complex, and as their emphases move away from simple hardware and software components, the narrow application of traditional systems development principles have been found to be insufficient— the application of more general principles of systems, hardware, and software architecture to the design of (sub)systems is seen to be needed.  Architecture may also be seen as a simplified model of the finished end product— its primary function is to define the parts and their relationships to each other so 

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Software engineering (similarity: 0.4561)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_engineering
  QID: Q80993
  Extract: Software engineering is a branch of both computer science and engineering focused on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications. It involves applying engineering principles and computer programming expertise to develop software systems that meet user needs.

  Title: System administrator (similarity: 0.4211)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_administrator
  QID: Q327353
  Extract: An IT administrator, system administrator, sysadmin, or admin is a person who is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially multi-user computers, such as servers. The system administrator seeks to ensure that the uptime, performance, resources, 

  Title: Hardware architect (similarity: 0.4000)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardware_architect
  QID: Q844143
  Extract: 
In the automation and engineering environments, the hardware engineer or architect encompasses the electronics engineering and electrical engineering fields, with subspecialities in analog, digital, or electromechanical systems.

  Title: Software engineering demographics (similarity: 0.4857)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_engineering_demographics
  QID: Q7554291
  Extract: Software engineers make up a significant portion of the global workforce. As of 2022, there are an estimated 26.9 million professional software engineers worldwide, up from 21 million in 2016.

  Title: ITIL (similarity: 0.0976)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITIL
  QID: Q152361
  Extract: 

ITIL is a framework with a set of practices for IT activities such as IT service management (ITSM) and IT asset management (ITAM) that focus on aligning IT services with the needs of the business.
Claude Inference — claude-sonnet-4-20250514 · confidence:high · $0.0502 inferred_at: 2026-06-03T14:12:21 UTC · Boise Standard inference pipeline v1.0
model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence supported by comprehensive O*NET data including detailed work activities, transferable skills, and clear task descriptions. Wikipedia match provides additional validation of role definition. Wage data from BLS OEWS May 2025 provides authoritative compensation intelligence.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T14:12:21.314747+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,524
tokens_output        : 4,471
cost_usd             : $0.050235
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Systems architect
wikipedia_note       : The Wikipedia entry aligns well with O*NET data, defining systems architects as ICT professionals who define computerized system architecture to fulfill requirements through component breakdown and interface design. This matches the occupation's focus on system design, integration functions, and solution development for complex applications.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects design and develop comprehensive solutions to complex application problems, system administration issues, and network concerns while performing critical systems management and integration functions. They serve as technical bridge-builders between business requirements and technological implementation, ensuring that enterprise systems operate efficiently, securely, and at scale. These professionals combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking to architect robust computing infrastructures that support organizational objectives.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A typical day involves communicating with stakeholders to understand specific system requirements and translating business needs into technical specifications. They investigate and evaluate system components for suitability, making evidence-based recommendations for hardware and software selection. Much of their time is spent monitoring system operations to detect potential problems before they impact users, while also configuring servers and network components to meet functional specifications. They direct installation teams through operating system deployments and application software implementations, ensuring adherence to security guidelines. The role requires continuous research and testing of software patches, verification of system stability and scalability, and ongoing maintenance operations including hardware and software upgrades.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role demonstrate exceptional analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a natural curiosity for understanding complex technical systems. They possess strong communication skills to effectively translate technical concepts for diverse stakeholders while maintaining meticulous attention to detail in system design and implementation. Successful systems architects exhibit high dependability and integrity, as organizations rely on them for critical infrastructure decisions. They thrive on intellectual challenges and continuous learning, staying current with emerging technologies and industry best practices. The role suits those who enjoy both strategic planning and hands-on technical work, balancing big-picture thinking with detailed implementation requirements.

