CompTIA Security+ Salary Guide 2025: What to Expect

Right now, over 63,000 job postings in the US require or prefer CompTIA Security+. The average salary for a Security+ certified professional? About $90,000/year — and that includes fresh graduates pulling the average down. If you are wondering whether the $425 exam fee and the weeks of studying are worth it: the ROI is not even close. A single cert can mean a $15,000+ salary jump in your first year.

Here is the full salary breakdown — entry-level to senior, by role, by region, and how Security+ stacks up against CISSP, CySA+, and other certs. No fluff, just the numbers that matter when you are deciding whether to invest in this certification.

Average Salary for Security+ Professionals in 2025

Having a Security+ certification under your belt can definitely boost your paycheck. On average, U.S. professionals with CompTIA Security+ earn roughly $70,000–$90,000 per year. Recent 2025 estimates peg the average Security+ salary around $90,000 annually.

Keep in mind this is an across-the-board average – it includes everyone from fresh graduates to professionals with several years of experience. For context, the overall median salary for information security analysts (a common career path for Security+ holders) is even higher at around $120,000+ per year, thanks to experienced professionals driving up the average.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a similar median of about $124,000 in 2024. ^[1] So if you stick with the field and build experience, six-figure salaries are definitely achievable.

Entry-Level Security+ Salary Expectations

What can you earn right out of the gate with a Security+ certification? For individuals just starting in cybersecurity, entry-level roles typically pay $50,000 to $65,000 per year. This applies to junior positions like:

• IT Help Desk with security focus
• Junior Security Analyst (Tier 1 SOC analyst)
• Network Security Technician
• Information Security Specialist I

Entry-level salary ranges vary by role, with penetration testing commanding the highest starting salaries

In 2025, entry-level Security+ holders in the U.S. often start around $60,000–$80,000, depending on the job and location. In high-demand tech hubs, starting salaries can even approach the $90,000 mark for new graduates – though these typically require some experience or security clearance.

The salary range exists due to factors like industry and region. For example, an entry-level cybersecurity analyst in a government contracting role in Washington D.C. might see a higher offer (especially with security clearance) compared to an entry-level IT security specialist in a smaller city.

Top-Paying Job Roles for Security+ Holders

One of the best aspects of Security+ is that it opens various career paths. Many professionals use it as a springboard into roles that, with experience, become high-paying positions:

Security Analyst (SOC Analyst)

Often the first step in a cybersecurity career. Tasks include monitoring networks and responding to incidents.

Average Salary: $105,000–$126,000/year (Glassdoor reports approximately $126,000 average ^[4]). Entry-level analysts start lower (around $60,000-$70,000), but with experience, this role easily clears six figures.

Systems/Network Administrator

IT professionals who maintain organizational infrastructure, with Security+ ensuring systems are properly secured.

Average Salary: $60,000–$80,000/year for network admins, $65,000–$85,000/year for systems admins. Security+ helps you negotiate toward the higher end.

Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)

Professionals paid to think like hackers and test defenses. Often requires additional certifications like CEH or PenTest+ plus experience.

Average Salary: $85,000–$120,000/year, depending on skill level and region. Top performers in finance/defense can earn significantly more.

Security Engineer/Administrator

Roles involving designing and implementing security solutions (engineer) or overseeing security operations (administrator).

Average Salary: Well into six figures – Security Administrators average around $128,000/year, Security Engineers around $127,000/year in 2025.

Information Security Manager

Management roles leading security teams or programs, typically requiring 5+ years experience.

Average Salary: $100,000–$130,000/year. While Security+ alone won't make you a manager, it's often one of the first certifications managers earned early in their careers.

Booming Industry Demand and Job Outlook

Why are cybersecurity salaries so strong? One word: demand. Cybersecurity talent is in critically short supply, and organizations are willing to pay premium rates for qualified professionals.

Cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow 45% through 2033 – far exceeding most other industries

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects information security jobs to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034 ^[1] – an exceptionally fast rate, much higher than the average job market. That translates to tens of thousands of new security positions in the coming years.

As of 2025, there are hundreds of thousands of unfilled cybersecurity positions in the U.S. ^[3] According to CyberSeek, approximately 13% of job postings explicitly list CompTIA Security+ as a required or preferred qualification. ^[2] It's the baseline certification for DoD and government contractors, and appears frequently in job ads for:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• IT Security Specialist
• Network Security Administrator
• Information Systems Security Manager

This high demand combined with talent shortage means employers pay premium rates for cybersecurity skills. Many Security+ certified professionals use it as a stepping stone to intermediate certifications like CySA+, CEH, or CISSP, further boosting their market value.

Regional Salary Trends (Location Matters!)

