The Security+ certification is highly sought-after among cybersecurity professionals. While this certification may not perfectly reflect your skills, most companies utilize it to evaluate and validate the abilities of entry-level to intermediate-level cybersecurity professionals.
There’s no denying that studying for the Security+ exam is challenging. Obtaining the CompTIA Security+ certification requires time and effort, but it can serve as a solid stepping stone to various job opportunities that require this certification, including professional security-based cybersecurity roles and other IT positions.
In this post, we will explore some common jobs that require security plus certification, providing you with valuable insights for your career path after earning this prestigious certification.
Let’s get started with our free CompTIA Security+ practice test to achieve your goals with ease.
Jobs That Require Security Plus Certification
After obtaining a CompTIA Security+ certification, a frequently asked question is, “What can I do with a Security+ certification?”
Here are a few examples of jobs that commonly require Security+ certification and often include it in the job description.
Information System Security Officer
As an ISSO, it is your responsibility to ensure the security and up-to-dateness of the system utilized by your company. You oversee security updates and ensure that your employer’s network is free from vulnerabilities and anomalies.
Based on current job advertisements, here are a few of the responsibilities you will have as an ISSO:
- Collaborating with system owners, government managers, and other stakeholders to manage cybersecurity needs.
- Conducting frequent system security checks and maintaining records of such scans as required by C&A (Certification and Accreditation) guidelines.
- Evaluating and analyzing information technology software, hardware, and networks, as well as assessing the overall cybersecurity posture of information technology systems.
In addition to these, the job requirements often include over 4 years of relevant experience and, in many cases, a related degree.
To pursue a career as an ISSO, you will need several years of practical experience, strong management skills (as you will be supervising people), and effective project management skills (since you will be overseeing significant security projects).
Network Security Engineer
A Network Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization’s network security systems. They ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the organization’s information systems and data.
The required skills for this job include a strong understanding of network security principles, firewall configuration, and network protocols. Network Security Engineers must also possess excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to succeed in this role.
Obtaining the CompTIA Security Plus certification can greatly benefit Network Security Engineers as it demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in the field of cybersecurity, increasing their chances of career advancement. This widely recognized certification can help individuals stand out in a competitive job market.
Security Operations Center Analyst
A SOC Analyst is one of the most sought-after entry-level cybersecurity professions, as it can typically be obtained with just a few years of experience and involves a strong cybersecurity component, rather than being solely an IT role.
As a SOC Analyst, it is your responsibility to monitor network traffic and identify cyber threats. The responsibilities of a security analyst include:
- Keeping up-to-date with industry information security trends and research approaches.
- Providing high-quality analysis of clients’ firewall, operating system, web server, and other logs.
In addition to the Security+ certification, you will also need an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science or a related discipline. While some prior experience is necessary, it is comparatively low for an entry-level role and can be fulfilled through internships or part-time tech work.
If you aspire to work as a security operations center analyst, it is recommended to enroll in a college cybersecurity program, prepare for the Security+ certification, and actively seek internship and volunteer opportunities as early as possible.
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Systems Administrator
A Systems Administrator is responsible for the overall maintenance and management of an organization’s computer systems. This includes the installation, configuration, and maintenance of hardware, software, and network systems.
The required skills and qualifications for this job include a strong understanding of operating systems, network administration, and cybersecurity.
Obtaining the Security Plus certification can provide several benefits for Systems Administrators, including a broader understanding of security principles, improved job prospects, and increased earning potential. The certification also demonstrates the individual’s commitment to staying current with industry best practices and standards, which can be a valuable asset to employers.
Cybersecurity Engineer
As a cybersecurity engineer, you will be responsible for assessing and updating software to enhance your company’s security. It is crucial to understand the fundamental architecture that underpins a secure system and be able to identify vulnerabilities and provide patches. Your responsibilities include:
- Collaborating on threat assessment, vulnerability analysis, risk assessment, and system/network risk mitigation.
- Submitting network and system modifications, as well as major version software upgrades, to the change management procedure for approval before wide deployment or distribution.
- Monitoring system performance and reporting trends or events that impact the security posture of the supported systems and networks.
In addition to the Security+ certification, you will typically need around 6 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Becoming a cybersecurity engineer requires a significant level of expertise, similar to the ISSO role mentioned above, and is usually not an entry-level position in the field of cybersecurity.
A viable path to becoming a cybersecurity engineer is to follow the SOC analyst path outlined earlier and then progress into a higher-level cybersecurity engineer role as your expertise grows.
Cybersecurity Incident Responder
Cybersecurity incident responders are the cyber equivalent of firefighters. They are the first to respond to ongoing security threats. It is a challenging yet rewarding job. As an incident responder, your responsibilities will include:
- Monitoring system performance and reporting any trends or events that impact the security posture of the supported systems and networks.
- Investigating and implementing techniques to prevent or block computer misuse.
- Distributing directives, metrics reports, and vulnerability and threat bulletins.
In addition to the Security+ certification, you will typically need up to three years of experience. In some cases, relevant experience can substitute for a degree, but having a degree can also give you a competitive advantage. Due to the job requirements, being an incident responder is often not the first step into the field of cybersecurity.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists provide assistance and support to users experiencing technical problems with software and hardware. They help diagnose and resolve technical issues and assist customers in utilizing the technology effectively.
To be a successful Technical Support Specialist, individuals should possess excellent problem-solving skills, strong communication skills, and knowledge of computer hardware and software. They should also be familiar with various operating systems and have a good understanding of network security.
