Testkings – Top IT Certifications

CompTIA certifications are some of the most well-regarded credentials in the IT industry, widely accepted across sectors and globally recognized. In 2025, their value continues to grow as technology evolves, and more organizations emphasize verified skills, particularly in cybersecurity, cloud computing, systems management, and data handling. These certifications validate practical and foundational knowledge required in a range of IT roles, from entry-level helpdesk technicians to experienced cybersecurity engineers.

What Makes CompTIA Certifications Unique

The Computing Technology Industry Association, or CompTIA, is a vendor-neutral, non-profit trade association that offers certifications and education designed to enhance the careers of IT professionals. Its credentials are often essential for employment in government and military sectors, especially in positions that require compliance with the U.S. Department of Defense’s 8140.03M directive.

Structured Career Paths for IT Professionals

One of the key drivers of CompTIA’s popularity is its structured certification pathway, which guides professionals through stages of their careers. Whether starting out or already in a leadership position, professionals can use CompTIA certifications to both demonstrate competency and improve job mobility. In sectors where experience is not always easy to quantify, certifications provide a standardized metric for hiring and salary negotiations.

Employer Demand and Business Value

Beyond personal career growth, the IT Skills and Salary survey found that certified professionals help businesses reduce troubleshooting time, improve productivity, and close skill gaps. Hiring managers and decision-makers increasingly quantify the value of certifications in real economic terms. Nearly a quarter of leaders surveyed stated that certified employees help the business save over thirty thousand dollars annually compared to their non-certified counterparts.

Confidence and Professional Credibility

CompTIA certifications also serve as confidence boosters for professionals. They offer structured learning, which can be particularly beneficial for self-taught individuals or those transitioning into IT from other fields. The psychological benefit of earning a credential and the associated increase in workplace credibility cannot be understated.

Increased Salary Potential

Average salary increases are another tangible benefit. According to the survey, professionals who hold at least one CompTIA certification earn approximately sixteen percent more than those who hold none. That translates to thousands of dollars in additional income annually, which over a career can amount to significant financial gain.

Career Mobility and Advancement Opportunities

It is important to understand that salary alone should not be the only metric used to assess the value of a certification. Career mobility, job security, ability to specialize, and eligibility for more advanced roles are all enhanced with certification. Especially in IT, where technology is constantly changing, holding a certification signals to employers that a candidate has up-to-date knowledge and is committed to continuous learning.

Reduced Onboarding and Training Costs

Employers also favor candidates with certifications because it reduces onboarding time. A certified new hire requires less initial training and is often ready to contribute to projects much sooner. This efficiency is critical in fast-paced environments where downtime costs money.

Long-Term Career Strategy

Understanding this value is crucial when considering whether a CompTIA certification is worth the time and financial investment. The answer for most IT professionals is a resounding yes, especially when certifications are seen as part of a broader career strategy rather than a one-time investment.

Financial Support and Employer Sponsorship

Additionally, some employers reimburse or subsidize the cost of certification, recognizing the mutual benefits that credentialing brings. Many organizations now embed certifications into their internal learning and development programs, offering structured paths for employee growth that align with business needs.

Return on Investment for Professionals

Even in cases where individuals must fund their certification journey themselves, the long-term return on investment is clear. While training and exams can cost up to five thousand dollars, depending on the format and resources used, the benefits in terms of salary and career growth far exceed this initial cost. With the right planning and commitment, these certifications become stepping stones to more specialized and better-paying roles.

Average Salaries by CompTIA Certification: A Global Perspective

Understanding the earning potential tied to CompTIA certifications provides valuable insight for professionals who are considering investing time and money in them. According to global data from the IT Skills and Salary survey, individuals with CompTIA certifications earn significantly more than their uncertified peers. These salaries reflect average compensation figures reported by professionals worldwide, showing the tangible financial benefits of certification.

The entry-level CompTIA A+ certification provides an average global salary of over eighty-three thousand dollars. This is particularly significant considering that A+ is designed for individuals with limited work experience. It validates essential knowledge in hardware, software, networking, and basic security. This certification often acts as a foundational stepping stone for more advanced credentials.

At the top of the scale, professionals with the CompTIA Data+ certification report an average salary of more than one hundred fifty-four thousand dollars globally. This underscores the high demand for data literacy in today’s information-driven environments. Professionals who can analyze, interpret, and present data to support business decisions are highly valued across industries.

