CompTIA Security+ Salary in 2026: What You Can Earn
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CompTIA Security+ consistently delivers one of the highest ROIs of any IT certification. Here is what certified professionals actually earn in 2026 — broken down by role, location, and experience level.
Average CompTIA Security+ Salary by Country
| Country | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| United States | $85,000 – $105,000 |
| United Kingdom | £45,000 – £62,000 |
| Canada | CAD $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Australia | AUD $90,000 – $115,000 |
These figures represent professionals with Security+ as part of their credential stack, typically with 1-4 years of experience.
Salary by Job Title (United States)
| Role | Entry Level | Mid Level | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $65,000 | $85,000 | $110,000 |
| SOC Analyst | $62,000 | $82,000 | $105,000 |
| Network Security Specialist | $70,000 | $90,000 | $115,000 |
| Security Administrator | $60,000 | $78,000 | $98,000 |
| IT Auditor | $58,000 | $76,000 | $95,000 |
| Systems Administrator | $55,000 | $72,000 | $88,000 |
Source: CompTIA, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary (2025-2026 data)
Salary by City (United States)
| City | Average Security+ Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | $105,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | $115,000 |
| New York, NY | $100,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $98,000 |
| Austin, TX | $88,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $85,000 |
| Remote (US-based) | $80,000 – $100,000 |
Washington D.C. remains the highest-demand market due to federal government and defense contractor requirements. The DoD 8570/8140 mandate requires Security+ for all cybersecurity personnel — creating consistent, high-paying demand regardless of the broader job market.
How Much Does Security+ Increase Your Salary?
CompTIA research shows certified professionals earn 20-30% more than non-certified peers in equivalent roles.
In practice: an IT support technician earning $45,000 who earns Security+ and transitions into a security analyst role can expect $65,000-$75,000 — a $20,000+ increase in year one.
Security+ vs. Other Certifications: Salary and Investment Comparison
| Certification | Avg. US Salary | Study Time | Exam Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | $85,000 | 6-12 weeks | ~$404 |
| CompTIA CySA+ | $95,000 | 8-14 weeks | ~$404 |
| CEH | $95,000 | 8-12 weeks | ~$1,199 |
| CISSP | $120,000 | 6-12 months | ~$699 |
| AWS Security Specialty | $105,000 | 3-6 months | ~$300 |
Security+ offers the best combination of time investment, exam cost, and salary outcome for professionals starting in cybersecurity. It is also a prerequisite pathway for most advanced certifications (CySA+, CASP+).
Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It Financially?
The numbers: exam cost $404, training under $400. Total investment under $800. First-year salary increase potential: $15,000-$25,000. Payback period: weeks.
Even for professionals already in IT who are not changing roles, Security+ signals commitment to the security domain — which directly influences promotion and raise decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Security+ increase salary immediately?
In job searches, yes — it filters you into higher-paying roles immediately. Internal promotions typically take 3-6 months after certification.
Do government jobs pay more for Security+?
Yes. Federal and DoD positions require Security+ (DoD 8570/8140) and typically pay $90,000-$120,000 with additional benefits and job stability.
Does combining certifications increase salary?
Yes. Security+ combined with CySA+ or a cloud certification (AWS, Azure) pushes average salaries into the $95,000-$115,000 range.
Is Security+ enough to get a cybersecurity job?
For entry-level roles: yes, combined with hands-on practice or a portfolio. For mid-level roles, pair it with CySA+ or cloud security credentials.
How long until I see a salary increase after certification?
Most candidates certify within 3 months of starting to study. Active job seekers typically receive offers within 1-2 months of certification.
Ready to start? Divitrain's CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 course includes full video instruction, MeasureUp practice exams, and expert tutor support available 24/7.