Like real estate, in cybersecurity, location significantly impacts compensation – though remote work has somewhat leveled the playing field. Salaries vary widely by region:

Tech hubs and government contracting centers offer the highest cybersecurity salaries

High-Paying States

Certain states consistently top salary charts:

• New York: $147,500/year average
• California: $135,000/year average
• Virginia: $132,000/year (government contracting hub)
• Washington: $130,000/year (tech companies)

City Variations

Major metropolitan areas typically offer the highest compensation:

• San Francisco: ~$117,000 average
• New York City: ~$110,000 average
• Washington D.C.: Premium for security clearance roles

Remote Work Impact

Remote work has democratized access to high-paying positions. Many companies now offer comparable salaries for remote roles, meaning you can access Silicon Valley salaries while living in lower-cost areas – a significant advantage for maximizing your purchasing power.

Security+ vs. Other Certifications: Salary Impact

Security+ is often described as entry-level, but how does it compare to other certifications for salary impact? It significantly outperforms general IT certifications and serves as an excellent foundation for advanced certifications.

Advanced certifications can add $15,000-$30,000 to your annual salary

Advanced Certification Benefits

Industry data shows that obtaining advanced certifications can lead to 10-25% salary increases:

• CISSP: Can add $10,000–$20,000 annually
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): Valuable for penetration testing roles
• CISM: Excellent for management track
• Cloud Certifications: AWS/Azure security specialties command premium rates

Strategic Certification Stacking

Many professionals use this progression:

1. Security+ → Entry into cybersecurity
2. CySA+ or CEH → Specialized skills development
3. CISSP or CISM → Senior/management roles
4. Cloud/Vendor-Specific → Niche expertise premium

Tips to Maximize Your Earning Potential

Getting Security+ certified is a smart career investment. To maximize your earning potential and reach the top of salary ranges, consider these proven strategies:

1. Pursue Advanced Certifications

Keep the momentum going with certifications like CISSP, CEH, CISM, or CySA+. Choose a path aligned with your career goals:

• Offensive Security: PenTest+, OSCP, CEH
• Cloud Security: AWS Security Specialty, Azure Security Engineer
• Management Track: CISM, CISSP
• Compliance: CISA, CRISC

2. Develop Niche Specializations

Cybersecurity specialists often command premium salaries. Consider focusing on:

• Cloud security architecture
• Incident response and forensics
• Regulatory compliance (SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
• DevSecOps and application security
• AI/ML security

3. Build Hands-On Experience

Practical skills separate good candidates from great ones:

• Set up home labs for hands-on practice
• Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions
• Contribute to open-source security projects
• Master key tools: Splunk, Wireshark, Nessus, Metasploit

4. Master Salary Negotiation

Don't be shy about compensation discussions. Come prepared with:

• Market research from Glassdoor, PayScale, salary.com
• Documentation of your certifications and projects
• Examples of value you can provide from day one
• Willingness to discuss total compensation (benefits, PTO, training budget)

5. Network and Stay Current

The cybersecurity community is your greatest asset:

• Attend security conferences (BSides, RSA, Black Hat)
• Join local security meetups and ISACA/ISC2 chapters
• Participate in LinkedIn security groups
• Follow security researchers and thought leaders

Conclusion: Your Cybersecurity Career Awaits

Entering cybersecurity with a CompTIA Security+ certification in 2025 opens doors to exceptional opportunities. Entry-level salaries are strong (often $60,000-$80,000), and growth potential is even stronger. With the ongoing talent shortage and ever-growing demand for security skills, employers are competing for qualified professionals – which translates to higher salaries and better offers for you.

Whether you're aiming to be a security analyst defending networks, a penetration tester ethically hacking systems, or a consultant working with multiple organizations, Security+ is your first stepping stone. Keep learning, stay curious, and don't hesitate to advocate for yourself during salary negotiations.

With the right combination of certification, experience, and strategic career moves, you can build a high-paying career doing work that genuinely matters. The cybersecurity field needs talented professionals, and with Security+, you're well-positioned to meet that demand.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Information Security Analysts: Occupational Outlook Handbook." bls.gov/ooh. Median annual wage of $124,910 and 29% projected job growth (2024-2034).
2. CyberSeek. "Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map." cyberseek.org/heatmap. Job posting data and workforce supply/demand analytics, supported by NIST NICE.
3. ISC2. "2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study." isc2.org. Reports 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals needed globally.
4. Glassdoor. "Security Analyst Salaries." glassdoor.com/Salaries. Salary data for security analyst roles in the U.S.
5. CompTIA. "CompTIA Security+ Certification." comptia.org/certifications/security. Official exam objectives, pricing, and requirements.