Is Security+ Worth It? $15K Salary Boost & 2,900% ROI
Security+ holders earn $15-20K more per year ($70-90K avg). 63,620 job postings require it. 2,900% first-year ROI. Plus 3 cases where you should skip it.
Builder of SecuSpark. 24 shipped projects across healthcare, defense, and education. Built this platform because textbooks never worked for my ADHD brain — so I turned exam prep into an RPG. @PawelBuilds
Table of Contents
TL;DR
- Yes, Security+ is worth it for most people -- certified holders earn $15-20K more per year on average ($70-90K vs $55-70K)
- Total investment is $425-$700 (exam + study materials) with a first-year ROI of roughly 2,900%
- 63,620+ job postings require or prefer Security+, and it qualifies you for DoD 8570/8140 government positions
- Skip it if you already hold CISSP, have 5+ years of hands-on security experience, or are targeting DevOps-only roles
For most people entering cybersecurity: yes. Security+ holders earn $15-20K more per year on average. The total investment is under $700 (exam fee + study materials), and 63,620+ job postings list it as a requirement or preference. First-year ROI is roughly 2,900%. It also qualifies you for DoD 8570/8140 government and contractor positions. But it is not the right move for everyone. If you already hold CISSP or have 5+ years of hands-on security experience, the credential adds less value.
Below we break down the real costs, salary data by role and location, how Security+ compares to a college degree or bootcamp, who benefits most, and who should consider a different path first.
Worth It For:
- Career changers into cybersecurity — fastest credible signal to employers that you are serious
- DoD / government contractor path — required for IAT Level II positions, no substitute
- IT professionals adding security skills — $15-20K salary bump with 4-12 weeks of study
- College students wanting a resume edge — a cert stands out more than another course grade
Skip It (or Delay It) If:
- You already hold CISSP or CISM — Security+ adds nothing to your resume at that level
- You have 5+ years of hands-on security experience — your work history already proves what the cert would prove
- You have zero IT foundations — consider A+ or Network+ first so you do not burn $425 on a failed attempt
- You want a development or data science career — Security+ is irrelevant to those hiring pipelines
| Factor | Without Security+ | With Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary (U.S.) | $55,000 - $70,000 | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| Annual Salary Premium | — | +$15,000 - $20,000 |
| Total Investment | $0 | $425 - $700 |
| Time to Employment | Varies (degree: 4 years) | 4 - 12 weeks of study |
| Job Postings (12 months) | General IT roles | 63,620+ Security+ listings |
| Government/DoD Eligibility | Not eligible for IAT Level II | DoD 8570/8140 approved |
| First-Year ROI | — | ~2,900% ($15k return on $500) |
| 5-Year Earnings Boost | — | $75,000+ additional earnings |
What Is CompTIA Security+ and Why Does It Matter?
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is a globally recognized, vendor-neutral certification that validates foundational cybersecurity skills. It is often called the "gold standard" entry-level security certification because it is DoD 8570/8140 approved, accepted by employers worldwide, and serves as a stepping stone to advanced certs like CySA+ and CISSP.
- DoD 8570/8140 Compliance: Required for many U.S. Department of Defense and government contractor positions
- Industry Recognition: Accepted by employers worldwide as proof of baseline security competency
- Vendor Neutrality: Skills apply across all platforms, not just one vendor's products
- Career Foundation: Serves as a stepping stone to advanced certifications like CySA+, PenTest+, and CISSP
The certification covers five key domains: General Security Concepts (12%), Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations (22%), Security Architecture (18%), Security Operations (28%), and Security Program Management & Oversight (20%). This comprehensive coverage ensures certified professionals have a well-rounded understanding of modern cybersecurity.
How Much Does Security+ Cost in 2026?
The total investment ranges from $425 (exam only with free study materials) to $2,500 (premium bootcamp path). Most candidates spend $500-$700 total. Here is the full cost breakdown:
Direct Costs
- Exam Voucher: $425 (standard CompTIA pricing in 2026) [4]
- Study Materials: $0-$200 (free resources available, premium books/courses extra)
- Practice Exams: $0-$100 (SecuSpark offers free practice with premium options)
- Retake Insurance (Optional): ~$100 (if purchased with voucher bundle)
Total Investment Range
- Budget Path: $425-$500 (exam + free/low-cost study materials)
- Standard Path: $500-$700 (exam + quality study guides + practice tests)
- Premium Path: $700-$2,500 (bootcamps, instructor-led training, comprehensive packages)
Time Investment
Most successful candidates report investing:
- With IT background: 40-80 hours of study (4-8 weeks at 10 hours/week)
- Without IT background: 80-150 hours of study (8-15 weeks at 10 hours/week)
Security+ vs College Course Costs
Here's where Security+ really shines compared to traditional education:
| Option | Cost | Time | Credential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security+ Certification | $425-$700 | 4-12 weeks | Industry-recognized cert |
| Single College Course | $1,500-$4,000 | 16 weeks | 3 credits |
| Community College (per credit) | $150-$400/credit | Varies | Credits toward degree |
| Cybersecurity Bootcamp | $10,000-$20,000 | 12-24 weeks | Certificate of completion |
A single cybersecurity college course often costs 3-10x more than Security+ certification while providing less industry recognition. Many employers specifically look for Security+ on resumes, while a single college course might not stand out the same way.