Other certifications like CASP+, now rebranded as SecurityX, and Linux+ also command impressive average salaries, at around one hundred twenty-seven thousand and one hundred ten thousand dollars respectively. These are often held by more experienced professionals working in security and systems administration roles. Their high salaries reflect both the difficulty of the certifications and the specialized nature of the skills they validate.

Network+, PenTest+, Project+, and Cloud+ all fall within the ninety thousand to one hundred eighteen thousand dollar range globally. These certifications cover essential areas such as networking fundamentals, penetration testing, project coordination, and cloud infrastructure, each of which is critical to modern IT operations.

What These Numbers Mean for Professionals

These salary figures reveal not only the financial advantages of becoming certified but also offer guidance about which certifications to pursue based on career goals. For example, someone interested in cloud technologies might prioritize Cloud+, which averages over one hundred and five thousand dollars annually. Similarly, a security-minded individual may aim for Security+, CySA+, or PenTest+ to secure a role in cybersecurity with a corresponding salary uplift.

These earnings are averages, meaning that many professionals earn more or less depending on other factors such as experience, job title, and geographic location. Still, the data clearly shows that certifications enhance earning potential across a wide spectrum of IT roles.

Moreover, the average salary across all CompTIA certification holders globally is approximately eighty-two thousand dollars. This figure serves as a benchmark, reflecting a combination of entry-level and advanced professionals and suggesting that even early investments in certification can yield competitive compensation.

United States-Specific Salary Insights

When narrowing the data to professionals working in the United States, average salaries are even higher. A+ certification holders in the U.S. report earning nearly ninety thousand dollars annually, a substantial return for an entry-level certification. Similarly, Security+ holders earn over one hundred two thousand dollars, while Project+ professionals average more than one hundred twenty-one thousand dollars.

These numbers reinforce the global data while showcasing regional differences. The higher earnings in the United States reflect both the demand for IT professionals and the cost of living. Regardless, the overall trend is clear: certification leads to better financial outcomes, especially in mature technology markets.

The CompTIA Data+ credential remains the highest-paying in the U.S. as well, aligning closely with global data. Professionals holding this certification in the U.S. earn an average salary of nearly one hundred fifty-five thousand dollars, a testament to the strategic importance of data in modern business.

What a Certified IT Professional Looks Like

The average CompTIA certification holder, according to the survey, is thirty-eight years old and holds about eight different certifications. Over sixty percent also hold a cybersecurity-specific credential. Roughly one-third manage a team, indicating that certifications are not limited to individual contributors but are also valued among leaders and managers.

Many of these professionals also pursue credentials from other organizations, with Microsoft and ISC2 being the most common cross-certification vendors. This trend indicates that while CompTIA provides a strong foundation, professionals often diversify their credentials to specialize in niche areas or to meet specific employer requirements.

This typical profile reveals that certification is rarely a one-time event. Rather, it is part of a lifelong learning approach where professionals regularly upskill to stay relevant and competitive in a dynamic field.

Factors Influencing Salary Beyond Certification

While CompTIA certifications offer clear financial benefits, several other factors influence salary. These include years of experience, job function, team size, industry sector, and geographic location. Soft skills, like communication and leadership, also play a significant role, especially for those in management or client-facing roles.

For example, someone with a Security+ certification who works in the public sector may earn differently than someone with the same certification in a private cloud services company. The context in which certifications are applied often dictates the full extent of their value.

It is also worth noting that professionals with multiple certifications generally earn more. The average certified professional in the survey held eight credentials, suggesting that ongoing professional development contributes to career progression and salary growth.

Certification as a Competitive Advantage

Certifications provide a competitive edge in the hiring process. In situations where candidates have similar work experience, having a certification can be the factor that tips the scale in favor of one applicant. Employers trust certifications as an objective measure of skills and often require them for compliance or standardization.

Even beyond hiring, certified professionals are more likely to be considered for promotions and leadership roles. This is because certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, a willingness to learn, and an ability to meet standardized benchmarks. For employers, this reduces the perceived risk of promoting or investing in an employee.

Certification also closes skill gaps within teams, which in turn helps organizations improve efficiency and reduce employee stress. A team filled with knowledgeable and certified individuals can troubleshoot faster, innovate more effectively, and operate with greater confidence.

Salary Growth and Long-Term Value

When evaluating whether a CompTIA certification is worth the investment, salary growth and long-term career value are key factors. While starting salaries for entry-level CompTIA-certified professionals may be modest, the earning potential increases significantly with experience, additional certifications, and specialization. Over time, CompTIA certifications provide a strong return on investment and serve as a foundation for building a stable and rewarding IT career.