Obtaining the Security Plus certification demonstrates to potential employers that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of network security, which is crucial for a Technical Support Specialist. The certification also confirms an individual’s ability to diagnose and resolve security issues, making them a valuable asset to any organization. With the Security Plus certification, Technical Support Specialists can increase their chances of career advancement and secure a successful future in the IT industry.
Cybersecurity Instructor
Helping others achieve their goal of becoming a cybersecurity professional is as rewarding as being a cybersecurity professional yourself. While a Security+ certification may not be mandatory for all cybersecurity instructor roles, it can certainly make you stand out in the market. As a cybersecurity educator, your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting practical activities in a laboratory setting, facilitating student study halls, and providing tutoring and remedial training.
- Analyzing client needs, available training techniques and materials, and available facilities in order to offer the appropriate classroom curriculum
- Managing the educational content for the designated topic area.
In addition to the Security+ certification, most instructor roles require at least an Associate’s Degree in a related discipline, with higher-level degrees often being a common requirement. Teaching experience is often preferred for instructor positions and may require up to three years to begin, although it is typically not as crucial as the degree you hold.
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Other Jobs
With Sec+ certification, you can apply for hundreds of other IT positions. We’ll list some other common jobs here:
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Information Technology Manager
- Penetration Tester
- Security Architect
- Information Security Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Information Assurance Specialist
- Information Security Coordinator
- Computer Forensics Investigator
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager
- Information Security Manager
- Compliance Analyst
- Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Data Security Specialist
- Information Systems Security Manager
- Risk Management Analyst
- Vulnerability Management Specialist
- Security Solutions Architect
- Information Security Consultant
- Information Security Trainer
- Incident Response Manager
- Cybercrime Investigator
- Enterprise Security Administrator
Why Is the Demand for CompTIA Security+ Certification Jobs High?
This certification is commonly in demand for a variety of reasons, especially among professionals in the early stages of their careers.
Firstly, the vendor-neutral certification exam covers a wide range of current topics, focusing on both knowledge and application. CompTIA incorporates questions based on diverse scenarios, enabling the Security+ PBQs test to validate hands-on skills and problem-solving abilities, which are highly sought after by companies today. Special emphasis is placed on candidates’ understanding of mitigation measures and controls to safeguard an environment.
Furthermore, this certification is applicable to a wide range of professions and is a suitable choice for entry-level workers. It is also a valuable addition to the resumes of experienced IT professionals who aim to incorporate cybersecurity into their skill set.
The absence of specific prerequisites for this certification attracts professionals who can obtain this highly respected accreditation based on their knowledge rather than having to prove prior experience.
Applicants for the Security+ exam should have a minimum of two years of work experience in IT systems administration with a focus on security. Additionally, hands-on technical information security experience and a comprehensive understanding of security concepts are necessary.
Due to its compliance with DoD 8140.03M, the Security+ certification is highly sought after by individuals seeking federal jobs, making it one of the preferred certifications in that domain.
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What Is the Earning Potential With a CompTIA Security+ Certification?
Mean Salary Percentiles
When conducting salary research and targeting specific job titles for your career, it is important to keep in mind that there can be a wide range of salaries for a particular job due to variations in company practices and geographic locations. Some companies and regions may offer higher salaries compared to others. Additionally, companies that offer higher salaries may also expect more in terms of experience or job responsibilities. Consequently, there exists a range of potential salaries for any given job title, leading to the reality of mean salary percentiles.
Let’s consider the role of a systems administrator as an example. While the median salary mentioned above provides an idea of where the majority of salaries fall, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides percentiles that indicate the highest and lowest salaries for that job title:
- Systems administrator 90th percentile: $130,200
- Systems administrator 75th percentile: $104,460
- Systems administrator 50th percentile: $81,100
- Systems administrator 25th percentile: $63,020
Average Salary by Job Roles
The following is the average pay for different roles with a Security+ certification (as of January 30, 2024):
- Help desk technician: $60,000
- Senior systems engineer: $137,131
- Cybersecurity engineer: $96,124
- Cybersecurity analyst: $115,000
- Security specialist: $81,820
- Security consultant: $69,000
- Security engineer: $76,000
- Systems administrator: $98,000
- Network administrator: $91,000
As you can see, the wage range varies significantly depending on the job title.
It is crucial to remember that wages not only vary based on the role but also on factors such as experience, region, and even gender. However, the knowledge and skills certified by Security+ can enhance your career prospects and earning potential.
How to Increase Your Salary With a CompTIA Security+ Certificate?
As previously mentioned, several factors can impact average pay. Below are some ways to increase your earnings:
Work Experience
Reducing the number of time employers must invest in you during training and having the essential hands-on experience beyond the standard job description will help you stand out to a potential employer.
Any past similar employment experience will increase the employer’s trust and expectations, which will benefit you financially.
Additional Certificates or Training
Showing Commitment
Candidates show their commitment by becoming certified, which is the first step towards a fulfilling career. Additionally, maintaining certifications showcases dedication to the profession and staying up to date with current trends, as many certifications require periodic renewal.
Regional Differences
The specific geographic location of a job can have a significant influence on its salary. It is evident that a systems administrator position in San Francisco or New York City will pay considerably more than a similar role in Denver, Colorado.
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Final Thoughts
With the demand for cybersecurity professionals at an all-time high, securing a job in the security industry can be relatively straightforward. Professionals who hold certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, are more likely to earn higher salaries compared to those without certifications.
Our list of recommended jobs that require security plus certification above will help you decide which career path to pursue.
Certification undoubtedly makes a positive first impression. If you already have one, simply apply for the desired position after reading our post.
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