CompTIA Security+ usually leads to jobs like security analyst, systems administrator and security engineer, plus the government and contractor roles that require it under DoD 8140. There's no reliable national salary for Security+ holders alone, so look at the jobs. The US median for information security analysts was $129,180 in May 2025, and for network and computer systems administrators it was $99,130, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Security+ gets you considered for those jobs. It doesn't set your pay by itself, and I'll explain why below.
What jobs can you get with Security+?
CompTIA lists security analyst, security engineer and systems administrator as the core job roles for Security+. For defense work, CompTIA's SY0-701 page maps the exam to a long list of DoD 8140 work roles.
DoD 8140 work roles CompTIA lists for SY0-701
- Cyber defense analyst
- Incident responder
- Vulnerability analyst
- Security control assessor
- System administrator
- Network specialist
- Systems planner
- IT project manager
- Information security manager
- Secure software assessor
That DoD link is a big reason Security+ is so common in job postings. If you want to work for the military, a federal agency or a defense contractor, check our page on the DoD 8570 and 8140 directive to see how the requirement works.
What do Security+ jobs pay in the US?
I don't know of a named national survey that publishes a trustworthy US salary for Security+ holders. Skillsoft's IT Skills and Salary list, which I use for CISSP and CISM pay, doesn't include a US figure for it. So here's what the government says the common Security+ jobs pay, as of the May 2025 data.
BLS job: US median wage, May 2025
- Information security analysts: $129,180
- Network and computer systems administrators: $99,130
- Computer support specialists: $62,890
- All US occupations: $50,980
For information security analysts, BLS reports the lowest 10 percent earned less than $75,090 and the top 10 percent earned more than $199,850. That spread is the real answer to "what does Security+ pay." A new analyst with Security+ and a year of help desk work is near the bottom of that range. An analyst with ten years of experience and a few more certs is near the top.
Can you get an entry-level job with just Security+?
Sometimes, but it's the hardest version of the plan. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years in a security or systems administrator role before SY0-701. For the new SY0-801, it recommends two years of hands-on work as a security administrator. That tells you who the exam is written for.
Most of my students who land their first security job with Security+ already have some IT work behind them. The common path looks like this.
- Start in help desk or desktop support, which BLS groups under computer support specialists.
- Move into systems or network administration.
- Earn Security+ along the way and pick up security tasks at work.
- Apply for analyst roles once you can talk about real incidents you handled.
BLS says many information security analysts come from network and computer systems administrator jobs. It also says some enter with a high school diploma plus industry training and certifications, even though a bachelor's degree is typical. If you're starting from zero, read our guide on your first cybersecurity certification before you pick an exam.
Is Security+ worth it in 2026?
For most people aiming at a security or government IT job, yes.
Demand is the first reason. BLS projects information security analyst jobs to grow 21 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 14,100 openings a year, and it says many employers prefer to hire candidates with information security certification. On top of that, DoD 8140 keeps Security+ in contractor and federal postings, and I don't see that changing soon.
Cost matters too, and it's modest next to the jobs it opens. Our PathPay 12-Month Program lists Security+ at $162.50 a month, $1,950 total, with the exam voucher included. That's a payment plan, not a loan.
Where it's less worth it is if you already hold CISSP or CySA+ and have years of security work. At that point Security+ adds little. Our Security+ vs CySA+ page covers when to move up.
Should you take SY0-701 or wait for SY0-801?
As of September 2026, CompTIA says Security+ V8 (SY0-801) launches on or around November 17, 2026. The current SY0-701 exam retires in English on June 11, 2027. Both versions will be available between those dates, and passing either one earns you Security+.
Testing within the next few months? Take SY0-701. If you're just starting to study and your date will land after mid-2027, study for SY0-801. Anyone in between can pick either, so I'd go with whichever course and practice bank you can start this week. I wrote a separate page on SY0-701 vs SY0-801 with the details.
How can Accumentum help you get Security+?
Our Security+ SY0-701 course runs 4 to 8 weeks part-time. The Security+ V8 (SY0-801) course is ready for anyone testing after the launch. Across all our courses, we've had 2,403 students certify out of about 2,435 attempts, a 98.7 percent pass rate.
Before you enroll, take the free Security+ Exam Readiness Score. It's 20 questions and shows where you stand. For daily practice, PathPass® has a Security+ bank at $19 a month for one exam or $39 for every bank, with a free preview and no brain dumps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary with Security+?
No named national survey publishes a reliable US salary for Security+ holders alone. BLS reports a May 2025 median of $129,180 for information security analysts and $99,130 for network and computer systems administrators, two common Security+ jobs.
Can Security+ get me a job with no experience?
It can help, but most people who get hired also have some IT experience. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years in a security or systems administrator role before taking SY0-701.
Is Security+ required for government jobs?
Many DoD and contractor roles require an approved certification under DoD 8140, and CompTIA maps SY0-701 to work roles such as cyber defense analyst, incident responder and system administrator. Check the specific job posting for its requirement.
Is Security+ still worth it in 2026?
For people moving into security or government IT, yes. BLS projects 21 percent growth for information security analysts from 2025 to 2035 and says many employers prefer certified candidates.
How long does Security+ last?
Three years. CompTIA renews it through 50 continuing education units over the three-year cycle.