Are you eyeing Security+ but wondering if it'll actually boost your paycheck? Smart question. With cybersecurity jobs growing 33% faster than other fields and a massive skills shortage, Security+ has become the go-to certification for breaking into this industry.
Here's what most people miss: your Security+ salary isn't just about having the cert. Your location, experience, industry, and specific role make a huge difference in what you'll actually earn. We've seen entry-level professionals land $50K roles while others with the same certification start at $80K—the difference comes down to strategy.
Your earning potential depends on understanding these variables and positioning yourself correctly from day one. Whether you're switching careers or just starting out, knowing what drives Security+ salaries helps you make smarter decisions about your investment.
We'll break down real Security+ salary data across different roles and show you exactly how to maximize your earning potential in this field.
When you understand how security plus salary ranges shift with location, experience, and role, it becomes much easier to plan your next move instead of guessing what you might be worth.
Understanding the CompTIA Security+ Certification
The CompTIA Security+ certification validates core skills required for IT security and cybersecurity roles. Unlike vendor-specific certifications, Security+ is vendor-neutral, covering fundamental security concepts that apply across all technology platforms. This broad approach makes Security+ holders immediately valuable to virtually any organization.
What sets Security+ apart is its practical focus. Cybersecurity job openings consistently list CompTIA Security+ as one of the most requested certifications. The certification is also approved for Department of Defense positions under the 8570 directive, creating consistent demand from government contractors and federal agencies.
The certification demonstrates you understand core security principles and can implement basic security measures, translating directly into higher starting salaries and faster career progression.
Key skills covered by the Security+ certification
Security+ covers five main domains: attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities (24%), architecture and design (21%), implementation (25%), operations and incident response (16%), and governance, risk, and compliance (14%).
You'll learn to identify cyberattacks from malware to advanced persistent threats, network security architecture including cloud security and mobile device management, and how to respond to security incidents while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.
These immediately applicable skills explain why employers pay premium salaries for Security+ certified professionals. The comprehensive nature provides foundational knowledge that makes you valuable across multiple job roles and industries.
Average Security+ Salary: What to Expect
Entry-level Security+ salary ranges
Fresh Security+ certified professionals can expect starting salaries that are significantly higher than their non-certified counterparts. As of July 2025, the average hourly pay for entry-level Security+ professionals in the United States is $34.47 an hour, with the majority ranging between $24.28 (25th percentile) to $42.79 (75th percentile). This translates to an average annual salary of $71,697 for entry-level Security+ professionals.
Government contractors often pay at the higher end of this range due to specific Security+ requirements and security clearance premiums. The certification demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity and validates foundational knowledge that employers highly value.
Mid-career Security+ salary potential
With 3-5 years of experience and Security+ certification, professionals typically see substantial salary increases. According to PayScale's 2025 data, early career Cyber Security Analysts with 1-4 years of experience earn an average total compensation of $78,701.
Mid-career Security+ professionals often specialize in specific areas like incident response, compliance, or security architecture. This specialization, combined with the foundational Security+ knowledge, makes you particularly valuable to employers. Many professionals at this level also pursue additional certifications to further increase their earning potential.
Senior-level Security+ compensation
Senior cybersecurity professionals with Security+ certification and 7+ years of experience typically earn between $80,570 (Information Security Analyst) and $135,375 (Senior Cyber Security Engineer) annually, according to PayScale's 2025 data. At this level, you're likely managing security teams, developing security strategies, or serving as a security architect.
While many senior professionals hold advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM, the Security+ foundation remains valuable. Senior Security+ holders often move into management roles, where their technical foundation helps them make informed decisions about security investments and strategies.
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Factors Influencing Security+ Salaries
Experience and expertise
Your years of experience significantly impact your Security+ salary potential, but it's not just about time served - it's about the depth and breadth of your experience. As we've seen, professionals can progress from entry-level hourly wages of $34.47 to mid-career salaries of $78,701, with senior professionals earning $135,375 or more.
The key is continuously expanding your skill set while building on your Security+ foundation. Each new technology, framework, or methodology you master increases your value to employers and your salary negotiation power.
