CompTIA Security+ Jobs: Roles, Salaries, and Career Paths Explained

Key takeaways

The CompTIA Security+ certification can help you qualify for jobs in the information technology (IT) and cybersecurity industries. 

• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that computer and information technology roles will grow at a faster-than-average rate from 2024 to 2034 [1].

• CompTIA Security+ helps enhance your cybersecurity skills, particularly in risk management and the identification of cyberattacks.

• You can continue building your skills after CompTIA Security+ by considering additional certifications and leadership opportunities. 

Explore what the CompTIA Security+ certification entails, how to acquire it, and the roles you may apply to that require it. Afterward, consider enrolling in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. In as little as six months, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to protect networks, devices, people, and data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools. Upon completion, add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What is CompTIA Security+?

The CompTIA Security+ certification, offered by CompTIA, provides you with specialized skills in IT and cybersecurity. The exam covers general security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations, security architecture, security operations, and security program management and oversight [2]. 

To take the exam, you typically need to have earned a CompTIA Network+ certification and have at least two years of experience working in a security role. 

Why CompTIA Security+ helps you get jobs

CompTIA Security+ can help you qualify for jobs by providing the specific skills you can gain through completing this certification. For example, those who enroll in the CompTIA Security+ certification get the chance to learn more and build skills in risk management and risk analysis, security policies, network architecture design, and identifying cyberattacks and potential threats.

This global certification is also industry-recognized, giving you credibility as an applicant. Additionally, CompTIA Security+ provides entry-level experience, enabling you to demonstrate your expertise on your resume when applying for advanced opportunities. 

Is CompTIA Security+ in high demand?

Yes, many roles that you may qualify for with a CompTIA Security+ certification are currently in high demand, specifically in the information technology industry. The BLS predicts that computer and information technology roles will grow faster over the next decade than the average for all other occupations [1]. BLS also predicts 317,700 job openings, each year on average, over the next decade [1].

6 CompTIA Security+ jobs

Once you’ve completed the CompTIA Security+ certification, you may begin applying to jobs across various industries. Passing this exam may lead to opportunities in roles such as network administrator, IT manager, project manager, or auditor.

Discover jobs you may qualify for with a CompTIA Security+ certification, as well as their salaries.*

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of January 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Security analyst

Median total US salary (Glassdoor): $126,000 [3]

A security analyst typically works to safeguard a company’s software and infrastructure from cyberattacks. In this role, you may make suggestions on how to improve the security of a company by identifying issues and ways that cybercriminals try to take advantage of them.

Network security administrator

Median total US salary (Glassdoor): $138,000 [4]

As a network security administrator, your responsibility is to set up a network and ensure its safety. Your daily tasks might include monitoring the network you’ve installed, problem-solving if any issues arise, and running tests to ensure that all network equipment works properly.

Systems administrator

Median total US salary (Glassdoor): $112,000 [5]

Systems administrators have similar responsibilities to network administrators, though their focus shifts to software rather than networks. In this role, you may be tasked with ensuring that software and hardware remain protected against threats like malware. Other responsibilities may include installing, troubleshooting, and updating the software’s security.

IT auditor

Median total US salary (Glassdoor): $108,000 [6]

As an IT auditor, your job involves identifying and solving problems. Your role may include running a variety of audits, from applications to clients to the architecture that your company utilizes. From there, you’ll create reports, troubleshoot, and build new, secure, and functional systems.

Security consultant

Median total US salary (Glassdoor): $129,000 [7]

A security consultant works directly with leaders and managers to implement updates and improvements, ensuring security systems are protected against potential risks, such as phishing and pharming, a technique that installs malicious code that directs users to false websites. You may run tests to identify these risks and propose solutions to troubleshoot if these issues arise.

Incident responder

Median total US salary (Glassdoor): $127,000 [8]

Incident responders react to cyberattacks. Unlike other cybersecurity jobs, they don’t work on the backend to restructure software or propose updates. Instead, they respond to issues in real time when an attack occurs. Your responsibilities include conducting an investigation into the incident, documenting the harm caused by the attack, and outlining the steps needed for the business to recover.

