Looking to learn about Sec+ salary? This comprehensive guide from IT Exams covers everything you need to know about the salary prospects for cybersecurity professionals with a Sec+ certification. Discover how Sec+ salary varies based on location, job role, and level of expertise. Read now to learn how you can increase your Sec+ salary and enhance your cybersecurity career.
What Is Sec+ Certification?
Overview of Sec+ certification
Sec+ certification, also known as CompTIA Security+, is a globally recognized certification program for cybersecurity professionals. The certification is designed to provide a foundational knowledge of security concepts and skills necessary to perform core security functions. This vendor-neutral certification is designed for individuals with at least two years of experience in IT administration, network support, or security administration. It covers a broad range of security-related topics, including network security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, identity management, and cryptography.
On this website, we offer hundreds of free CompTIA Sec+ practice test questions to help you familiarize yourself with the test format. Check it out now!
Sec+ certification in demand
This certification is highly sought after for a variety of reasons, particularly among professionals in the early phases of their employment.
To begin with, this vendor-neutral credential covers a wide variety of hot subjects (see the Security+ (SY0-601) certification test objectives) in a way that emphasizes both knowledge and application. CompTIA employs questions from a wide range of scenarios, allowing the Security+ PBQs exam to confirm hands-on skills and problem-solving talents that organizations are increasingly searching for in newly recruited personnel. Candidates’ understanding of mitigation measures or controls to safeguard an environment is given special consideration.
Furthermore, the broad breadth of topics makes this certification useful for a wide range of professions and an excellent choice for entry-level workers. It is also a beneficial supplement to the careers of seasoned IT professionals who wish to add cybersecurity to their resume.
The fact that there are no requirements attracts professionals who may obtain this highly respected certificate only based on what they know without demonstrating any prior experience.
However, applicants for the Security+ test should have at least two years of work experience in IT systems administration with an emphasis on security, hands-on technical information security experience, and a wide understanding of security principles.
It is one of the preferred certifications for persons seeking federal work because it also meets DoD 8570 compliance.
For more details on the benefits of this certification, you can read our article “Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It“.
Comparison with other cybersecurity certifications
When compared to other cybersecurity certifications, Sec+ certification stands out because of its vendor-neutral approach. Unlike vendor-specific certificates such as Cisco or Microsoft, Sec+ certification is not confined to a single technology or platform. This implies that qualified experts have a wide variety of security-related abilities that may be employed in any situation.
Another thing to note is that the certification is frequently regarded as a requirement for more advanced cybersecurity certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Sec+ certification is a well-regarded and well-recognized certification program that offers cybersecurity professionals a solid foundation.
Why Is Sec+ Certification Important In The Cybersecurity Industry?
Sec+ certification is very important in the cybersecurity business, owing to the growing need for qualified cybersecurity workers. Organizations across all industries are realizing the necessity for specialized cybersecurity teams in light of the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber assaults. As a result, there is an increasing demand for individuals with the knowledge and abilities required to safeguard systems and networks. According to a recent Cybersecurity Ventures analysis, the worldwide cybersecurity workforce would have 3.5 million vacant roles by 2021.
- Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Certification confirms your abilities and proves that you have mastered the material taught in training. - Acquire the Industry Standard
CompTIA Security+ is the industry standard for launching a security career and the ideal qualifying certificate for early-career cybersecurity professionals. - Get Your Foot in the Door
Certification makes a great first impression. According to an IDC survey, 96% of HR managers utilize IT certifications as screening or hiring criteria throughout the recruiting process.* Learn more about the various paths your career might take with CompTIA certifications. - Make a Difference
According to new data, IT workers with CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Security+ perform better than those who are not certified. - Progress on a Career Pathway
Are you unsure where an IT certification may lead you? Explore IT employment for professionals, navigate certifications, and find positions in fields that interest you, opening doors to opportunity and achievement. - Expect Success with CompTIA Security+ Certification
Getting certified is the greatest method to secure your career’s future. Certifications are important in identifying the proper individual for the job, according to nine out of ten companies. Furthermore, IT-qualified persons are more likely to get promoted than those who do not have IT credentials.
