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.
Understanding the CompTIA Security+ Certification
The CompTIA Security+ certification is an esteemed recognition from CompTIA that attests to a professional’s expertise in information security. This certification is intended for IT specialists who shoulder the responsibility of fortifying networks and devices and safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of critical information.
Key features and benefits of CompTIA Security+ certification
The CompTIA Security+ certification encompasses a vast array of subjects, including the management of threats, cryptography, control of access, and network security. Unlike other certifications, the CompTIA Security+ certification is vendor-agnostic, meaning it’s not limited to a specific product or technology. As a result, it holds immense worth for professionals aspiring to work in various industries and organizations. Furthermore, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) recognizes this certification as fulfilling its information assurance (IA) technical and management certification requirements.
The Requirements for Obtaining CompTIA Security+ Certification
Aspiring candidates for CompTIA Security+ certification must possess a minimum of two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security. Although not necessary, it’s advisable that the candidate holds CompTIA Network+ certification. The certification examination comprises 90 questions, including both multiple-choice and performance-based questions, and is available in several languages. The validity of the certification must be renewed every three years to maintain its credibility.
Read more >> 5 jobs that require Security plus certification
CompTIA Security+ Salary Trends
IT professionals often choose CompTIA Security+ certifications as a way to enhance their earning potential. In this section, we delve into the salaries of those who hold this certification, exploring the average pay, variations based on experience and location, and comparisons with other security certifications in the IT industry.
The Average Pay for CompTIA Security+ Certified IT Professionals
CompTIA Security+ certified professionals typically earn an average salary of around $90,000 annually. However, this figure can fluctuate based on various factors such as job role, experience, industry, and location. For instance, professionals working in the finance or healthcare sectors typically receive higher pay compared to those in other industries. Likewise, IT security professionals with more experience tend to earn more.
Sec+ Salary Variations Based on Experience and Location
Experience is a critical factor that affects the salary of CompTIA Security+ certified professionals. More experience leads to higher pay. For instance, a professional with 5-10 years of IT security experience can expect to earn a salary in the range of $100,000 to $120,000, while a professional with less than 5 years of experience can expect a salary in the range of $80,000 to $90,000.
Location is another aspect that can impact the pay of CompTIA Security+ certified professionals. IT security professionals working in big cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. generally earn higher salaries compared to those in smaller cities. This is due to the higher demand for IT security professionals in big cities and a higher cost of living.
Industry Demand for CompTIA Security+ Certified Professionals
The need for IT security professionals has exploded in recent years, as companies seek to safeguard their digital assets from ever-evolving cyber threats. The result? Firms are willing to pay top dollar for individuals who possess the knowledge and capability to tackle these challenges, as evidenced by a certification like CompTIA Security+.
In certain high-demand industries such as finance and healthcare, the premium commanded by CompTIA Security+ certified professionals is even higher. These experts are in high demand due to the critical nature of the work they do, protecting sensitive information and systems from cyber-attacks.
Importance of CompTIA Security+ Certification in the Hiring Process
Another factor that affects the Sec+ salary of certified professionals is the importance of certification in the hiring process. Many organizations view the CompTIA Security+ certification as a key indicator of an individual’s expertise in IT security, and as a result, it is often a requirement for many IT security roles. For this reason, individuals who hold the certification are likely to be in higher demand and may command higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. Additionally, holding the CompTIA Security+ certification can help demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession, which may be viewed favorably by employers.
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 2022?
Maximizing Your CompTIA Security+ Earnings: 7 Vital Tips
As of April 2022, the normal yearly pay for a CompTIA Security+ Entry-Level within the US is approximately $59,009 a year. Just in case you would like a straightforward compensation calculator, that works out to be around $28.37 an hour. This can be identical to $1,135/week or up to $4,917/month.
Whereas ZipRecruiter is seeing the yearly level of Sec+ salary as high as $98,000/year and as moo as $21,000/year, the larger part of CompTIA Security+ Passage Level pays rates as of now run between $41,500/year (which is at 25th percentile) to $69,500 /year (which is at 75th percentile) with beat workers (which is at 90th percentile) making $84,500 every year over the US. The normal pay for a CompTIA Security+ entry-level changes significantly (by as much as $28,000/year), which recommends there may be numerous openings for progression and expanded pay based on ability level, area, and long time of encounter.
Based on later work posting action on ZipRecruiter, the CompTIA Security+ Entry-Level work advertised all through the whole state isn’t exceptionally dynamic as few companies are right now enlisting. A CompTIA Security+ Section Level in your zone makes on normal $59,009/year, or the same as the national normal yearly compensation of about $59,009/year. positions number 1 out of 50 states across the nation for CompTIA Security+ Entry Level compensations.
For the purpose of estimating the foremost exact yearly compensation extension for CompTIA Security+ Entry Level employment, ZipRecruiter persistently looks at its database of millions of dynamic occupations distributed locally all through the United State of America.
