If you’re considering pursuing a Security+ certification, you may be wondering what the earning potential looks like in this field. The good news is that a Security+ certification can lead to a variety of high-paying job opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a Security+ certification, examine salary ranges for certified individuals across different industries, and provide tips on how to negotiate a higher salary.
Exploring the Benefits of a Security+ Certification for Your Career
Before we dive into earnings potential, let’s first look at some of the benefits of earning a Security+ certification. One major advantage is the boost it can give to your career. Security+ is a widely recognized industry certification that validates your knowledge and skills in IT security. It’s designed for professionals in entry-level to mid-level security positions, such as security consultant, network administrator, security specialist, and more.
Having a Security+ certification on your resume can demonstrate to potential employers that you have strong foundational knowledge in areas such as threat management, network security, and cryptography. This can make you a more attractive candidate for certain positions and increase your chances of getting hired.
Another benefit of earning a Security+ certification is the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in the field of IT security. The certification covers a wide range of topics, including network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, and more. By studying for and passing the Security+ exam, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of these areas and be better equipped to handle security challenges in your current or future role.
Finally, earning a Security+ certification can also lead to increased job satisfaction. As you gain more knowledge and skills in IT security, you may find that you enjoy your work more and feel more fulfilled in your career. Additionally, many companies offer incentives and bonuses to employees who hold industry certifications, which can further increase your job satisfaction and motivation.
Top-Paying Jobs for Security+ Certified Professionals
Now, let’s turn our attention to salaries. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for information security analysts, which includes many Security+ certified professionals, was $103,590 as of May 2019. However, the earning potential can vary widely depending on the job you have and the industry you’re in.
Some of the top-paying jobs for Security+ certified professionals include:
- Security Engineer: $129,847 (according to Glassdoor)
- Information Security Manager: $125,000 (according to Salary.com)
- Cybersecurity Analyst: $96,000 (according to PayScale)
Keep in mind that these figures are just averages and can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and education level.
It’s worth noting that the demand for Security+ certified professionals is on the rise. With the increasing number of cyber attacks and data breaches, companies are investing more in their information security measures. This means that there are more job opportunities available for those with Security+ certification, and the salaries for these positions are likely to continue to increase.
Additionally, Security+ certification is not just valuable for those working in the IT industry. Many government agencies and contractors require Security+ certification for their employees who work with sensitive information. This means that Security+ certified professionals can also find high-paying jobs in the government sector.
Salary Ranges for Security+ Certified Individuals Across Various Industries
When it comes to earnings potential, the industry you work in can have a big impact. Here are some median annual wages for Security+ certified professionals in different industries, according to the BLS:
- Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing: $114,890
- Finance and Insurance: $109,730
- Information: $105,660
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: $104,470
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: $102,620
Of course, these figures are just averages and your earnings can be higher or lower depending on your specific job and location.
It’s worth noting that Security+ certification is becoming increasingly important in the cybersecurity industry. As more and more companies prioritize cybersecurity, the demand for qualified professionals is growing. This means that Security+ certified individuals may have more job opportunities and potentially higher salaries in the future.
Factors that Affect Salary of Security+ Certified Professionals
There are several factors that can impact your earning potential as a Security+ certified professional. These include:
- Experience: Generally speaking, the more experience you have, the higher your salary is likely to be.
- Education: A higher level of education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, can lead to higher earning potential.
- Job title and responsibilities: Different job titles and responsibilities can come with different salary ranges.
- Location: Salaries can vary widely depending on where you live and work.
Another factor that can affect the salary of Security+ certified professionals is the industry they work in. Some industries, such as finance and healthcare, may offer higher salaries for security professionals due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle. On the other hand, industries such as retail or hospitality may offer lower salaries for security professionals. It’s important to research the industry and company you are interested in working for to get an idea of the salary range for security professionals.
How to Negotiate a Higher Salary with Your Security+ Certification
So, what can you do to increase your earning potential as a Security+ certified professional? One important step is to negotiate your salary when starting a new job or asking for a raise. Here are some tips:
- Do your research: Look up salary ranges for your job title and industry to get an idea of what you should be earning.
- Highlight your skills and experience: Make sure your employer understands the value you bring to the company, and how your Security+ certification contributes to your knowledge and capabilities.
- Be confident: Don’t be afraid to ask for what you believe you’re worth.
