CompTIA Security+ Salary Guide: What You Can Earn in 2025
Cybersecurity salaries are not rising evenly. They are rising fastest for professionals who hold the right credentials. CompTIA Security+ is now widely seen as a baseline requirement for serious candidates in security operations, compliance, and defense roles.
This report analyzes CompTIA Security+ jobs salary benchmarks by role, experience level, and geography while unpacking the factors that shape compensation, including demand drivers and government mandates. It also provides a strategic blueprint for maximizing your earning potential with Security+, including expert training paths designed to accelerate results.
The Enduring Value Proposition: Why Employers Prioritize CompTIA Security+
In a crowded field of IT certifications, CompTIA Security+ stands out for one reason—it works.
Its vendor-neutral coverage, alignment with government standards, and focus on job-ready skills make it a trusted benchmark for employers. For organizations, it streamlines hiring. For professionals, it opens the door to a wide range of cybersecurity roles.
A Foundational Standard in a Complex Field
CompTIA Security+ is widely recognized as the foundational certification for launching a cybersecurity career. Unlike vendor-specific credentials, it offers broad, vendor-neutral coverage that applies across diverse IT environments. The certification proves a candidate’s readiness to handle real-world security tasks from day one, validating essential skills across five key domains:
Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities – Identifying and mitigating malware, phishing, and application-level exploits
Architecture and Design – Securing enterprise infrastructure using encryption, segmentation, and secure protocols
Implementation – Configuring network components, access controls, cloud services, and hybrid environments
Operations and Incident Response – Using monitoring tools, analyzing logs, and supporting investigations and threat response
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) – Applying risk management practices and aligning with frameworks and regulations
Key Insight
Research has shown that IT professionals who hold CompTIA certifications, such as Security+, perform at a higher level than their non-certified peers. This performance differential is why employers consistently list Security+ as a preferred or required credential for a multitude of security roles.
Meeting Critical Mandates: DoD 8570/8140 Compliance and Public Sector Dominance
One of the strongest drivers behind Security+ demand is its approval under the U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570/8140.01-M. This mandate requires all personnel with privileged access to DoD information systems to hold an approved certification, and Security+ is one of the most widely accepted.
For professionals targeting federal roles or working with defense contractors, this certification is not optional; it is mandatory.
Security+ satisfies the requirements for multiple high-demand roles under DoD 8140, including:
Cyber Defense Analyst
Incident Responder
Security Control Assessor
Vulnerability Analyst
System Administrator
Network Specialist
IT Project Manager
Information Security Manager
The Market Signal: Industry Demand and Employer Recognition
The cybersecurity job market in 2025 is growing fast, but it is also crowded. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32% growth rate for information security analysts through 2032, with over 700,000 open cybersecurity roles in the United States alone. Yet entry-level positions are increasingly competitive, with some roles receiving thousands of applications.
This surge in interest, driven by the promise of strong CompTIA Security+ certification salary returns, has made foundational certifications like Security+ a baseline requirement. Once a standout credential, Security+ is now considered the minimum needed to be taken seriously by employers. A 2025 ISC2 study confirms that hiring managers rely on certifications to screen applicants, but also highlights a growing mismatch. Many “entry-level” roles still require years of direct security experience.
In this environment, Security+ acts as a critical filter. It gets your resume through automated systems and into the hands of a hiring manager. But to stand out, candidates must go further by pairing the certification with hands-on labs, practical projects, and demonstrable real-world skills.
The Career Catalyst: Security+ as a Gateway to Higher-Paying Roles
While Security+ can boost early-career earnings, its real value is in what it unlocks long term. It is the launchpad for a high-growth cybersecurity career and the foundation for pursuing advanced, higher-paying certifications. Most industry experts recommend earning Security+ before moving into specialized paths, as it builds the essential, vendor-neutral knowledge needed for future roles.
A typical progression looks like this:
Start with A+ and Network+ – Build core IT and networking fundamentals
Earn Security+ – Qualify for roles like SOC Analyst or IT Security Analyst
Specialize – Move into CySA+ (defensive) or PenTest+ (offensive)
Advance to Expert – Target CASP+ or CISSP for senior, management, or architect positions
CompTIA Security+ Salary Benchmarks: An Overview by Role and Experience
Understanding the CompTIA Security+ job’s salary potential means looking beyond the certification alone. Job role, experience level, location, and industry all shape compensation. The following section compiles 2025 salary data from sources like Skillsoft, Payscale, ZipRecruiter, and Salary.com to offer realistic benchmarks across different career stages.
