To get a better perspective about the importance of cybersecurity, people and businesses should know that in January 2020 alone, over 1.76 billion records were leaked as a result of cybercrime. This included everything from passwords, usernames, medical and financial information, and even data regarding FBI investigations.
To make matters worse, according to MIT’s Technology Review, nearly 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs will be vacant by the end of 2021. The security skills gap is so large that only about one in four cybersecurity professionals are actually qualified for the job. This means that there’s no better time than right now to earn a certification as a security professional.
IT security offers countless paths in terms of fulfilling and well-paying jobs. While not everyone gets certified for the same reason, there are several ways that you can help increase your salary with a CompTIA Security+ certification. This will include things such as:
- Attracting the attention of employers with a certification that’s recognized and respected around the world.
- Position yourself as a top candidate for entry-level cybersecurity positions.
- Providing validation to yourself and others that you’ve mastered the necessary skills and concepts needed in a career in cybersecurity.
In all cases, the CompTIA Security+ certification can serve as an entry-level credential and springboard for those seeking a career in cybersecurity. It ensures that security professionals will be better prepared to solve a wide variety of security issues when tasked with securing and defending networks in the current complicated business computing landscape. MyComputerCareer can help candidates navigate the details that go into a CompTIA certification and how to use it effectively.
What Jobs Roles Benefit from a CompTIA Security+ Certification?
Several common job titles are in strong demand and can be attained at higher salary with the CompTIA Security+ certificate. What jobs you can get with a CompTIA Security+ certification include the following:
- Systems administrator
- Security administrator
- Security specialist
- Security engineer
- Network administrator
- Junior IT auditor/penetration tester
- Security consultant
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job roles that are covered by the CompTIA Security+ certificate fall under the network and computer systems administrators label. Demand for IT workers is high and will continue to grow as businesses are looking to invest in newer and more versatile technologies and mobile networks. In 2019, there were roughly 373,900 such job posts across the country, with a 4% estimated growth rate for the following ten years.
By planning how to enter into their cybersecurity career and how much time and energy they are willing to invest into growing that career, candidates can significantly impact how much they can make in any type of job.
Understanding the Mean Salary Percentiles
Whenever researching a particular job, candidates will often notice that the salary ranges significantly, based on several factors. The sometimes wide range of wages for the same job role can be contingent on the employer, the industry they operate in, their geographical location, the applicant’s experience, and certification. However, companies that pay more will also tend to demand more, both in terms of expertise and responsibilities while on the job. The end result is a range of salaries for the same job title.
When it comes to the network and computer systems administrators, the median annual wage in May 2020 was $84,810. This is compared to $41,950, representing the average yearly wage of all occupations across the United States. That said, half of the workers in this particular job role have earned more, while the other half earned less than $84,810. The lowest 10 percent earned around $52,830, whereas the highest 10 percent earned in the vicinity of $134,970.
As mentioned, these numbers also differ based on the industries in which they operate. In May 2020, network and computer systems administrators earned as follows:
- Finance and insurance – $89,910
- Information – $89,660
- Company and enterprise management – $89,300
- Computer systems design and related services – $87,190
- Educational services; state, local, and private – $75,230
How to Boost Your Salary
As mentioned, several factors can further influence the average salary. Below are some of these ways:
- Prior professional experience – Reducing the training time companies need to invest in you and having the necessary hands-on experience beyond the basic job description will help increase the value to a prospective employer. Any prior related job experience will build trust and expectations on the employer’s side, benefiting you in your paycheck.
- Any additional training and certifications – You can increase your potential salary with CompTIA Security+, but by being able to showcase additional completed certification training, job applicants can qualify for a wider number of jobs and become candidates for a higher-paying position.
- Showing commitment – By becoming certified, candidates are taking their first step in what can be considered a rewarding career. Yet, by remaining certified, with many certifications requiring periodical renewal, candidates can also showcase their commitment to the job and the fact that they’re up to date on the latest trends.
- Regional differences – The exact geographical location can also have a tremendous impact on how much a given job will payout. It should be pretty apparent that the same systems administrator position in a place like San Francisco or New York City will pay, on average, more than the same position in Denver, Colorado.
- Industry variations – And as shown above, there is some salary difference for the same position based on the exact industry in which the organization is operating.
Personal Influences
Aside from the professional qualifications, candidates can help bolster their salaries by making use of some of the following personal influences:
- Networking – By connecting with other IT professionals and building a professional network is highly important in starting and advancing one’s career. Having an active presence on social networks such as LinkedIn can also help you get your foot through the door. Additionally, MyComputerCareer offers plenty of networking opportunities with IT professionals and employers alike through its Career Services.
- Soft Skills – In today’s business environment, soft skills play a vital role in landing a job, advancing one’s career, and getting well-paid. Communication skills, a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, problem-solving, and excellent time management, among others, will work on getting you what you want.
With the demand for cybersecurity specialists never being higher, landing a job in the security industry can be pretty straightforward. Professionals with certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, are more likely to earn more than their uncertified counterparts.
MyComputerCareer also offers programs with a variety of CompTIA certifications, aside from Security+, helping its students make the most of their certification portfolio. Reach out to us if you’re interested in the CompTIA Security+ certification or starting your IT career.