Security Plus Salary Guide 2025: What You Can Expect to Earn

Picture this: You're scrolling through job listings on a Monday morning, coffee in hand, when you notice something interesting. Three different cybersecurity positions—all paying over $85,000—have one thing in common in their requirements: **CompTIA Security+ certification**. You're not imagining things. The cybersecurity job market is on fire, and Security+ certified professionals are cashing in. But here's the million-dollar question (sometimes literally): What can *you* actually expect to earn with this certification in 2025? I've spent countless hours diving into salary data, talking to hiring managers, and analyzing job postings to bring you the most comprehensive security plus salary guide you'll find anywhere. Whether you're just starting your cybersecurity journey or looking to validate your existing skills, this guide will give you the real numbers, honest expectations, and actionable strategies to maximize your earning potential. Let's break down exactly how much security plus professionals make—and more importantly, how you can position yourself at the higher end of that salary range. --- ## Understanding CompTIA Security+ and Its Market Value  Before we dive into the numbers, let's make sure we're on the same page about what CompTIA Security+ actually is and why employers are willing to pay premium salaries for certified professionals. ### What Is CompTIA Security+ Certification? CompTIA Security+ certification is a globally recognized, vendor-neutral credential that validates your foundational cybersecurity skills. It's often called the "gateway certification" to cybersecurity careers—and for good reason. The current exam (SY0-701) covers critical security concepts including: - Threat assessment and vulnerability management - Security operations and incident response - Security architecture and design - Security program management and oversight - General security concepts Here's a quick breakdown of the exam details: | Exam Detail | Information | |-------------|-------------| | Exam Code | SY0-701 | | Number of Questions | Maximum 90 | | Question Types | Multiple choice, performance-based | | Duration | 90 minutes | | Passing Score | 750 (on a scale of 100-900) | | CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost | $404 USD | | Recommended Experience | 2 years in IT administration with security focus | ### Why Employers Value Security+ So Highly The security plus certification isn't just another piece of paper to hang on your wall. It's actually *required* for many government and defense contractor positions under DoD 8570/8140 compliance. This means entire sectors of the job market are essentially locked without it. But even outside of government work, hiring managers love Security+ because it proves you understand security fundamentals without being tied to any specific vendor's ecosystem. You're not just a Cisco person or a Microsoft person—you're a security professional who can adapt. > **Key Insight:** According to CompTIA's own research, 96% of HR managers use IT certifications as screening criteria during recruitment. Security+ consistently ranks as one of the most requested certifications in cybersecurity job postings. --- ## Security Plus Salary Breakdown: The Real Numbers for 2025  Alright, let's get to what you really came here for—the money. The security plus salary range varies significantly based on several factors, but I'm going to give you concrete numbers you can actually use. ### Average Security Plus Certified Salary Based on data aggregated from PayScale, Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter for 2025, here's what security plus certified professionals are earning: | Experience Level | Salary Range | Average Salary | |-----------------|--------------|----------------| | Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $55,000 - $75,000 | $65,000 | | Mid-Level (2-5 years) | $75,000 - $95,000 | $85,000 | | Senior Level (5-10 years) | $95,000 - $125,000 | $108,000 | | Expert/Management (10+ years) | $125,000 - $165,000+ | $140,000 | Now, these numbers probably look different from some other guides you've read. That's because I'm giving you the *realistic* security plus salary range—not the inflated figures that include people with multiple advanced certifications and 15 years of experience. ### Security Plus Pay by Job Title The title on your business card matters more than you might think. Here's how security plus pay breaks down across common job titles: | Job Title | Average Salary | Security+ Importance | |-----------|---------------|---------------------| | Security Analyst | $77,000 | Often Required | | Systems Administrator | $72,000 | Preferred | | Network Administrator | $68,000 | Preferred | | Security Engineer | $102,000 | Recommended | | SOC Analyst | $70,000 | Often Required | | Penetration Tester | $98,000 | Foundation Cert | | Security Consultant | $95,000 | Recommended | | Information Security Manager | $125,000 | Foundation Cert | ### Geographic Impact on Security Plus Salary Where you work (or where your employer is based, if remote) dramatically impacts how much security plus professionals make. Let's look at the numbers: | Location | Average Salary | Cost of Living Adjusted | |----------|---------------|------------------------| | San Francisco Bay Area | $115,000 | $78,000 | | New York City | $105,000 | $72,000 | | Washington D.C. | $98,000 | $75,000 | | Seattle | $100,000 | $74,000 | | Austin | $88,000 | $78,000 | | Denver | $85,000 | $73,000 | | Atlanta | $82,000 | $76,000 | | Remote (National Average) | $85,000 | Varies | > **Pro Tip:** Don't just chase the highest nominal salary. A security plus certified salary of $85,000 in Austin might give you more purchasing power than $105,000 in New York City. Always consider cost of living when evaluating offers. --- ## Security Plus Jobs: Where the Opportunities Are Let's talk about the security plus job outlook—because a certification is only valuable if there are actual jobs waiting for you on the other side. ### Current Job Market Analysis The numbers here are genuinely exciting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects **33% growth** in information security analyst positions through 2033—that's "much faster than average" in government-speak, and it translates to roughly 17,300 new jobs per year. But here's what makes the security plus job outlook even more compelling: there's a massive talent shortage. The cybersecurity workforce gap currently sits at approximately **3.4 million unfilled positions globally**, with about 750,000 of those in the United States alone. Translation? Companies are *desperate* for qualified candidates, and Security+ certification is often the minimum barrier to entry. ### Top Industries Hiring Security+ Professionals Security plus jobs aren't limited to tech companies. In fact, some of the best opportunities (and highest salaries) are in industries you might not expect: 1. **Government & Defense** - The largest employer of Security+ certified professionals due to DoD requirements 2. **Financial Services** - Banks and fintech companies face constant threats and pay accordingly 3. **Healthcare** - HIPAA compliance drives massive security hiring 4. **Technology** - Obviously, but competition is fierce 5. **Retail & E-commerce** - PCI compliance and customer data protection 6. **Energy & Utilities** - Critical infrastructure protection is a national priority 7. **Consulting Firms** - High salaries but demanding hours ### Remote Work Opportunities Here's some good news: cybersecurity has embraced remote work more than most fields. According to recent data, approximately **60% of security plus jobs** now offer remote or hybrid options. This means you're not limited to opportunities in your immediate geographic area—you can access those higher-paying coastal salaries while living somewhere with a lower cost of living. --- ## Is Security Plus Worth It? The ROI Analysis  I'm going to be real with you: getting certified requires an investment of both time and money. Let's break down whether the security plus certification is actually worth it for your specific situation. ### The True Cost of Getting Certified Let's add up what you're actually looking at: | Expense Category | Cost Range | |-----------------|------------| | CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost | $404 | | Study Materials (books, courses) | $50 - $500 | | Security+ Practice Test Resources | $30 - $150 | | Potential Retake (if needed) | $404 | | Time Investment | 40-120 hours | **Total Investment:** Approximately $500 - $1,500 plus 1-3 months of study time ### The Return on Investment Now let's look at what you get back: - **Salary Bump:** Security+ certified professionals earn, on average, $10,000-$15,000 more than their non-certified counterparts in similar roles - **Job Access:** Many positions are simply unavailable without the certification - **Interview Callbacks:** Your resume moves to the top of the pile - **Career Acceleration:** Faster promotions and more lateral movement options Let's do some quick math. If the certification costs you $1,000 total and leads to even a modest $10,000 annual salary increase, you're looking at: - **Year 1 ROI:** 900% return - **5-Year Impact:** $50,000+ in additional earnings - **Career Lifetime Impact:** Potentially $200,000+ in additional earnings > **Bottom Line:** Is Security+ worth it? For most people pursuing a cybersecurity career, absolutely yes. The math simply works in your favor. ### When Security+ Might NOT Be Worth It In the interest of honesty, there are scenarios where Security+ might not be your