What factors influence CompTIA Security+ salary expectations?

CompTIA Security+ is a specialized certification that focuses on building in-demand cybersecurity skills. Because of this, employers may offer you a higher salary due to the expertise gained when earning this credential in such a competitive field.

Payscale reports that the average base salary for an individual with the CompTIA Security+ certification is $89,000 [9]. Other factors that may impact your salary include the location you work in, with cities that offer more tech services and jobs offering higher salaries, and how specialized your role is.

How to land a job with CompTIA Security+

To land a job with the CompTIA Security+ certification, you’ll also need to have some experience in entry-level IT and cybersecurity roles, as well as professional connections. Additionally, consider updating your resume with your achievements and practicing mock interview questions.

• Build experience: Certifications may help you stand out to employers, but real-world experience practicing and demonstrating cybersecurity skills can also help you secure the role you want.

• Networking: To find out which jobs are available that fit your qualifications, consider networking with other cybersecurity professionals, whether online or in person.

• Update your resume and prepare for interviews: Tailor it to the job you want by reviewing the job description and highlighting your own skills that align with it. Then, write a list of questions to ask during your interview to showcase how much you’ve researched and learned about the company beforehand.

Can I get a job with just CompTIA Security+?

CompTIA recommends that exam takers complete CompTIA Network+ and complete two years of work experience prior to registering for the CompTIA Security+ exam, so you may not have the ability to get a job with simply a CompTIA Security+ credential. With that in mind, once you complete CompTIA Security+, you should then have two credentials for your resume: CompTIA Security+ and Network+. 

Alternatively, you may complete the CompTIA Security+ certification with only experience and prior knowledge, and then apply for roles. So, yes, you could get a job with just one certification, though that will likely depend on your employer’s requirements for the role you’re applying to.

Career advancement after CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ may offer new career opportunities for you to discover, and may also encourage you to continue learning and growing in your professional career. You can decide to earn additional IT and cybersecurity certifications or to apply for managerial and leadership positions.

Certifications to pursue

After completing the CompTIA Security+ certification, you may consider exploring related certifications from different organizations to expand your skill set:

• CompTIA PenTest+: This certification, also offered by CompTIA, provides learners with the opportunity to learn more about penetration testing and vulnerability scans. CompTIA recommends three to four years of cybersecurity experience, as well as the completion of one of their other certifications, such as Security+.

• Certified Ethical Hacker^AI (CEH): This certification, offered by the EC-Council, focuses on cybersecurity practices with an added emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). EC-Council recommends this certification for professionals working in government, the military, and education.

• Certified Information Security Systems Professional (CISSP): This ISC2 certification provides a detailed overview of cybersecurity subjects, such as security management, network security, and asset security. To earn this certification, ISC2 requires at least five years of related experience and passing the examination.

Read more: 8 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

Specialized roles and leadership positions

As you begin to evolve and grow in your IT or cybersecurity position, you may begin looking for career advancement opportunities. You may choose to pursue a path toward becoming a chief information security officer (CISO), whose responsibilities include managing security and finance operations, overseeing projects, and assisting HR with onboarding procedures. To become a CISO, you typically need a bachelor’s degree, specifically with a major in IT or cybersecurity, and field experience. Often, additional certifications and a master’s degree are preferred.

Another option may be leveling up to the role of an IT manager, where you’ll oversee other team members and manage projects, infrastructure, and network efficiency. To become an IT manager, employers typically require at least a bachelor’s degree and experience in the IT field. Other requirements might include a master’s degree and demonstration of leadership skills.

Discover free digital career resources

Subscribe to our weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for industry updates, career tips, and trends. Then, explore free, digital resources designed to optimize your professional growth:

• Watch on YouTube: How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst

• Take a quiz: Cybersecurity Career Quiz: Is It Right for You? Find Your Role

• Learn from experts: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career

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