Additionally, obtaining a certification such as Security+ equips employees with the cybersecurity abilities necessary to advance to intermediate-level employment. It may also improve their chances of obtaining higher-paying jobs.
Payscale discovered that the average compensation for an information security expert was $77,093, with a salary range of $51,000-$124,000.Adding cybersecurity abilities increased professionals’ average compensation to $78,634 with a range of $54,000-$125,000. Adding security risk management abilities raises compensation by $84,504 on average, with a range of $55,000-$129,000.
How To Obtain Sec+ Certification?
Individuals must pass the CompTIA Security+ exam to acquire Sec+ certification, which assesses their knowledge and abilities in a variety of security-related topics. The following are the processes to get Sec+ certification:
- Determine whether or not you match the qualifying requirements: Sec+ certification candidates should have at least two years of experience in IT administration, network support, or security administration.
- Exam preparation: Candidates must have a thorough grasp of many security-related issues, such as network security, access control, cryptography, and others, in order to pass the test. Candidates can study materials such as CompTIA Sec+ practice tests, books, and online courses to prepare for the exam.
- Exam registration: Candidates can register for the exam on the CompTIA website. The test is 90 minutes long and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions.
- Take the test: Candidates must bring two types of identification, including one government-issued ID, to the exam. The test is computer-based, with multiple-choice questions.
- Pass the test: Candidates must earn Sec+ certification by scoring at least 750 out of 900 on the test.
- Obtain a new certification: The Sec+ certification lasts three years. Individuals must obtain 50 continuing education units (CEUs) or repeat the test every three years to keep their certification.
Passing the CompTIA Security+ test, which demands a comprehensive grasp of different security-related topics, is required for Sec+ certification. Individuals may use this certification to demonstrate their expertise in cybersecurity and advance their job chances in the industry.
What is the Average Sec+ Salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of network and computer systems administrator positions is predicted to expand by 5% by 2030.
According to the Certification Magazine 2022 pay Survey, the average pay of a Security+ certified professional in the United States is $115,170, with a global salary of 106,910. Of course, income is affected by a variety of circumstances, and according to PayScale, the average yearly salary for a professional with CompTIA Security+ certification in the United States is $78,000.
Average Sec+ Salary by Job Roles
The average salary for various positions with a Security+ certification is as follows (as of 31 March 2022):
- IT Security Administrator: $68,645
- Senior systems engineer: $108,459
- Cybersecurity engineer: $96,124
- Cybersecurity analyst: $77,038
- Information technology (IT) manager: $81,820
- Network engineer: $78,107
- Security engineer: $89,363
- Systems administrator: $66,721
- Network administrator: $63,482
You can view the most updated salaries at PayScale.
As you can see, the salary range can greatly vary according to the role.
Average Sec+ Salary by Gender
PayScale conducted a poll of about 14,000 professionals and discovered that the higher end of the wage range differed by gender:
- 88.6% of those interviewed were men, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $123,000.
- 10.6% were women; they reported a salary range of $50,000-$121,000
Employers are now deliberately recruiting and empowering a gender-diverse workforce, with a concentrated effort to seek out more women with certifications who can demonstrate their skill set and then leverage their previous experiences to create considerable value in the cybersecurity area.
Average Sec+ Salary by Experience
While an information security professional with less than one year of experience may expect to earn between $58,670 and $103,751 in total pay after gaining over 20 years of experience, adding cybersecurity skills can help start a career on a more favorable note, as seen below:
- Less than one year of experience: $ 63,673
- 1-4 years of experience: $ 72,005
- 5-9 years of experience: $ 85,418
- 10-19 years of experience: $ 103,348
- 20-plus years of experience: $ 116,500
Adding risk management skills can also provide a better-starting pay for professionals, as shown below:
- Less than one year of experience: $59,343
- 1-4 years of experience: $69,751
- 5-9 years of experience: $ 87,658
- 10-19 years of experience: $ 100,676
- 20-plus years of experience: $ 105,651
Average Sec+ Salary by Location
The Sec+ salary might vary greatly depending on the location of the work. This is due to the fact that factors such as the cost of living, the need for cybersecurity specialists, and the local economy may all have an impact on compensation in various places.