Entry-Level Roles (0–2 Years Experience): Establishing Your Foothold
For professionals with 0 to 2 years of experience, CompTIA Security+ is often the key to landing a first role. Salaries at this stage vary based on location, company size, and job scope, but they lay the foundation for future growth.
IT Security Analyst / Cybersecurity Analyst
A common entry point for Security+ holders. While some sources report averages up to $115,000, these often include more experienced professionals. A more realistic starting range is between $50,000 and $65,000.
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Many new Security+ professionals start in SOC roles. Entry-level salaries typically fall between $45,000 and $60,000. Skillsoft reports an overall average of $78,611, which reflects the potential for growth in this path.
Junior Penetration Tester
This role shows the widest salary range. Most true entry-level positions start between $60,000 and $80,000, though some platforms report national averages as high as $119,895. These higher figures often reflect roles that require previous IT experience or advanced technical skills in addition to Security+.
The table below provides a consolidated view of salary expectations for common entry-level roles that frequently list CompTIA Security+ as a key qualification.
| Job Title | Average Salary Range (Low-High) | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| IT Security Analyst | $55,000 – $92,000 | Monitoring security access, conducting security assessments, analyzing and responding to security alerts, and assisting with policy implementation. |
| SOC Analyst (Tier 1) | $45,000 – $78,000 | Monitoring security information and event management (SIEM) systems, triaging alerts, performing initial incident investigation, and escalating critical issues. |
| Junior Penetration Tester | $60,000 – $97,000 | Assisting with vulnerability scans, conducting basic penetration tests under supervision, documenting findings, and learning ethical hacking tools. |
| Help Desk Technician (Security Focus) | $49,000 – $60,000 | Providing first-line support for security-related issues like malware infections or phishing attempts, managing user access, and enforcing security policies. |
| IT Auditor (Junior) | $69,000 – $80,000 | Assisting with audits of IT systems and controls, ensuring compliance with security protocols, and documenting audit evidence. |
Table 1: Entry-Level (0-2 Years) Security+ Salary Ranges (U.S., 2025)
Mid-Level Roles (2–5 Years Experience): Accelerating Your Growth
With 2 to 5 years of experience, Security+ holders often move into mid-level roles that come with a noticeable salary jump. By this point, professionals have proven their ability to apply core security skills in real-world environments, making them valuable to employers.
Cybersecurity Engineer
A key mid-level role focused on building and maintaining secure systems. Motion Recruitment reports average salaries between $139,218 and $152,463. Robert Half’s 2025 guide lists a median of $138,500, with a range from $112,250 to $189,000.
Network Security Administrator
Specializing in network defense, this role commands a premium over general network admin positions. Robert Half reports a median salary of $128,000, ranging from $107,500 to $152,500. Pairing Security+ with Network+ can lead to related roles like Network Security Engineer, with reported salaries between $90,000 and $120,000.
The following table outlines salary expectations for key mid-level roles accessible to professionals with 2-5 years of experience and a Security+ certification.
| Job Title | Average Salary Range (Low-High) | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Engineer | $120,000 – $155,000 | Designing and implementing security solutions, managing firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems, hardening systems, automating security processes. |
| Network Security Administrator | $105,000 – $140,000 | Securing network infrastructure, managing VPNs, implementing network access controls, monitoring network traffic for anomalies. |
| Security Consultant | $95,000 – $140,000 | Assessing clients’ security posture, recommending improvements, developing security strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance. |
| Vulnerability Analyst | $90,000 – $125,000 | Using scanning tools to identify system weaknesses, analyzing vulnerabilities, prioritizing remediation efforts, tracking and reporting on security flaws. |
Table 2: Mid-Level (2-5 Years) Security+ Salary Ranges (U.S., 2025)
Mapping Your Future: Career Progression and Long-Term Salary Growth Potential
Security+ is the starting point for a career with strong long-term salary growth. With over five years of experience, professionals can move into senior, leadership, and architectural roles that routinely pay six figures. Data shows that experienced cybersecurity specialists with a solid foundation and advanced skills often earn $100,000 or more per year.
Potential roles include:
Information Security Manager
Leads security programs, manages teams, and sets policies. Salaries typically range from $100,000 to $130,000, with potential for more depending on organization size.
Security Architect
Designs complex security systems and frameworks. This high-skill role often pays over $155,000.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Sets enterprise-wide security strategy and oversees risk and compliance at the executive level. Median salaries start around $170,000, with top positions exceeding $250,000.