What Jobs Can You Get with Security+?
Security+ opens doors to security analyst, SOC analyst, security administrator, network security technician, junior penetration tester, and compliance analyst roles. It also unlocks DoD/government contractor positions requiring IAT Level II clearance.
Entry-Level Positions Requiring Security+
- Security Analyst (SOC Tier 1): Monitor security alerts, investigate incidents
- Security Administrator: Manage security tools and access controls
- IT Security Specialist: Implement security policies and procedures
- Network Security Technician: Configure firewalls and network security
- Junior Penetration Tester: Assist with security assessments
- Compliance Analyst: Ensure regulatory compliance
Government and Defense Opportunities
Security+ is one of the few certifications approved under DoD Directive 8570/8140 for IAT Level II positions. This opens doors to:
- Federal government cybersecurity roles
- Defense contractor positions
- Intelligence agency support roles
- Military cybersecurity positions (civilian and contractor)
These positions often come with security clearances that further increase your earning potential and career options.
Career Progression Path
Security+ serves as the foundation for advancement:
- Year 1-2: Security+ → Entry-level analyst ($60k-$80k)
- Year 2-4: Add CySA+ or CEH → Mid-level analyst ($80k-$100k)
- Year 4-6: Add CISSP or CISM → Senior analyst/Manager ($100k-$130k)
- Year 6+: Specialize → Architect/Director ($130k-$180k+)
How Much More Will You Earn with Security+?
Security+ certified professionals earn $15,000-$20,000 more per year on average than uncertified IT professionals ($70-90K vs $55-70K). The salary premium is even higher in metro areas like D.C. (+25-35%), NYC (+30-40%), and San Francisco (+40-50%).
Average Salary Figures (2026 U.S. Market)
- IT professionals without security certs: $55,000-$70,000
- Security+ certified professionals: $70,000-$90,000
- Salary premium: $15,000-$20,000 annually
ROI Calculation
Let's do the math on Security+ return on investment:
- Investment: $500 (exam + study materials)
- Annual salary increase: $15,000 (conservative estimate)
- ROI in Year 1: 2,900% ($15,000 / $500)
- Payback period: ~12 days of work
Even using conservative numbers, Security+ pays for itself within the first two weeks of a new position. Over a 5-year career span, that $500 investment translates to $75,000+ in additional earnings — and that's before accounting for compound growth from promotions and raises.
Salary by Role (Security+ Holders)
- Security Analyst: $70,000-$95,000
- SOC Analyst (Tier 1): $60,000-$80,000
- Security Administrator: $75,000-$100,000
- Network Security Engineer: $85,000-$115,000
- Security Consultant: $80,000-$120,000
Geographic Variations
Location significantly impacts earnings:
- San Francisco Bay Area: +40-50% above national average
- New York City: +30-40% above national average
- Washington D.C.: +25-35% above national average (government premiums)
- Remote positions: Often pay national average regardless of location
How Many Jobs Require Security+ in 2026?
Over 63,620 job postings mentioned Security+ in the past 12 months, and the U.S. has 750,000+ unfilled cybersecurity positions. The BLS projects 29% job growth for information security analysts through 2034.
Current Market Statistics
- Job postings mentioning Security+: 63,620+ in the past 12 months [2]
- Unfilled cybersecurity positions (U.S.): 750,000+ [3]
- Projected job growth (2024-2034): 29% (much faster than average) [1]
- Employer demand for Security+: Top 3 most requested cybersecurity certification
Industries Hiring Security+ Professionals
- Government/Defense: Highest demand, often required
- Financial Services: Banks, insurance, fintech
- Healthcare: HIPAA compliance drives demand
- Technology: SaaS companies, MSPs, tech giants
- Retail/E-commerce: PCI-DSS compliance needs
- Energy/Utilities: Critical infrastructure protection
Why Demand Keeps Growing
Several factors ensure continued strong demand for Security+ certified professionals:
- Increasing cyber attacks: Ransomware, data breaches, and nation-state threats
- Regulatory requirements: New compliance mandates require security staff
- Digital transformation: More systems online means more attack surface
- Talent shortage: Demand far outpaces supply of qualified professionals
- AI and automation: New security challenges require human oversight
Is Security+ Better Than CEH, SSCP, or a Google Certificate?
