CompTIA Sec+ Salary: How Much You Can Make? [2024 Updated]

Nearly 90% of IT experts hold at least 1 IT certification. Numerous IT experts see certifications as a way to pick up a competitive advantage within the workforce commercial center. Shockingly, not all certifications are made to break even, and ubiquity doesn’t fundamentally ensure a return on the venture in terms of making a difference for you to pick up modern work or secure a much-needed raise. Nowadays, we’re reaching out to take a look at the potential of CompTia’s star certifications — Sec+ salary — and look at whether it conveys hiring potential and the average salary for Security+.

Let’s get started with our free CompTIA Security+ practice test to pass the actual exam and enhance your chance of obtaining a high-paying job.

Table of contents:

1. Value of CompTIA Security+ in the Job Market

2. CompTIA Security+ Certification Salary

a. Highest Paying Cities for Comptia Security+

b. Highest Paying Jobs for Comptia Security+

c. Average Salary by Experience 

d. Salary Comparisons with Other IT Security Certifications

3. Seven Vital Tips to Maximize Your CompTIA Security+ Earnings

4. Conclusion

Value of CompTIA Security+ in the Job Market

CompTIA Security+ cert holders might have an advantage over other job seekers since they can demonstrate an understanding of how to secure digital ecosystems. It’s like the distinction between a certified electrician and somebody who knows how to wire a house but lacks the accreditation to prove it.

All other things being equal, who would you rather hire? Though you must be certified to work as an electrician, obtaining a CompTIA certification, while not needed, demonstrates your competence to employers. Credentials like Security+ are vital for early-career employment because many employers utilize them to ensure that you have a basic set of abilities even if you have no prior experience.

Now is an excellent time to take advantage of the benefits that a Security+ certification may provide, particularly in today’s cybersecurity industry. As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, security analyst employment is rising at a 32% annual rate, which is “much faster than the average.”

With the sector’s expansion, a Security+ certification is becoming increasingly valuable.

Read more >> 5 jobs that require Security plus certification

CompTIA Security+ Certification Salary

Your CompTIA Security+ certification payment expectations may differ greatly depending on your hands-on experience and the specific position you are applying for.

According to the 2024 ZipRecruiter report, the average annual salary for a CompTIA Sec+ holder is $71,689. However, as you can see, Security+ holders can raise their average salary if they have extra credentials and work experience.

Highest Paying Cities for Comptia Security+

We spotted the top 10 cities where the average payment for a Comptia Security+ job is higher than the national average. Santa Clara, CA leads the list, with Federal Way, WA, and Washington, DC closely following in places 2 and 3. Washington, DC outperforms the national average by $14,703 (20.5%), and Santa Clara, CA adds another $16,051 (22.4%) to the $71,689 average.

Here are a few sample ranges of salaries for security administrators in several of the major cities in the United States, based on data from ZipRecruiter:

Average Salary by Experience 

Experience level is a crucial factor in determining your salary as a security administrator. According to Glassdoor statistics, pay ranges are as follows:

• 0-1 years of experience: $62,000 
• 1-3 years of experience: $67,000 
• 4-6 years of experience: $74,000 
• 7-9 years of experience: $78,000 

Salary Comparisons with Other IT Security Certifications

CompTIA Security+ certifications are widely recognized and hold a high value in the IT industry, and their earning potential is competitive with other IT security certifications. For instance, Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP) have an average salary of around $120,000 per year, which is higher than the average salary for CompTIA Security+ certified professionals. However, it’s essential to note that CISSP certifications require a higher level of education and experience.

Another popular IT security certification is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, with an average salary of around $95,000 per year, which is similar to the average salary for a CompTIA Security+ certified professional. However, CEH certifications concentrate more on ethical hacking and penetration testing, while CompTIA Security+ certifications cover a broader range of IT security topics.

Read more >> Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It in 2024?

7 Vital Tips to Maximize Your CompTIA Security+ Earnings

The salary that you can expect from a specific IT job can differ greatly from the median pay due to a variety of conditions that may enhance your role in a given position. Here are five strategies to boost your pay:

Building a strong portfolio to demonstrate expertise

A robust portfolio is a critical aspect of exhibiting your proficiency in the IT security arena. Your portfolio can feature your hands-on experience with several security technologies, security projects you’ve been a part of, and research or white papers that you’ve published. You can even include recommendations and testimonials from previous clients and colleagues, which adds a layer of credibility to your portfolio.

Having a strong portfolio can raise your market value and help you negotiate a higher salary. It is imperative to keep updating and refining your portfolio, especially as you acquire new skills and experience.

Networking and continuous learning

Networking plays a crucial role in maximizing your CompTIA Security+ salary. Building relationships with industry professionals, participating in conferences and events, and engaging in online forums can keep you updated on industry trends and advancements. This can also provide you with the chance to connect with potential employers and clients, which can lead to new job opportunities and higher salaries.

Continuous learning is also crucial in maximizing your earnings. The ever-evolving field of IT security requires you to stay updated on the latest technologies and advancements. This includes acquiring additional certifications, participating in training courses, and engaging in online courses and workshops.

Read more >> Next cert after Security+ You Should Get

Staying updated on industry trends and advancements

Staying updated on industry trends and advancements is imperative in maximizing your CompTIA Security+ salary. With emerging security threats, organizations have to be equipped with the latest technologies and best practices to safeguard their systems and data. As a CompTIA Security+ certified professional, it’s crucial to stay informed of the latest trends and advancements in the field, including the newest security technologies, best practices, and emerging threats.

Other tips to boost your Sec+ Salary

Maximizing your CompTIA Security+ salary also requires a multi-faceted approach, utilizing a combination of education, experience, reputation, and ongoing professional development. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that:

• Specialize in a specific area of security: By honing your skills in a specific area of security, such as network security, cloud security, or cybersecurity, you can demonstrate your expertise and increase your marketability. This specialization will not only increase your salary but also provide you with numerous career opportunities.
• Gain hands-on experience: Acquiring hands-on experience in security technologies, systems, and processes is critical to maximizing your salary. You can attain this experience through volunteering for security-related tasks, internships, co-op programs, or by working on security projects.
• Establish A Reputation: Building a strong reputation in the industry can significantly enhance your market value and increase your salary. You can do this by publishing research, contributing to the security community, and presenting at conferences and events.
• Keep your certification current: Maintaining your CompTIA Security+ certification is imperative to demonstrating your commitment to the field and professional development. The certification must be renewed every three years, and renewing it will help you keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices, further bolstering your expertise and marketability.

Conclusion

The CompTIA Security+ certification is an excellent starting point for people looking to advance or begin their cybersecurity career. With an average compensation of roughly $71,000, and even higher when including base pay and bonuses for jobs that need a Security+ certification, you may build a rich career defending networks and their data, whether you’re fresh to cybersecurity or have worked in this industry for a few years.

Read more >> CompTIA Security+ Validity: How Long Does This Last?