Security+ helps professionals gain that first foothold, but its true value lies in the path it unlocks to the highest levels of the cybersecurity profession.
Geographic Variances: CompTIA Security+ Average Salary by Location
Cybersecurity salaries vary widely by location. Major metro areas with strong tech, finance, or government sectors, along with higher costs of living, tend to offer significantly higher pay than the national average. Understanding these regional differences is key to planning your career and maximizing your earning potential.
United States Landscape: National Median and Top-Paying Metro Areas
Across the United States, CompTIA Security+ salary levels vary based on role, experience, and region. In 2025, the CompTIA Security+ average salary in the U.S. falls between $90,000 and $105,000, depending on role and location.
Reports cite an average of $102,333. Broader surveys suggest ranges as low as $70,000, but these often reflect early-career roles.
Several metro areas offer significantly higher pay:
Washington D.C. Metro Area
With strong federal and defense hiring, this region consistently ranks among the highest. Average salaries range from $120,000 to $150,000, with some sources citing $150,142.
San Francisco Bay Area
As a global tech hub, the Bay Area offers premium pay to attract talent. Entry-level roles start around $134,263, with experienced engineers averaging $181,853. The overall average is about $156,652.
New York City
In finance and tech-heavy NYC, average cybersecurity salaries reach $145,465. Cybersecurity Engineers in the city earn between $156,525 and $205,000, depending on seniority.
Other High-Paying Cities
Cities like Houston also exceed the national average. In Houston, security administrators earn nearly 20% more, driven by demand in energy and healthcare.
The following table summarizes the significant salary premiums available in key U.S. metro areas.
| Metropolitan Area | Average Cybersecurity Salary Range | Key Industries/Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington D.C. | $125,000 – $150,000+ | Federal Government, Defense Contracting, Consulting |
| San Francisco, CA | $140,000 – $180,000+ | Technology (Big Tech, Startups), Finance |
| New York City, NY | $145,000 – $175,000+ | Finance, Insurance, Media, Technology |
| Houston, TX | $95,000 – $120,000 | Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace |
| Austin, TX | $90,000 – $115,000 | Technology, Startups, Advanced Manufacturing |
| Chicago, IL | $100,000 – $135,000 | Finance, Logistics, Professional Services, Technology |
Table 3: CompTIA Security+ Salary by U.S. Metropolitan Area (2025)
The Global Perspective: International Averages
CompTIA Security+ is recognized worldwide, but salaries vary widely by country due to differences in cost of living, currency, and local demand.
United Kingdom
The average base salary for Security+ holders is around £37,000 (about USD 47,000). Some sources report a broader range of £40,000 to £65,000. Payscale lists £35,890 for Cyber Security Analysts and £42,500 for Engineers.
Canada
The national average is approximately C$73,000 (about USD 53,000), with a typical range between C$65,000 and C$95,000. In Alberta, Security+ roles average C$69,227.
India
Salaries reflect local economic conditions. The average base salary is ₹799,000 (about USD 9,600). Cyber Security Analysts earn around ₹604,723, while Security Engineers average ₹1,179,162.
| Country | Average Salary (Local Currency) | Average Salary (USD Equivalent) | Key Job Title Averages (Local Currency) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £37,000 – £65,000 | $47,000 – $83,000 | Cyber Security Analyst: ~£36k; Cyber Security Engineer: ~£43k |
| Canada | C$65,000–C$95,000 | $47,000 – $69,000 | Cyber Security Analyst: ~C$74k;Systems Administrator: C$71k |
| India | ₹600,000 – ₹1,200,000 | $7,200 – $14,400 | Security Administrator: ~₹500k; Security Consultant: ~₹811k |
| Australia | AUD 80,000 – AUD 120,000 | $53,000 – $79,000 | N/A |
Table 4: International CompTIA Security+ Salary Averages (2025)
Remote Roles: Compensation Trends and Pay Variance
Remote work has reshaped the cybersecurity job market, but it does not guarantee high pay, especially at the entry level.
Data shows that general “Remote Cyber Security” roles average $132,962, reflecting senior-level positions filled by experienced professionals. In comparison, a “Remote Cyber Security Analyst” earns around $99,400, which aligns with the national average for that role.
This gap highlights a key reality: remote flexibility becomes more accessible and lucrative with experience.
Most entry-level professionals are still expected to begin in on-site or hybrid roles where mentorship and hands-on learning are easier to provide. High-paying remote positions are typically earned through proven performance over time, not secured at the start.