Entry-Level Earnings: The A+ Certification

The CompTIA A+ certification is often the starting point for individuals entering the IT industry. It demonstrates basic knowledge in computer hardware, software troubleshooting, operating systems, and networking. For many, this credential opens the door to their first job in technical support or help desk environments.

Typical salaries for entry-level roles include:

• Help Desk Technician: $48,000 to $58,000

• Desktop Support Specialist: $50,000 to $60,000

• IT Support Specialist: $52,000 to $63,000

While not the highest-paying positions, these roles provide essential on-the-job experience. From there, professionals can move into more specialized or higher-paying positions by earning additional certifications such as Network+ and Security+.

Career Progression Through Certification Stacking

The long-term value of CompTIA certifications becomes clear as professionals build upon their foundational knowledge. Adding certifications like Network+, Security+, and CySA+ allows for upward mobility and diversification across different IT disciplines.

Sample progression paths and estimated salaries:

• A+ followed by Network+ can lead to roles in network support or systems administration, with average salaries around $58,000 to $70,000

• Network+ combined with Security+ may qualify a professional for security analyst roles, earning $72,000 to $90,000

• Security+ and CySA+ pave the way to cybersecurity-focused roles such as SOC Analyst or Threat Analyst, with salaries in the $85,000 to $105,000 range.

• Advancing to CASP+ or PenTest+ can place professionals in red team or security engineering roles, where earnings often exceed $100,000

Certifications serve as tangible proof of skill development and can be used to negotiate raises, promotions, or lateral moves into more lucrative roles. Employers often recognize continuous certification as a sign of ambition and technical growth.

Cost Efficiency and ROI Compared to Other Education Paths

CompTIA certifications offer an affordable and practical alternative to more expensive forms of technical education, such as four-year degrees or coding bootcamps. Here’s how the paths compare:

• A four-year IT degree may cost $40,000 to $100,000, take four to five years to complete, and lead to a starting salary of $60,000 to $70,000

• A coding bootcamp typically costs $7,000 to $15,000 and may last three to six months, resulting in entry salaries ranging from $55,000 to $75,000

• A full CompTIA certification path (A+, Network+, Security+, and beyond) may cost $800 to $2,000 and take less than a year to complete, with early salaries between $45,000 and $65,000

The relatively low cost of CompTIA exams and study materials makes this path accessible for career changers, recent graduates, and working adults. Within a few years, earnings can grow well beyond the initial investment.

Geographic Differences in Salary

Location plays a significant role in compensation for CompTIA-certified professionals. In general, urban centers with strong technology markets offer higher salaries. Remote work options also allow certified individuals to access better-paying jobs outside their home region.

Some examples of higher-paying cities in the United States include:

• San Francisco, CA: Average salaries for Security+ holders often exceed $95,000

• Washington, DC: Network+ and Security+ professionals are in demand for federal IT jobs, with salaries around $90,000 or higher

• Austin, TX: Growing tech market with demand for PenTest+ and Cloud+ skills

• Seattle, WA: Strong cloud infrastructure sector and demand for Linux+ certified professionals

• Atlanta, GA: Cybersecurity hub offering competitive pay for Security+ and CySA+ holders

Remote roles are increasingly available and often match or exceed salaries offered in major metro areas, providing flexibility and expanded job options.

High-Demand Fields: Cybersecurity and Cloud

Cybersecurity continues to be one of the fastest-growing IT sectors. As of 2025, there are over 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the United States alone. CompTIA certifications are widely recognized as entry-level credentials for security roles, especially Security+ and CySA+.

Common roles and salary ranges:

• Security Analyst: $75,000 to $95,000

• SOC Tier I or Tier II Analyst: $80,000 to $100,000

• Compliance Analyst: $85,000 to $105,000

• Cloud Administrator (Cloud+): $90,000 to $120,000

The Security+ certification is also required by many government and military contractors for compliance with DoD 8570/8140 regulations, making it even more valuable for those pursuing federal opportunities.

Federal Job Eligibility and DoD Compliance

CompTIA certifications meet several federal job requirements under the DoD 8570 and 8140 directives. These standards outline mandatory certifications for various job functions within defense and intelligence agencies.

