The average salary of an IT professional with A+ certification will depend on their years of experience and job role, aside from where you live in the U.S.
If you want to be certified with CompTIA A+, a practice test and training module are just some of your options. This entry-level certification is a good stepping stone to strengthen your credentials in the IT industry. The exam consists of two separate tests, and you might have to spend between $219 and $499 on exam vouchers before taking the certification test.
Salary by Role and Experience
Those with less than one year of experience should expect to earn an average of around $38,900 per year with A+ certification. The pay increases to approximately $40,500 by the time you gain up to four years of experience, while those with at least five years can earn more than $45,000. IT professionals with 10 to 20 years of experience can make $48,000 and $50,000 on average if they own an A+ certificate.
In terms of job role, an IT manager and an information security analyst with A+ certification are among the top two highest-paid jobs, with annual salaries of up to $128,000 and $103,000 respectively. Take note that the median pay in your location will also be a factor.
Where A+ Pays More
Employers in Washington, D.C., could pay up to $104,000 for eligible candidates with A+ certificates. You can earn almost $78,000 if you live in New York City, while the potential salary in Seattle is slightly higher at $81,000.
Some areas in California such as Silicon Valley are perennial hotspots for IT professionals. The salary there can easily exceed six figures for qualified talents, although the cost of living somehow offsets the considerable pay. Since CompTIA A+ is an entry-level certification, you may want to broaden your skill set by adding more advanced qualifications such as those in cybersecurity.
Not Just for IT Professionals
There is a common misconception that only IT professionals are qualified for cybersecurity jobs. If that was true, then employers shouldn’t be having a hard time filling vacancies for different roles. A study showed that around three out of 10 cybersecurity employees used to work from a non-IT industry, and some of them now hold an executive position.
This only shows that anyone can be a good fit for cybersecurity jobs with the right skill set and credentials. Once you gain experience after passing your A+ exam, you can pursue more technical certificates such as Security+. The prospect of earning more in this segment is much higher due to an estimated 3.5 million job vacancies in the next two years. Hence, employers are willing to give your expected salary if you meet the job requirements.
It’s not surprising why some people want certification to improve their market value and credentials, but the process won’t be simple. You should devote time and money before gaining an A+ certificate just like any other accreditation, and this will be easier if you sign up for a review or training course.