Possessing a CompTIA Security+ certification is a door opener to various career prospects in the dynamic IT security domain. Yet, just having the certification won’t suffice in maximizing your income. In this article, we’ll delve into three crucial tips to help you extract the fullest from your CompTIA Security+ salary.
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.
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.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for CompTIA Security+
We’ve mentioned 10 cities where the normal compensation for a CompTIA Security+ Passage Level work is over the national normal. Topping the list is Sunnyvale, CA, with Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa, nearly behind within the moment and in 3rd positions. Santa Rosa, CA beats the national normal by $10,199/year (which accounts for about 17.3%), and Sunnyvale, CA assists that slant with another $12,491/year (which accounts for about 21.2%) over the $59,009/year on normal.
Importantly, Sunnyvale, CA includes a modestly dynamic CompTIA Security+ Entry-Level occupations showcase with a couple of companies right now contracting for this sort of part. With these 10 cities having normal compensations higher than the national normal, the openings for financial headway by changing areas as a CompTIA Security+ Entry Level shows up to be exceedingly productive.
At long last, another figure to consider is the normal compensation for these beat 10 cities changes exceptionally small at 8% between Sunnyvale, CA and San Mateo, CA, fortifying the constrained potential for much wage progression. The plausibility of a lower taking a toll on living may be the leading calculation to utilize when considering area and compensation for a CompTIA Security+ Entry Level part.
| City | Yearly Salary | Monthly Salary | Weekly Salary | Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyvale, California, USA | $71,501/year | $5,958/month | $1,375/week | $34.38/hour |
| Santa Cruz, California, USA | $71,019/year | $5,918/month | $1,366/week | $34.14/hour |
| Santa Rosa, California, USA | $69,209/year | $5,767/month | $1,331/week | $33.27/hour |
| Williston, North Dakota, USA | $67,922/year | $5,660/month | $1,306/week | $32.65/hour |
| Manhattan, New York, USA | $67,744/year | $5,645/month | $1,303/week | $32.57/hour |
| Barnstable, Massachusetts, USA | $67,306/year | $5,609/month | $1,294/week | $32.36/hour |
| Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA | $67,021/year | $5,585/month | $1,289/week | $32.22/hour |
| Arlington, Virginia, USA | $66,528/year | $5,544/month | $1,279/week | $31.98/hour |
| Dickinson, North Dakota, USA | $66,121/year | $5,510/month | $1,272/week | $31.79/hour |
| San Mateo, California, USA | $65,987/year | $5,499/month | $1,269/week | $31.72/hour |
Read more >> Next cert after Security+ You Should Get
Conclusion
In conclusion, these tips will help you extract the maximum from your CompTIA Security+ salary. A strong portfolio, networking, continuous learning, and staying updated on industry trends and advancements will keep you ahead of the competition and increase your market value. By following these tips, you can command a higher salary and enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career in the IT security domain.
Sec+ Salary FAQs
How much does a CompTIA Security+ certify professional earn on average?
The answer is not as straightforward as one might think, as there are several variables that come into play. For instance, experience, industry, location, and the size of the company one works for can all influence the average salary for a CompTIA Security+ certified professional. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for such a professional in the US is approximately $90,000.
Does having a CompTIA Security+ certification guarantee a higher salary?
While the certification can increase one’s market value and provide access to higher-paying job opportunities, it is by no means a guarantee of a higher salary. Other factors, such as location, industry, experience, and company size, still play a crucial role in determining salary.
Can CompTIA Security+ certification increase earn potential in other industries besides IT security?
Although the certification is primarily aimed at IT security professionals, it can also benefit individuals in related fields, such as network engineering and system administration. Demonstrating commitment to the field and increasing market value through a CompTIA Security+ certification can open doors to higher-paying job opportunities.
How does CompTIA Security+ certification compare to other security certifications in terms of salary?
CompTIA Security+ is a widely recognized and valued certification, considered a fundamental certification for IT security professionals. Glassdoor reports that the average salary for CompTIA Security+ certified professionals is $90,000 per year. Other popular security certifications, such as CISSP and CEH, boast an average salary of approximately $120,000 and $95,000 respectively.
Does having additional certifications increase earning potential for CompTIA Security+ certified professionals?
Absolutely. By showcasing expertise in specific areas of security, such as network or cloud security, one can increase their market value and command a higher salary. Moreover, certifications from prestigious organizations, such as Cisco and Microsoft, can also result in increased earning potential.
Read more >> CompTIA Security+ Validity: How Long Does This Last?
The Security plus salary depends on numerous factors, but there is no doubt that getting an IT certification can do wonders for the career path of an IT entry-level staff. We hope that this article about Sec+ salary can help you choose the most suitable and effective studying and preparation strategy.
