Fast-growing, lower-cost tech metros.
Salary data for Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada.
Averages below cover the 4 metros in this region. A Security+ role averages $89,500, topping out at $98,000 in Denver.
regional average
Range $82,000–$98,000 · top pay in Denver
regional average
Range $69,000–$82,000 · top pay in Denver
regional average
Range $56,000–$67,000 · top pay in Denver
| City | Security+ | Network+ | A+ | Test centers | Job market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO | $98,000 | $82,000 | $67,000 | 7 | high |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $90,000 | $75,000 | $61,000 | 4 | high |
| Phoenix, AZ | $88,000 | $74,000 | $60,000 | 8 | growing |
| Las Vegas, NV | $82,000 | $69,000 | $56,000 | 5 | moderate |
Salaries are average estimates for certified professionals; test-center counts are approximate Pearson VUE locations in each metro area.
Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas are among the faster-growing, lower-cost metros for IT work. Nevada levies no state income tax; Colorado, Arizona, and Utah tax income at flat or moderate rates that sit below California's top bracket.
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