Another important factor to consider when negotiating your salary is your location. The cost of living varies greatly from city to city, so it’s important to take that into account when determining your salary expectations. For example, if you live in a high-cost-of-living area, you may need to negotiate for a higher salary to maintain your standard of living.
It’s also important to consider the current job market and demand for your skills. If there is a high demand for Security+ certified professionals in your industry, you may have more leverage in negotiating a higher salary. On the other hand, if the job market is saturated with candidates, you may need to be more flexible in your salary expectations.
Job Growth and Future Prospects for Security+ Certified Professionals
Another important factor to consider when thinking about earning potential is job growth and future prospects. The good news is that the field of information security is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for qualified professionals. According to the BLS, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
This means that there will likely be plenty of job opportunities for Security+ certified professionals in the coming years, which can lead to increased earning potential as well.
Furthermore, Security+ certification is recognized globally and is highly valued by employers. This means that certified professionals have the opportunity to work in various industries and locations, which can further increase their job prospects and earning potential. Additionally, as technology continues to advance and cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for skilled information security professionals will only continue to grow, making Security+ certification a valuable investment in one’s career.
Comparison of Different IT Certifications and Their Salaries Including Security+
It’s worth noting that Security+ is just one of many industry certifications for IT professionals. Here’s a comparison of the median annual wages for several different certifications, according to the BLS:
- CompTIA Security+: $98,350
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): $120,000
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security): $84,770
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC): $84,000
While Security+ may not be the highest-paying certification on this list, it can still lead to a solid salary and valuable career opportunities.
It’s important to note that salary is not the only factor to consider when choosing an IT certification. Some certifications may be more specialized and in-demand in certain industries or regions, leading to better job prospects and career growth. Additionally, some certifications may require more experience or education to obtain, which can also impact salary and career opportunities.
Another factor to consider is the ongoing maintenance and renewal requirements for IT certifications. Some certifications require regular continuing education or retesting to maintain their validity, which can add additional time and cost to the certification process. It’s important to research and understand these requirements before committing to a particular certification.
The Role of Experience in Determining Salaries for Security+ Certified Individuals
We’ve mentioned experience a few times already, but it’s worth emphasizing just how important it can be in determining your salary as a Security+ certified individual. According to PayScale, the average salary for someone with less than one year of experience and a Security+ certification is around $57,000. However, as you gain more experience, your earning potential can increase significantly. For example, someone with 10-19 years of experience and a Security+ certification can earn an average salary of around $98,000.
It’s important to note that experience isn’t the only factor that can impact your salary as a Security+ certified individual. Your level of education, the industry you work in, and the location of your job can also play a role. For instance, someone with a master’s degree in cybersecurity and a Security+ certification may earn a higher salary than someone with only a bachelor’s degree and the same certification.
Additionally, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue growing in the coming years, which could also impact salaries. As more companies and organizations prioritize cybersecurity, the need for skilled professionals in this field will increase, potentially driving up salaries for those with the right qualifications and experience.
How to Make the Most of Your Security+ Certification to Maximize Earnings
If you want to maximize your earning potential as a Security+ certified professional, here are some tips:
- Continue learning and expanding your skills: Keep up with the latest technologies and trends in the industry, and consider pursuing additional certifications or degrees to enhance your knowledge.
- Network with other professionals: Attend industry events and conferences to meet other professionals and learn about new job opportunities.
- Consider freelance or consulting work: This can allow you to work on a variety of projects and potentially earn higher rates than you would as a full-time employee.
Another way to maximize your earning potential as a Security+ certified professional is to specialize in a specific area of cybersecurity. By becoming an expert in a particular field, such as cloud security or network security, you can command higher salaries and be in high demand for specialized roles. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and solutions can help you provide valuable insights and recommendations to your clients or employer, further increasing your value as a Security+ certified professional.
Conclusion
Overall, a Security+ certification can lead to a variety of high-paying job opportunities in the field of IT security. The earning potential can vary depending on factors such as your job title, industry, and experience level, but there are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement in this field. By continuing to learn and expand your skills, networking with other professionals, and considering freelance or consulting work, you can maximize your earning potential as a Security+ certified individual.
It is important to note that obtaining a Security+ certification not only increases your earning potential, but also enhances your knowledge and skills in the field of IT security. This certification covers a wide range of topics such as network security, cryptography, and risk management, which are essential for any IT security professional. Additionally, the Security+ certification is recognized globally, making it a valuable asset for those seeking job opportunities outside of their home country.
