CompTIA Security+ holders earn between $55,000 and $140,000+ depending on experience, location, job role, and security clearance level. This guide breaks down real salary data across all major markets so you can set realistic expectations and maximize your earning potential.
Security+ opens doors to multiple cybersecurity career paths. The certification is often the minimum requirement for entry-level security positions and remains relevant even as you advance into senior roles. Here is what each common Security+ role pays in 2026:
| Job Title | Salary Range | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| SOC Analyst (Tier 1) | $55K-$75K | 0-2 years |
| Security Administrator | $65K-$95K | 1-3 years |
| Information Security Analyst | $70K-$100K | 2-5 years |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | $75K-$110K | 3-5 years |
| Security Engineer | $90K-$130K | 5-8 years |
| Security Consultant | $95K-$140K | 5-10 years |
Location has a massive impact on Security+ salaries. States with high concentrations of defense contractors, tech companies, and government agencies pay the most. Click any state for a detailed breakdown including top employers, cities, and clearance premiums:
A security clearance is the single biggest salary multiplier for Security+ holders. Government contractors and federal agencies pay significant premiums for cleared professionals because the clearance process is lengthy, expensive, and many candidates cannot pass the background investigation.
| Clearance Level | Salary Premium | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| No clearance | Baseline | $55K-$85K |
| Secret | +$15K-$20K | $70K-$105K |
| Top Secret | +$20K-$25K | $85K-$120K |
| Top Secret/SCI | +$25K-$35K | $95K-$140K+ |
| Certification | Avg Salary | Level | Exam Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | $40K-$65K | Entry | $358 (2 exams) |
| CompTIA Network+ | $55K-$85K | Intermediate | $358 |
| CompTIA Security+ | $55K-$120K | Intermediate | $404 |
| CompTIA CySA+ | $75K-$110K | Advanced | $404 |
| CEH | $80K-$120K | Advanced | $950-$1,199 |
| CISSP | $120K-$150K | Senior | $749 |
Prepare for Security+ certification and unlock cybersecurity salaries.
Start Free Practice Test →The average CompTIA Security+ salary ranges from $55,000 to $120,000+ depending on experience and location. Entry-level positions start at $55K-$65K, mid-career professionals earn $70K-$85K, and senior security roles with clearances can exceed $140K.
Virginia offers the highest Security+ salaries ($65K-$140K) due to the concentration of defense contractors and government agencies around Washington D.C. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Booz Allen Hamilton are headquartered in Northern Virginia and actively recruit Security+ holders.
A security clearance typically adds $15,000-$35,000 to base Security+ salaries. Secret clearance adds $15K-$20K, while Top Secret/SCI can add $25K-$35K, especially in government contracting roles in the D.C. metro area.
Yes, Security+ alone can land entry-level cybersecurity positions like SOC Analyst ($55K-$75K) and Security Administrator ($65K-$95K). It meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements and is often the minimum credential for government and defense contractor security roles.
CISSP holders earn significantly more—averaging $120K-$150K versus $70K-$95K for Security+ holders at comparable experience levels. However, CISSP requires 5 years of experience and costs $749 per attempt. Security+ is the entry point; CISSP is the senior-level career accelerator.
Yes, especially in high-cost markets (Virginia, California, Washington) or with a security clearance. Experienced Security+ holders in government contracting with TS/SCI clearance can earn $110K-$140K. Remote roles are also increasingly offering $100K+ for mid-senior cybersecurity positions.