How to Make 6 Figures As A Network Architect? (11 Best Ways in 2024)

Updated: September 9th, 2024

So you want to make six figures as a network architect? Good for you! Being a network architect is a highly respectable and well-paid profession, and there's no reason why you can't earn a high income if you put your mind to it.

In this blog post, we'll look at some of the best ways to make more money as a network architect - business ideas you can start to achieve such income. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)

Starting an online course could help you make six figures as a network architect by leveraging your expertise to address specific educational gaps in the field. As an entrepreneurial course creator, you could develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials that teach specialized skills to your students, providing them with the knowledge they need to advance in their careers. This not only allows you to share your passion for information-sharing but also opens up a lucrative income stream with low startup costs.

With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, you could attract a diverse student base interested in mastering the intricacies of network architecture. By consistently updating your content to reflect the latest industry trends and best practices, you maintain a competitive edge and ensure a steady flow of eager lifelong learners. The passive income generated from your courses positions you well on your path to achieving a six-figure income.

How much you can make: $350 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)

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2. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel could significantly boost your income as a network architect. By creating informative content related to network design, optimization, and emerging technologies, you could attract a substantial following of tech enthusiasts, IT professionals, and companies seeking expert insights. This not only positions you as an authority in the field but also opens up revenue streams through ad monetization, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing once you meet YouTube's criteria of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months.

Additionally, using YouTube’s established monetization system, you could offer paid tutorials, online courses, and consulting services to your audience, multiplying your income potential. Many successful YouTubers have leveraged their channels to build personal brands and even launch entirely new business ventures, making it a worthwhile consideration for any entrepreneurial-minded network architect aiming to make six figures.

How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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3. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even create a new revenue stream as a network architect. By sharing your expertise and insights on networking topics, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in the latest industry trends and technologies. With a well-executed podcast, you could potentially secure sponsors or advertisers, adding a significant boost to your earnings.

Moreover, a successful podcast could enhance your professional brand, leading to new consulting opportunities, speaking engagements, and other entrepreneurial ventures. Engaging with listeners and industry experts through your podcast could also expand your network, opening up further lucrative possibilities. For an entrepreneurial-minded network architect, launching a podcast could be a strategic move towards reaching six-figure earnings in 2024 and beyond.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

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4. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)

Supplementing your income with a freelance writing business could be a lucrative avenue to achieve six figures as a network architect. Given your deep technical knowledge, you could specialize in creating high-value, niche content in the technology sector, such as writing technical guides, white papers, and blog posts for industry-specific platforms.

Flexibility is a key advantage; you could manage your freelance writing projects around your primary responsibilities, working from home and setting your own hours. As a skilled network architect with strong communication and self-starter qualities, you could build a robust portfolio and command higher rates by maintaining the highest standards and staying updated with current writing trends and tools.

By leveraging your existing expertise and showcasing your ability to meet deadlines and produce quality content, you could establish a reliable side business or even transition into a full-time role, significantly boosting your annual income.

How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)

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5. Start a career coaching business ($48.5K/month)

Starting a career coaching business could be a lucrative way to make six figures as a network architect. By leveraging your industry expertise, you could offer personalized guidance to individuals seeking to navigate their own professional transitions and growth opportunities. This involves designing custom sessions to assist clients with resume building, interview prep, and workplace advancement goals, all tailored to their specific aspirations.

With the flexibility to conduct your coaching sessions either in-person or virtually, you could build a diverse client base and empower them with specialized advice and accountability. Your ability to motivate and speak persuasively, combined with your human resources expertise, could enable you to monetize your talents effectively, potentially allowing you to supplement your income while setting your own schedule.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $235,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

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6. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)

As a network architect, leveraging your expertise to become a social media influencer could significantly boost your income. By creating engaging and informative content on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn, you could establish yourself as an authority in your field. This credibility could attract sponsorship deals, brand partnerships, and consulting opportunities that can supplement your income and potentially push it into six figures.

Additionally, as a social media influencer, you could create online courses, webinars, or e-books tailored to your niche. Your deep industry knowledge can be monetized through these ventures, providing a steady stream of passive income. In essence, blending your technical skills with a strategic social media presence could be a lucrative way to expand your career and financial possibilities.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $166,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)

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7. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)

Starting a blog could be a fantastic way for you to supplement your income as a network architect, potentially helping you make six figures. By sharing your expertise and insights into network architecture, you could attract a broad audience given that 77% of internet users read blogs and blogging is rated as the 5th most trustworthy source of online information.

If you consistently deliver valuable content, you could engage with a large audience — potentially reaching some of the 409 million people viewing blog pages each month. With a strong content strategy and a dedicated mailing list, you could monetize your blog through ads, sponsored posts, and even digital products or consulting services, thereby creating a lucrative side business.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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8. Digital products ($261K/month)

Creating and selling digital products could significantly boost your income as a network architect. Given your expertise, you could develop and market software tools, eBooks, or online courses focused on networking solutions and advancements. These products are top-rated due to their ease of creation and distribution, allowing you to leverage your specialized knowledge without the overhead of physical inventory.

By tapping into the growing demand for digital content, you could build a scalable business that generates passive income. For instance, you could launch a membership site or an exclusive community where professionals can access premium content and tools. This entrepreneurial approach not only diversifies your income streams but also solidifies your reputation as an industry expert.

How much you can make: $10,417 — $1,766,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

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9. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)

Starting a social media marketing agency could be a lucrative side business for network architects aiming to make six figures. By leveraging your technical expertise, you could automate many marketing tasks using social media tools, minimizing the time commitment required and allowing you to focus on creating effective strategies for clients. This business could help you cover your utility bills, finance education, or save for a vacation without compromising your main career.

Developing a robust social media marketing strategy and crafting an appealing agency portfolio would enable you to attract and serve clients efficiently. Given your familiarity with network systems, automating these processes could set you apart from competitors, making it easier to scale and potentially drive substantial supplementary income.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week

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10. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

Starting an ecommerce store could be an excellent way to supplement your income as a network architect. Given your technical skills and understanding of digital infrastructure, you could seamlessly set up an efficient online store that sells either products related to your field, like network equipment and software, or entirely different products that you're passionate about.

eCommerce offers lower overhead costs and broad market reach, allowing you to operate the business alongside your primary job. As the industry continues to boom due to its convenience and efficiency, tapping into this market could not only diversify your income streams but also position you well on the path to making six figures.

Your aptitude for problem-solving and optimizing systems can give you an edge in managing the operational aspects of an ecommerce store, from inventory tracking to payment processing. This side venture could ultimately serve as a lucrative complement to your primary career.

How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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11. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)

As a network architect, you could leverage your technical skills and industry knowledge to become an affiliate marketer, supplementing your income significantly. You could promote cybersecurity tools, networking hardware, or specialized software solutions that are highly relevant to your field, earning commissions for every sale made through your referral links.

Starting an affiliate marketer business is a low-cost venture, requiring minimal upfront investment. You’ll need to rely on your marketing prowess to drive traffic to the products you endorse, utilizing platforms like blogs, social media, or niche forums where you can share your expertise and recommendations. This not only diversifies your income streams but also positions you as a thought leader in your industry.

By signing up for various affiliate programs related to your niche, you receive unique tracking links. These links help the companies track sales generated from your efforts, ensuring you earn a commission for each successful referral. This approach allows you to create a scalable business that complements your primary career, potentially helping you reach that six-figure income goal.

How much you can make: $18,000 — $83,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.