best investment: - You're already a senior security professional with advanced certifications - You're committed to a highly specialized path that requires different credentials - You have no interest in cybersecurity roles - Your employer won't recognize or compensate for it (rare, but possible) --- ## Security Plus Career Path: From Certification to Success Getting certified is just the beginning. Let's map out your security plus career path and show you how to maximize your earning potential over time. ### The Typical Security Plus Career Progression **Years 1-2: Foundation Building** - Roles: SOC Analyst, Junior Security Analyst, Help Desk (Security-focused) - Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000 - Focus: Gain hands-on experience, learn your organization's tools **Years 2-5: Skill Development** - Roles: Security Analyst, Systems Administrator, Network Security Specialist - Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 - Focus: Specialize in an area, pursue additional certifications **Years 5-10: Expertise and Leadership** - Roles: Senior Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Team Lead - Salary Range: $95,000 - $125,000 - Focus: Lead projects, mentor juniors, develop strategic thinking **Years 10+: Senior Leadership** - Roles: Security Manager, CISO, Director of Security, Consultant - Salary Range: $125,000 - $200,000+ - Focus: Business strategy, risk management, organizational leadership ### Certifications That Complement Security+ To maximize your security plus career trajectory, consider stacking these certifications: | Certification | Best For | Average Salary Impact | |--------------|----------|----------------------| | CySA+ | Security Analysts | +$8,000 | | PenTest+ | Offensive Security | +$12,000 | | CASP+ | Advanced Practitioners | +$15,000 | | CISSP | Senior Roles | +$25,000 | | AWS Security Specialty | Cloud Security | +$20,000 | | Databricks Certifications | Data Security | +$18,000 | It's worth noting that certifications like databricks certifications are becoming increasingly valuable as organizations move toward data-centric security models. The intersection of data engineering and security is a hot area right now. ### Specialization Paths After establishing your foundation with CompTIA Security+, you can branch into several high-paying specializations: 1. **Cloud Security** - Average salary: $130,000 2. **Penetration Testing** - Average salary: $115,000 3. **Security Architecture** - Average salary: $145,000 4. **Incident Response** - Average salary: $105,000 5. **Governance, Risk & Compliance** - Average salary: $120,000 6. **Application Security** - Average salary: $135,000 --- ## How to Prepare for CompTIA Security+ Successfully Now that you're convinced the security plus certification is worth pursuing, let's talk strategy. Here's how to pass the exam efficiently and position yourself for those higher salaries. ### Recommended Study Timeline | Your Background | Study Hours | Timeline | |----------------|-------------|----------| | IT Experience (2+ years) | 40-60 hours | 4-6 weeks | | Some IT Knowledge | 60-90 hours | 6-10 weeks | | Complete Beginner | 90-120 hours | 10-14 weeks | ### Effective Study Resources **Official Resources:** - CompTIA CertMaster Learn - CompTIA CertMaster Labs - Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide **Third-Party Resources:** - Professor Messer's Free Video Course (excellent foundation) - Darril Gibson's "Get Certified Get Ahead" book - [Security+ practice tests on HydraNode](https://hydranode.ai/exam/security-plus) for exam simulation **Hands-On Practice:** - Home lab with virtual machines - TryHackMe or HackTheBox for practical skills - Network+ concepts review if networking is weak ### Study Strategy That Actually Works 1. **First Pass (30% of time):** Read through all material once to understand scope 2. **Deep Dive (40% of time):** Focus on weak areas, take notes, watch videos 3. **Practice Testing (30% of time):** Take security+ practice test after practice test until you're consistently scoring 85%+ > **Critical Advice:** Don't underestimate performance-based questions (PBQs). They make up a significant portion of your score and require hands-on skills. A quality security+ practice test platform should include PBQ simulations. ### Common Mistakes to Avoid 1. **Studying too passively** - Reading without testing yourself doesn't work 2. **Ignoring weak areas** - The exam will find them 3. **Skipping hands-on practice** - PBQs require real skills 4. **Rushing to take the exam** - The $404 retake fee hurts 5. **Using braindumps** - They don't work and violate CompTIA policy 6. **Neglecting the acronyms** - Security+ has hundreds of them --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does Security+ increase your salary? On average, Security+ certification leads to a $10,000-$15,000 annual salary increase compared to non-certified professionals in similar roles. However, the impact is even greater for career changers—many report increases of $20,000+ when transitioning from general IT to security-focused roles. The security plus certified salary premium is real and well-documented across multiple salary surveys. ### Is Security+ enough to get a job with no experience? Yes, but with realistic expectations. Security+ can absolutely help you land entry-level security positions (SOC Analyst, Junior Security Analyst) even without direct security experience. However, employers typically want to see *some* IT background—help desk, networking, or systems administration experience is valuable. The certification proves your knowledge; experience (even from home labs) proves you can apply it. ### How long does Security+ certification last? CompTIA Security+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. To maintain certification, you need to earn 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) before expiration. You can earn CEUs through various activities including taking higher certifications, attending training, teaching, publishing, and work experience. Alternatively, you can simply retake the current exam. ### Should I get Network+ before Security+? It depends on your background. If you already have networking experience or a solid understanding of TCP/IP, subnetting, and network protocols, you can skip straight to Security+. However, if networking concepts are foreign to you, investing time in Network+ first will make Security+ significantly easier—about 20-25% of Security+ content builds on networking fundamentals. CompTIA recommends Network+ as a prerequisite, though it's not required. ### How does Security+ compare to other entry-level security certifications? Security+ is generally considered the gold standard for entry-level security certifications due to its vendor-neutral approach and DoD recognition. Here's how it compares: | Certification | Vendor | Recognition | Best For | |--------------|--------|-------------|----------| | CompTIA Security+ | Vendor-Neutral | Highest (DoD approved) | Most versatile | | CEH | EC-Council | High | Penetration testing focus | | SSCP | (ISC)² | High | Information security | | GIAC GSEC | SANS | High | Technical depth | For most people starting their security plus career, CompTIA Security+ offers the best combination of recognition, versatility, and ROI. ### What is the pass rate for Security+? CompTIA doesn't officially publish pass rates, but industry estimates suggest the first-time pass rate for Security+ (SY0-701) is approximately 70-75% for well-prepared candidates. The key phrase there is "well-prepared"—candidates who use quality study materials and take multiple security+ practice tests before the real exam pass at much higher rates. Candidates who rush into the exam without adequate preparation see significantly lower success rates. --- ## Conclusion: Your Next Steps to a Higher-Paying Security Career Let's recap what we've covered in this comprehensive security plus salary guide: - **Security plus certified salary ranges** from $55,000 for entry-level to $165,000+ for senior positions - **The security plus job outlook** is exceptional, with 33% growth projected and a massive talent shortage - **Security plus is worth it** for almost anyone pursuing a cybersecurity career, with ROI often exceeding 900% in the first year - **Your security plus career path** can lead to six-figure salaries within 5-10 years of dedicated effort - **How much do security plus professionals make** depends heavily on location, experience, and specialization—but the floor is high and the ceiling is higher The cybersecurity industry isn't slowing down. Every day, organizations face new threats, and they need qualified professionals to protect them. CompTIA Security+ is your ticket into this high-demand, high-paying field. But here's the thing—knowing all these salary figures and career possibilities doesn't matter if you don't actually pass the exam. --- **Ready to stop guessing and start passing?** **[HydraNode](https://hydranode.ai)** offers adaptive Security+ practice exams that mirror the real test experience. Our platform identifies your weak areas, adjusts question difficulty based on your performance, and provides detailed explanations for every answer. Don't waste your $404 exam fee on a test you're not ready for. With [HydraNode's Security+ practice tests](https://hydranode.ai/exam/security-plus), you'll walk into your exam knowing exactly what to expect and confident in your ability to pass. **Your future security plus salary is waiting. Let's help you earn it.** *Start your free practice session today and join the thousands of professionals who've used HydraNode to launch their cybersecurity careers.*