The average income for persons with Sec+ certification in the United States varies according to the city and state, according to Payscale statistics. As an example:
- New York City: $88,000 per year
- San Francisco: $103,000 per year
- Washington D.C.: $79,000 per year
- Texas: $71,000 per year
In particular examples, an information security expert earns an average income of $89,580 as of March 29, 2022, with a usual range of $71,557 to $114,630; however, the location of the employment does affect compensation. The average salary of such specialists in selected large cities is listed below.
- Boston $97,463
- New York $96,119
- Washington, D.C. $99,640
- San Francisco $100,061
- Miami $85,101
- Dallas $87,965
As of March 29, 2022, the average income for a senior information security expert was $104,578, with a normal range of $89,486 to $120,318. The average salary of such specialists in selected large cities is listed below.
- Boston $117,828
- New York $125,807
- Washington, D.C. $116,416
- San Francisco $130,722
- Miami $101,808
- Dallas $103,898
In summary, CompTIA Security+ salary might vary greatly depending on region owing to factors such as cost of living, demand for cybersecurity specialists, local economy, and industry. Individuals with Sec+ certification may make competitive pay in many cities and states, with earnings being greater in locations where cybersecurity specialists are in high demand and the economy is robust.
Top 5 Job Roles That Offer Highest Sec+ Salary
This certification can lead to various jobs that require security plus certification in the cybersecurity industry. Here are some examples of job roles that individuals with Sec+ certification may pursue:
- Security analysts are in charge of assessing security threats, vulnerabilities, and dangers in their organizations’ systems and networks. They must also implement and manage security solutions to avoid and mitigate security events. Sec+ certification is an ideal accreditation for security analyst employment since it gives a solid foundation of security-related knowledge and abilities.
- Security administrators are in charge of administering and maintaining an organization’s security infrastructure, which includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access restrictions. Sec+ certification offers security administrators the knowledge and abilities they need to properly safeguard their organization’s systems and networks.
- Network administrators manage computer infrastructures, with a focus on local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Responsibilities vary per company, but some significant areas of concentration include installing new hardware, on-site servers, enforcing license agreements, software-network interactions, and network integrity and resilience.
- Information security managers are experts in defending an organization’s computer systems, networks, and databases from cyber threats and security breaches. This sector is appropriate for persons with technical talents who can make strategic judgments and utilize their expertise under pressure. During an undergraduate curriculum, information security professionals learn specialized technological skills.
- Penetration testers identify and show the commercial implications of system weaknesses by employing the same tools, strategies, and processes as attackers to identify and show the commercial implications of system weaknesses. Penetration testing often replicates a number of assaults that might endanger a company. They may determine if a system is strong enough to survive assaults from both authorized and unauthenticated positions, as well as from a variety of system roles. A pen test may go into any area of a system with the correct scope.
Read more >> CCNA Security vs Security+: Which Certification Is Right For You?
How To Increase Your Sec+ Salary
According to Mohammed Arif cited by Infosec, head of contemporary workplace and security at Microsoft UAE, “globally, cybersecurity jobs are among the fastest-growing profiles; there is a shortage of 2.5 million. It is important that we educate people on the key new trends and skills they need to have to become a strong security professional.”
This is confirmed by the ISACA State of Cybersecurity 2022 study. Indeed, 63% of the 2,000 security leaders polled on workforce challenges and opportunities reported having unfilled cybersecurity positions (up 8 points from 2021), 62% reported their cybersecurity team is understaffed, and 20% reported it takes more than 6 months to find qualified cybersecurity candidates for open positions.