Geographic location
Location plays a massive role in Security+ salaries. Information Security Analysts in New York City earn an average of $143,919 per year, which is significantly higher than the national average. Government agencies and contractors create additional demand for Security+ certified professionals due to DoD 8570 requirements.
According to PayScale.com, security administrators in Houston enjoy salaries that are 13% above the national average. However, professionals in Virginia Beach face the steepest pay cuts at nearly 25% below average, while those in Madison, Wisconsin and Dallas, Texas see reductions of around 20%.
However, remote work opportunities are changing this dynamic. Many Security+ professionals now work remotely for companies in high-paying markets while living in lower-cost areas, effectively maximizing their earning potential and quality of life.
Industry and company size
The industry you work in significantly impacts your Security+ salary. The top 5 paying industries for Information Security Analysts are Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology with a median total pay of $121,664, Manufacturing with a median total pay of $119,055, Financial Services with a median total pay of $117,696, Telecommunications with a median total pay of $114,654, and Construction, Repair & Maintenance Services with a median total pay of $114,216. The top paying industries for security administrators are Aerospace & Defense with a median total pay of $112,619, and Information Technology with a median total pay of $77,301.
Company size matters too, but not always in the way you might expect. While large enterprises often have bigger budgets for cybersecurity, smaller companies may pay premium salaries to attract talent who can wear multiple hats.
Security+ Salary by Job Roles and Titles
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts earn an average salary of $135,309 per year in the United States, with salary estimates based on 8,477 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor as of July 2025. This role involves monitoring security systems, investigating incidents, and ensuring compliance with security policies.
Career progression is excellent in this role. Many analysts move into senior analyst positions within 3-5 years, with corresponding salary increases. Others transition into specialized roles like incident response or move into management positions leading security operations centers (SOCs).
Network Security Administrator
Network Security Administrators earn an average salary of $92,300 per year in the United States in 2025. This role focuses on securing network infrastructure, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.It offers excellent growth potential, particularly as organizations adopt cloud computing and software-defined networking. Administrators who develop expertise in cloud security or network automation can command salaries well above the average range.
Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity Specialists earn an average salary of $93,395 in the United States in 2025, approximately $44.79 an hour.This broad role can encompass various responsibilities, from vulnerability management to security awareness training.
The broad nature of this role makes it an excellent stepping stone to more specialized positions. Specialists who demonstrate strong performance often move into senior roles within 3-5 years, with corresponding salary increases.
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Comparing Security+ Salaries to Other IT Certifications
Security+ vs. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certified professionals can earn an average base salary of $96,490 per year in 2025, which is about 10% higher than Security+ holders. CEH focuses specifically on penetration testing and ethical hacking, while Security+ provides broader cybersecurity knowledge.
Moreover, experienced CEH professionals who specialize in penetration testing can command higher salaries due to the specialized nature of ethical hacking, which creates premium demand, particularly among consulting firms and organizations that perform regular penetration testing.
Security+ vs. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
CISSP certified professionals typically earn significantly more than Security+ holders. According to ZipRecruiter, a CISSP-certified professional can expect an average salary of $112,302 per year or $54 an hour compared to the average $34.47 an hour for Security+ holders, with senior roles reaching much higher. However, CISSP requires five years of cybersecurity experience, making it inaccessible to entry-level professionals. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on Security+ vs CISSP: What's Best for You?"
Many successful cybersecurity professionals hold both certifications, using Security+ to establish their technical foundation and CISSP to demonstrate management capabilities. This combination is particularly powerful for professionals targeting senior management or consulting roles.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential with Security+
Continuous learning and skill development
The cybersecurity field evolves rapidly, making continuous learning essential for maximizing your earning potential. Security+ provides an excellent foundation, but you must build upon it with additional skills and knowledge. Focus on emerging areas like cloud security, artificial intelligence, and zero-trust architecture to stay ahead of the curve.
Don't overlook soft skills development. Communication, project management, and leadership skills are increasingly important as you advance in your career. Many organizations promote technically competent professionals into management roles, where these skills become essential for success and higher compensation.