CAREER ENTRY:
Entry into this field typically requires a post-secondary certificate (40.9% of professionals), associate's degree (27.3%), or bachelor's degree (22.7%) in computer science, information technology, or related technical fields. Many professionals begin their careers in junior system administration, software development, or technical support roles to gain foundational experience with enterprise systems. Hands-on experience with various operating systems, networking protocols, and enterprise software platforms is essential. Industry certifications from vendors like AWS, Microsoft, or Cisco significantly enhance career prospects and demonstrate specialized expertise.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Career progression often leads to senior architect roles, enterprise architect positions, or technical leadership roles such as Chief Technology Officer or IT Director. Many professionals specialize in specific domains like cloud architecture, security architecture, or data platform engineering, commanding premium compensation for their expertise. The strong foundation in systems integration and technical problem-solving also opens pathways to consulting roles, where experienced architects help organizations navigate complex technology transformations. Some transition into product management or technical sales roles, leveraging their deep understanding of enterprise technology needs.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, Computer Systems Engineers/Architects command a median annual salary of $116,580, with the top 10% earning over $188,470 and entry-level positions starting around $55,940. The field employs 435,370 professionals nationwide, with strong demand concentrated in professional services (123,970 employed), government sectors (97,870 employed), and information technology companies (48,470 employed). Geographic compensation varies significantly, with Washington D.C. offering the highest wages at $156,590 compared to Puerto Rico's $60,470, reflecting a 2.59x differential based on regional technology market maturity. The profession shows robust growth potential driven by digital transformation initiatives, cloud migration projects, and increasing cybersecurity requirements across all industries.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
The role faces moderate automation risk as AI tools increasingly handle routine system monitoring and basic configuration tasks, but the complex problem-solving and strategic architecture functions remain highly resistant to automation. The emphasis on working with computers (5.8/7 level), making decisions and solving problems (5.0/7 level), and updating relevant knowledge (5.5/7 level) represents cognitive work that requires human judgment and creativity. As organizations adopt more sophisticated AI and machine learning systems, systems architects will likely become more valuable as the professionals who design and integrate these advanced technologies into enterprise environments.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [task_similarity] Computer Network Architects (15-1241.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles involve configuring network infrastructure, monitoring system operations, and ensuring security and scalability of enterprise systems.
    data: Configure servers to meet functional specifications
    data: Monitor system operation to detect potential problems
    data: Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability
  [skill_overlap] Computer Systems Analysts (15-1211.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Shared emphasis on systems analysis (3.9/4.0), systems evaluation (3.9/4.1), and complex problem solving (3.8/4.0) as core competencies.
    data: Systems Analysis (imp:3.9, lvl:4.0)
    data: Systems Evaluation (imp:3.9, lvl:4.1)
    data: Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.8, lvl:4.0)
  [knowledge_overlap] Software Developers (15-1252.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles require deep computers and electronics knowledge (4.9/6.3) and programming skills (3.5/4.2) for system implementation.
    data: Computers and Electronics (imp:4.9, lvl:6.3)
    data: Programming (imp:3.5, lvl:4.2)
  [career_pathway] Network and Computer Systems Administrators (15-1244.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Systems administrators often advance to systems architect roles, building on shared system monitoring, hardware installation, and maintenance responsibilities.
    data: Monitor system operation to detect potential problems
    data: Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations
    data: Direct the installation of operating systems
  [task_similarity] Information Security Engineers (15-1299.05) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles focus on providing secure system implementation guidelines and verifying system security as core job functions.
    data: Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems
    data: Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability
  [riasec_cluster] Database Administrators (15-1242.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both occupations show strong Conventional (C:5.76) and Investigative (I:5.46) RIASEC profiles, indicating similar analytical and detail-oriented work styles.
    data: C:5.76, I:5.46 RIASEC profile
    data: Attention to Detail (imp:7.0)
    data: Dependability (imp:8.0)