Security+ offers the best value for entry-level cybersecurity -- it costs less than CEH ($425 vs $1,199), has broader recognition than SSCP or Google Cybersecurity Certificate, and takes a fraction of the time and cost of a college degree. Here is how each alternative compares:
Security+ vs CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
- CEH Cost: $1,199 (exam only) — 3x more expensive
- CEH Focus: Offensive security/penetration testing
- Verdict: Security+ offers better value for entry-level; CEH better for specialization
Security+ vs SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
- SSCP Cost: $249 (exam only)
- SSCP Requirement: 1 year experience or related degree
- Verdict: Security+ has broader recognition and no experience requirement
Security+ vs Google Cybersecurity Certificate
- Google Cost: ~$300 (Coursera subscription for ~6 months)
- Google Recognition: Growing but not yet equal to Security+
- Verdict: Google certificate is good for learning; Security+ better for employment
Security+ vs College Degree
- Degree Cost: $40,000-$100,000+ (4-year university)
- Degree Time: 4 years full-time
- Verdict: Security+ gets you working faster; degree provides broader education
Pro Tip: Combine Approaches
Many successful cybersecurity professionals combine Security+ with ongoing education. Get Security+ to enter the field quickly, then pursue additional certifications and/or a degree while working. Your employer may even pay for continued education.
Can You Actually Pass Security+?
Yes, with the right preparation -- community data suggests 85-93% of well-prepared candidates pass. The short answer: yes, with the right preparation. CompTIA does not publish official pass rates, but community data suggests 85-93% of well-prepared candidates pass. The most common failure pattern is skipping practice exams and underestimating PBQs. If you want to understand the difficulty in detail, see our honest Security+ difficulty assessment.
Is Security+ Worth the Money in 2026?
Yes -- a $425-$700 investment delivers $15,000+ in annual salary increases, pays for itself within two weeks of a new position, and opens doors to 63,620+ job postings. Here is the full verdict:
Yes, Security+ Is Absolutely Worth It in 2026 Because:
- Exceptional ROI: $500 investment → $15,000+ annual salary increase
- Massive job demand: 63,620+ job postings, 750,000+ unfilled positions
- Fast time to employment: 4-12 weeks study vs 4 years for a degree
- Career foundation: Opens doors to advanced certifications and roles
- Recession resistance: Cybersecurity demand remains strong in any economy
- Government opportunities: Required for many federal positions
- Industry recognition: Universally respected by employers
- Achievable certification: 70-75% pass rate with proper preparation
The Bottom Line
For the cost of a few college textbooks, Security+ can launch or accelerate your cybersecurity career. The math is simple: a $425-$700 investment that delivers $15,000+ in annual salary increases pays for itself in weeks, not years. Combined with strong job demand, clear career progression paths, and increasing importance of cybersecurity across all industries, Security+ remains one of the best professional investments you can make in 2026.
The only scenario where Security+ might not be worth it is if you have no interest in cybersecurity or IT — and if you've read this far, that probably doesn't describe you.
Ready to Get Started?
The best time to start preparing for Security+ was yesterday. The second-best time is today. With the right study plan and practice resources, you could be certified within weeks and on your way to a rewarding cybersecurity career.
Related Guides
- Security+ salary guide — detailed breakdown by role, experience, and location
- Pass Security+ in 30 days — structured study plan with alternate timelines
- Remote cybersecurity jobs with no experience — where Security+ actually gets you hired
- DoD 8570/8140 requirements — the government/contractor path where Security+ is mandatory
- Free Security+ practice test — 1,812 SY0-701 questions with AI explanations
Ready to Start? Fight Through the Campaign
You know Security+ is worth it. Now make it happen. Battle through RPG-style campaign missions that cover all five SY0-701 domains, lock in retention with spaced-repetition flashcards, and compete in PvP leagues when you want exam-day pressure.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Information Security Analysts: Occupational Outlook Handbook." bls.gov/ooh. Projects 29% job growth (2024-2034) and median annual wage of $124,910 (May 2024).
- CyberSeek. "Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map." cyberseek.org/heatmap. 63,620+ Security+ job postings tracked nationally.
- Cybersecurity Ventures. "Cybersecurity Jobs Report." cybersecurityventures.com/jobs. Reports 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally (2023).
- CompTIA. "CompTIA Security+ Certification." comptia.org/certifications/security. Official exam pricing, objectives, and requirements for SY0-701.
- Glassdoor. "Cyber Security Analyst Salaries." glassdoor.com/Salaries. Salary data for cybersecurity roles in the U.S.
- ISC2. "2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study." isc2.org. Global workforce gap of 4.8 million professionals.
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