The Salary Equation: Key Factors That Influence Your Earning Potential
While CompTIA Security+ certification salary figures are promising, compensation still depends on more than the credential alone. Experience, additional skills, industry, and job type all play a major role in determining compensation. Understanding how these factors interact is essential to navigating the market and maximizing your earning potential.
Experience as an Amplifier: The Impact of Previous IT Roles
Prior IT experience is a major advantage for anyone entering cybersecurity. Roles like help desk support, network administration, or systems administration provide hands-on context that makes Security+ knowledge more applicable.
For example, a network administrator with three years of experience who earns Security+ is far more competitive than someone with the certification alone. Employers value that proven background and often offer higher starting salaries or mid-level roles as a result.
Key Insight
A 2025 hiring study found that 90% of security managers are open to hiring candidates with IT experience, even if they are new to security.
The Power of Stacking: Augmenting Your Salary with Additional Certifications
Stacking certifications is one of the most effective ways to boost your salary. Building on Security+ with advanced or specialized credentials shows employers a commitment to growth and deeper expertise. This progression has a direct impact on earning potential.
CompTIA’s pathway reflects this approach. Advancing to certifications like CySA+, PenTest+, or CASP+ increases value step by step. Expanding into credentials like CEH or CISSP opens the door to senior roles with significantly higher pay.
The table below illustrates the estimated salary impact of stacking key certifications on top of the Security+ baseline, using U.S. average data from industry analyses.
| Certification Path | Average U.S. Salary | Focus Area | Target Job Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ (Baseline) | ~$102,333 | Foundational Cybersecurity Skills | Security Analyst, Systems Administrator, Junior Pen Tester |
| Security+ & CompTIA CySA+ | ~$111,077 | Blue Team / Defensive Security, Threat Intelligence | Cybersecurity Analyst, SOC Analyst (Tier II/III), Threat Hunter |
| Security+ & CompTIA PenTest+ | ~$123,176 | Red Team / Offensive Security, Vulnerability Assessment | Penetration Tester, Vulnerability Tester, Security Consultant |
| Security+ & CompTIA CASP+ | ~$130,715 | Advanced Technical Skills, Security Architecture | Security Architect, Senior Security Engineer |
| Security+ to CISSP | ~$120,000 – $168,000+ | Security Management, Governance, Risk, Compliance | Security Manager, Security Consultant, CISO |
Table 5: Estimated Salary Impact of Stacking Certifications with Security+ (U.S. Averages, 2025)
Industry Premiums: Where Your Skills Are Valued Most
Industry matters when it comes to salary. Sectors that manage sensitive data, face strict regulations, or carry high risk from breaches consistently pay more for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Top-paying industries include:
Finance and Insurance – Protecting financial systems and customer data
Aerospace and Defense – Securing government contracts and national security assets
Technology Services – Safeguarding digital infrastructure and platforms
Healthcare – Protecting patient data and meeting HIPAA requirements
Government – Supporting national security and public service missions
For example, a security administrator in aerospace and defense earns a median salary of $97,490, compared to $90,740 in the broader IT sector.
Employment Structure: Contract vs. Full-Time Roles
Choosing between contract and full-time work often means weighing higher short-term pay against long-term stability. Contract roles typically offer higher hourly rates and more flexibility but come without benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. Contractors also manage their taxes and administration.
Full-time positions may offer slightly lower base salaries but include a full benefits package, job security, and access to employer-sponsored training and promotion paths. The right choice depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and long-term career plans.
A Strategic Blueprint: How to Actively Increase Your Salary with CompTIA Security+
Earning the CompTIA Security+ certification is only the beginning. To increase your salary, you need a clear strategy. That means building hands-on skills, gaining advanced specializations, and taking deliberate steps to grow your career.
Beyond the Certificate: Building Real-World Experience Through Labs and Projects
Having the certification is not enough. Employers want proof you can apply what you’ve learned.
Key Insight
In 2025, 95% of hiring managers say hands-on experience is essential, and 93% prefer candidates who can show practical skills, even fresh graduates.
To build real-world credibility and increase your value:
Build a home lab: Create a virtual environment to test networking, hardening, and attack scenarios.
Learn core tools: Get hands-on with Wireshark, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Kali Linux.
Join real projects: Contribute to open-source work or compete in capture-the-flag events to sharpen your skills.
Show your work: Use GitHub or a blog to document your projects and labs. A portfolio of work carries more weight than a passed exam.