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['systems architect', 'cloud architect', 'infrastructure engineer', 'enterprise architect', 'systems engineer', 'solutions architect', 'platform engineer', 'systems integration']
  exclude_keywords : ['software developer', 'network administrator', 'database administrator', 'security analyst', 'web developer']
  title_patterns   : ['*Systems*Engineer*', '*Systems*Architect*', '*Cloud*Architect*', '*Infrastructure*Engineer*', '*Enterprise*Architect*']
  common_variations: ['IT Architect', 'Information Technology Architect', 'Cloud Solution Architect', 'Application Systems Architect', 'Computer Systems Architect', 'Data Platform Engineer', 'Cloud Infrastructure Engineer', 'IT Engineer']
Semantic Manifold — 40 terms · 5 provenance layers employment_word_extractor.py · sources: onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference · Constitutional Law III
total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['software', 'architect', 'tendency', 'design', 'others', 'requirements', 'users', 'computer', 'hardware', 'needs', 'equipment', 'architecture', 'engineering', 'engineers', 'principles', 'architects', 'technical', 'problems', 'complex', 'components']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
software                   50  0.01255  wikipedia            wikipedia:42%  onet_tasks:20%  dwas:20%
architect                  49  0.01230  wikipedia            wikipedia:94%  inference:6%
tendency                   43  0.01079  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:98%  wikipedia:2%
design                     42  0.01054  wikipedia            wikipedia:45%  onet_tasks:14%  onet_dimensions:14%
others                     42  0.01054  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  dwas:10%
requirements               41  0.01029  wikipedia            wikipedia:71%  inference:12%  onet_tasks:10%
users                      40  0.01004  wikipedia            wikipedia:95%  onet_tasks:2%  inference:2%
computer                   31  0.00778  dwas                 dwas:45%  wikipedia:29%  onet_dimensions:10%
hardware                   31  0.00778  wikipedia            wikipedia:48%  dwas:23%  onet_tasks:16%
needs                      23  0.00577  wikipedia            wikipedia:52%  onet_dimensions:35%  inference:9%
equipment                  23  0.00577  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
architecture               22  0.00552  wikipedia            wikipedia:77%  inference:18%  onet_tasks:5%
engineering                22  0.00552  wikipedia            wikipedia:77%  onet_tasks:9%  onet_dimensions:9%
engineers                  21  0.00527  wikipedia            wikipedia:86%  inference:10%  onet_tasks:5%
principles                 21  0.00527  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:76%  wikipedia:24%
architects                 21  0.00527  wikipedia            wikipedia:71%  inference:29%
technical                  20  0.00502  inference            inference:55%  onet_dimensions:15%  onet_tasks:10%
problems                   17  0.00427  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:53%  wikipedia:24%  inference:18%
complex                    16  0.00402  wikipedia            wikipedia:56%  inference:31%  onet_dimensions:12%
components                 15  0.00377  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:13%
technology                 15  0.00377  inference            inference:40%  onet_dimensions:27%  dwas:20%
needed                     15  0.00377  wikipedia            wikipedia:53%  onet_dimensions:47%
control                    14  0.00351  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:86%  wikipedia:14%
human                      14  0.00351  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  wikipedia:43%  inference:7%
test                       13  0.00326  wikipedia            wikipedia:62%  dwas:31%  onet_tasks:8%
performance                13  0.00326  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:54%  dwas:31%  onet_tasks:8%
includes                   13  0.00326  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  wikipedia:8%
management                 13  0.00326  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:54%  wikipedia:31%  inference:15%
activities                 13  0.00326  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:69%  dwas:15%  wikipedia:15%
problem                    12  0.00301  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:58%  inference:25%  wikipedia:17%
objects                    12  0.00301  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
understand                 11  0.00276  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:64%  wikipedia:18%  onet_tasks:9%
user                       11  0.00276  wikipedia            wikipedia:82%  onet_tasks:9%  onet_dimensions:9%
operations                 11  0.00276  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:55%  dwas:18%  inference:18%
resources                  11  0.00276  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:82%  wikipedia:18%
ideas                      11  0.00276  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
developing                 11  0.00276  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:73%  wikipedia:27%
engineer                   11  0.00276  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
standards                  10  0.00251  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  onet_tasks:10%  dwas:10%
constraints                10  0.00251  wikipedia            wikipedia:90%  onet_tasks:10%
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 15-1299.08 · built 2026-06-02 · Sources declared above are authoritative originals. This page synthesizes but does not replace them. Every claim traceable. Full provenance. Constitutional Law I.
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