Gaining practical experience
While certification demonstrates knowledge, practical experience proves your ability to apply that knowledge effectively. Seek opportunities to work on high-visibility projects, lead incident response efforts, or implement new security technologies. These experiences provide concrete examples of your value during salary negotiations.
Document your achievements and quantify your impact whenever possible. Whether it's reducing incident response times, improving compliance scores, or successfully implementing new security controls, measurable results strengthen your position during salary negotiations and performance reviews.
Pursuing advanced certifications
While Security+ provides an excellent foundation, advanced certifications significantly increase your earning potential. Popular progression paths include CISSP for management roles, GCIH for incident handling, or cloud security certifications for technical specialization. Choose certifications that align with your career goals and interests.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or professional development budgets that can offset certification costs. Take advantage of these programs to pursue advanced certifications without personal financial burden. Some organizations even provide salary increases upon certification completion.
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Career Outlook and Growth Opportunities
Projected demand for Security+ certified professionals
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 33% growth in information security analyst positions through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing cyber threats, regulatory requirements, and digital transformation initiatives across all industries.
Government agencies and contractors continue to require Security+ certification for many positions, creating consistent demand. The private sector is also increasingly recognizing the value of standardized cybersecurity credentials, particularly for compliance and insurance purposes.
Emerging roles in cybersecurity
New cybersecurity roles are emerging as organizations recognize the complexity of modern threats. DevSecOps engineers, cloud security architects, and privacy engineers are just a few examples of roles that didn't exist decades ago. Security+ certified professionals with additional specialized skills are well-positioned for these emerging opportunities.
The integration of cybersecurity with business operations is creating hybrid roles that combine security knowledge with domain expertise. These emerging roles often command premium salaries because they require both cybersecurity knowledge and specialized domain expertise.
FAQ: Common Questions About Security+ Salaries
The average U.S. salary for Security+ holders is $88,000/year, though this varies significantly based on experience, location, and role. Other factors can also increase this earning potential like location, personal experience & expertise, industry and company size.
Entry-level Security+ certified professionals can expect an average hourly pay of $34.47 an hour, with the majority ranging between $24.28 (25th percentile) to $42.79 (75th percentile). This translates to an average annual salary of $71,697 for entry-level Security+ professionals as of July 2025.
Yes, Security+ certification typically increases earning potential by 15-25% compared to similar non-certified professionals. The certification demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity and validates foundational knowledge that employers value highly. This is particularly true in government contracting, where Security+ is often required for specific positions.
Absolutely. The Security+ certification typically pays for itself within the first year through increased salary or job opportunities. The Security+ certification cost ranges from $600-1,500 depending on your preparation method, but it's one of the smartest investments you can make in your cybersecurity career. With careful planning and strategic use of training providers' bundle deals, student discounts, and employer reimbursement programs, you can minimize your investment while maximizing your chances of success.
Conclusion
Security+ certification offers excellent earning potential and career growth opportunities in the rapidly expanding cybersecurity field. With average salaries of $88,000 and significant growth potential, it's an investment that pays dividends throughout your career. The key to maximizing your earning potential is combining your Security+ foundation with continuous learning, practical experience, and strategic career planning.
If you're ready to launch or advance your cybersecurity career, our Security+ BootCamp at Destination Certification, Inc. provides intensive, expert-led training that prepares you for certification success and career growth. Join thousands of professionals who have transformed their careers through expert cybersecurity training and unlock your earning potential in this thriving field.
Rob is the driving force behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program, leveraging over 15 years of security, privacy, and cloud assurance expertise. As a seasoned leader, he has guided numerous companies through high-profile security breaches and managed the development of multi-year security strategies. With a passion for education, Rob has delivered hundreds of globally acclaimed CCSP, CISSP, and ISACA classes, combining entertaining delivery with profound insights for exam success. You can reach out to Rob on LinkedIn.
Rob is the driving force behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program, leveraging over 15 years of security, privacy, and cloud assurance expertise. As a seasoned leader, he has guided numerous companies through high-profile security breaches and managed the development of multi-year security strategies. With a passion for education, Rob has delivered hundreds of globally acclaimed CCSP, CISSP, and ISACA classes, combining entertaining delivery with profound insights for exam success. You can reach out to Rob on LinkedIn.
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