Charting Your Course: Stacking Skills with Complementary Certifications
To increase salary through certification, the key is strategy, not volume. Instead of collecting credentials at random, map out a clear progression that fits your career goals. Security+ provides the foundation. From there, choose a specialization that builds real expertise.
Defensive track (blue team): Pursue CompTIA CySA+ to focus on threat detection, analysis, and incident response.
Offensive track (red team): Choose CompTIA PenTest+ to build skills in penetration testing and vulnerability management.
Advanced technical roles: Aim for CompTIA CASP+, which validates enterprise-level skills in risk management and security architecture.
Specialization for Success: Targeting High-Demand Niches
Specializing in a high-demand niche is one of the fastest ways to increase your earning potential. In 2025, two of the most valuable areas are cloud security and risk management.
Cloud Security
As more organizations move to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, the need for professionals who can secure these environments has surged. Adding cloud-specific skills like IAM, container security, and threat monitoring to your Security+ foundation makes you highly competitive. Certifications such as Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) or AWS Certified Security – Specialty can significantly raise your salary and job options.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
With growing data privacy regulations, GRC specialists are in demand, especially in finance, healthcare, and government. This field focuses on managing risk, ensuring compliance, and assessing third-party vendors. Pairing Security+ with a certification like ISACA’s CRISC positions you for senior roles in risk analysis and compliance.
An Expert Evaluation: Why Training Camp Is a Smart Investment for Career Growth
For professionals who want a faster path to certification and career growth, choosing the right training provider is key. Training Camp stands out for our boot camp-style programs, including the CompTIA Security+ course.
Proven Results and High Pass Rates
One of the clearest indicators of a training provider’s effectiveness is the pass rate. Training Camp reports a 90% first-time pass rate for our CompTIA Security+ program and offers a strong safety net.
If a student does not pass, they will receive a free exam retake and can re-sit the course for up to one year.
A Career-Focused Approach for Salary-Driven Professionals
Training Camp is built for professionals who need to get certified fast. The boot camp format delivers focused, intensive instruction designed to minimize downtime and get students back to work with real skills.
Our program is also aligned with DoD 8140/8570 requirements, making it a strong fit for government employees and defense contractors.
For salary-focused professionals aiming to meet job requirements quickly, this career-aligned model offers clear value. The table below summarizes the key features of the program.
| Feature | Description & Benefit |
|---|---|
| Course Format | Intensive, instructor-led boot camp (in-person or live online) designed for accelerated learning and high retention. |
| Duration | Typically 3 to 5 days of immersive training, minimizing time away from work. |
| DoD 8140 Compliance | Fully compliant with DoD 8140/8570 directives, making it the premier choice for government and defense personnel. |
| Exam Voucher & Retake Guarantee | Includes the official CompTIA Security+ exam voucher and a free retake voucher if needed, reducing student stress and financial risk. |
| Official CompTIA Partner | As an authorized partner, TrainingCamp uses official course materials and is held to high standards of quality and effectiveness. |
| Instructor Qualifications | Instructors are required to be both Security+ certified and endorsed by CompTIA, ensuring expert-level instruction. |
| Included Materials | The comprehensive package includes student kit, proprietary practice questions, official practice tests, and an exam guide. |
Table 6: TrainingCamp Security+ Program Features at a Glance
Alumni Success and Industry Recognition
Our reputation is built on the success of our alumni, many of whom have gone on to roles at top organizations like Booz Allen Hamilton, Comcast, GDIT, and Hewlett-Packard. Graduates often highlight the impact of our immersive learning format and the expertise of our instructors.
We’ve also earned recognition from the certifying bodies themselves. Training Camp has been named CompTIA Training Partner of the Year, EC-Council Enterprise Partner of the Year, and ISC2 Training Partner of the Year. These awards reflect the trust we’ve built across the industry.
While we do not offer direct job placement, our Security+ program is designed to deliver job readiness. We focus on helping students earn a DoD-compliant certification that 96% of HR managers consider during hiring.
The goal is simple—prepare you to certify, compete, and advance with confidence.
Looking to Boost Your Earning Potential?
The path to a high-paying cybersecurity career starts with CompTIA Security+. In today’s job market, employers need certified professionals who can apply practical, foundational skills to real security challenges. This certification opens the door to roles across government, finance, tech, and defense, with clear opportunities for long-term salary growth.
Training Camp offers an accelerated, results-driven boot camp for professionals who want more than a certificate. Our program is fast, focused, and backed by a pass guarantee.
If you’re ready to invest in your future and see real results, we are here to help you get certified and move forward with confidence.