A certification such as Security+ may provide IT professionals with critical abilities that are in high demand today. These individuals may assist firms in more successfully managing cybersecurity and developing digital resilience plans while keeping within budget and meeting business objectives efficiently and inexpensively.
Modern cybersecurity professionals play critical roles in data protection, guiding the development and implementation of incident response, contingency planning, and catastrophe recovery. They are useful, particularly when businesses are seeking solutions to reduce risks and manage threats and vulnerabilities by implementing strong safeguards against external assaults targeting data passing over the network.Security+ training to fulfill the SY0-601 test objectives can assist candidates by highlighting the information and abilities required to complete the job.
The Security+ accreditation may assist job seekers not only find a fantastic job but also earn greater income than their non-certified peers. As we’ve seen, the average salary of a Security+ certified professional can range greatly, from $115,170 reported by Certification Magazine to $78,000 reported by PayScale, but when comparing certified professionals’ salaries to those of uncertified counterparts, you can see the difference that being able to demonstrate Security+ skills makes. An entry-level information security professional, for example, may advance from $58,670 to $63,673 with cybersecurity abilities.
It is vital to remember that incomes vary greatly depending on the function, experience, area, and even gender; nonetheless, the knowledge and abilities that Security+ can certify are a huge aid in increasing career possibilities and profits.
Here are some ways to improve job performance:
- Improving job performance is another way to increase Sec+ salary. Some ways to improve job performance include:
- Setting Goals: Setting achievable goals for oneself can help individuals focus on their career development and demonstrate their commitment to their employer. Meeting or exceeding these goals can lead to promotions and salary increases.
- Collaboration: Collaborating with colleagues and sharing knowledge and expertise can help individuals become more valuable to their employers and improve their job performance.
- Problem-Solving: Being able to solve complex cybersecurity problems can make an individual more valuable to their employer and lead to promotions and salary increases.
- Professional Development: Continuing professional development and improving one’s skills can lead to better job performance and increased earning potential.
Sec+ certified professionals may raise their pay by strengthening their certifications, obtaining more experience and knowledge, and enhancing their job performance. Employers reward employees who are dedicated to their careers, have specific skills and expertise, and can handle problems. Sec+ certified professionals can boost their income potential in the cybersecurity business by focusing on these areas.
FAQs
Is SEC Plus worth IT?
In many circumstances, CompTIA Security+ might be the deciding factor in obtaining an entry-level position in IT security. It can even help you get a job at a support desk. However, obtaining this certification is merely the first step in launching a career in cybersecurity.
Can I get SEC+ without an A+?
Although Security+ holders receive higher pay than A+ holders, Security+ remains an entry-level certification. The A+ certification is not required before studying Security+; however, it is suggested that you are familiar with the fundamentals of computers and security.
Does Sec+ certification guarantee a high salary?
While Sec+ certification might be useful in the cybersecurity profession, it does not guarantee high pay. Salary possibilities are affected by a variety of factors, including geography, employment function, and level of experience. Obtaining a Sec+ certification, on the other hand, can increase your earning potential and open up new chances in the area.
How hard is SEC+ certification?
It is widely regarded as one of the most demanding and comprehensive security certification tests available. The CompTIA Security+ test has 90 multiple-choice questions and is graded on a scale of 100 to 900. The exam is timed, and you have 90 minutes to finish it.
Is Sec+ harder than Network+?
CompTIA advises that you have a prior understanding of hardware and networking before attempting security+. It is preferable to get both A+ and Network+ certifications before Security+. You may have noted that you need a 760 or so to pass Security+, although this is substantially lower for A+ and Network+. Security+ is unquestionably more difficult for that reason alone.
Final Words
In conclusion, the Sec+ salary is determined by a variety of criteria, but there is no question that obtaining an IT certification may do wonders for an IT entry-level employee’s career path. We hope that this post about Sec+ salaries has assisted you in determining the most appropriate and successful study and preparation method.
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