Relevant certifications and their alignment:

• Security+: Required for Information Assurance Technician Level II roles

• CySA+ and CASP+: Accepted for higher-level security roles and security engineering positions

• PenTest+: Fits roles involving penetration testing and ethical hacking

Federal jobs and contracts that require these certifications typically offer excellent salaries, job stability, and long-term career opportunities.

Five-Year Salary Projection Using CompTIA Certifications

To illustrate the long-term earning potential, consider a realistic five-year plan for someone starting their IT career in 2025:

Year 1:

• Earn A+

• Start as a Help Desk Technician

• Salary: $48,000

Year 2:

• Add Network+

• Transition to Network Support or Desktop Technician

• Salary: $60,000

Year 3:

• Add Security+

• Move into a Cybersecurity Analyst or SOC Tier I role.

• Salary: $75,000

Year 4:

• Add CySA+ or Cloud+

• Work as a Security Analyst or Cloud Administrator

• Salary: $90,000

Year 5:

• Add CASP+ or PenTest+

• Become a Security Engineer or Red Team Analyst

• Salary: $110,000 or more

Total projected earnings over five years exceed $385,000, with a total certification cost under $3,000. This is an excellent return by any standard.

Career Flexibility Enhances Long-Term Earnings

Beyond salaries, CompTIA certifications enable professionals to explore multiple paths within IT:

• Support for networking

• Networkingino cybersecurity

• Security to compliance, risk management, or cloud

• Technical roles in IT management

• On-site jobs to remote freelancing or consulting

This adaptability is especially important in a dynamic industry like technology. Professionals who continue learning and stay current with new certifications often enjoy greater job security and consistent salary growth.

CompTIA certifications provide a clear and cost-effective path to a high-paying, sustainable IT career. They help professionals:

• Enter the workforce quickly

• Increase their earning potential at every stage.

• Qualify for high-demand roles in cybersecurity and cloud.d

• Access federal employment and remote opportunities

• Advance their careers without incurring large debts

By stacking certifications and gaining experience, IT professionals can steadily grow their income while maintaining the flexibility to shift with industry demands. For anyone seeking long-term salary growth in tech, CompTIA remains one of the most strategic investments available.

How Employers View CompTIA Certifications

Employers often regard CompTIA certifications as trusted validations of a candidate’s foundational and specialized IT knowledge. Because CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral, they apply across multiple platforms, systems, and environments. This versatility makes them especially valuable to organizations that use a mix of technologies.

Many hiring managers use certifications to filter resumes during recruitment. A CompTIA certification can act as proof that a candidate possesses up-to-date skills that meet industry standards. This is particularly helpful in fast-moving fields like cybersecurity, cloud, and networking, where technology changes rapidly and hands-on knowledge must be current.

Certifications are also important for maintaining compliance with government or industry regulations. Organizations that contract with federal agencies, for instance, may require Security+ or CASP+ as part of the DoD 8570 or DoD 8140 frameworks. This makes CompTIA credentials not only desirable but necessary for certain job roles.

Real-World Use Cases: Certification in Action

IT professionals across various sectors are applying CompTIA certifications in ways that directly improve business outcomes. For example:

• A help desk technician with A+ and Network+ certifications may resolve user issues more quickly and accurately, reducing system downtime.

• A cybersecurity analyst with Security+ and CySA+ may identify threats earlier and implement more effective mitigation strategies, preventing costly breaches.

• A cloud engineer with Cloud+ might be able to optimize resource usage in multi-cloud environments, reducing infrastructure costs for their employer.

In each case, the knowledge validated by certification has a direct impact on efficiency, cost savings, and system resilience. These practical outcomes help explain why employers increasingly invest in training and certifying their IT staff.

Certification vs. Degree: Complementary, Not Competing

While college degrees remain valuable for long-term career development, certifications like those from CompTIA offer a faster, more focused route to job readiness. A degree might provide theoretical grounding, but certifications are designed to validate specific, job-relevant skills.

In many IT roles, especially at the entry and mid-level, certifications can substitute for a degree or work experience. For example, someone with a high school diploma and CompTIA A+ might qualify for a help desk position that previously required a two-year degree.

That said, the combination of both a degree and certifications tends to offer the most flexibility. A professional who earns a bachelor’s in information systems and adds certifications like Security+ and CySA+ will be seen as both well-rounded and technically capable. This dual path is becoming more common as employers seek both breadth and depth in their teams.

Staying Relevant in a Dynamic Industry

The technology industry evolves constantly. Tools, platforms, and best practices that were cutting-edge five years ago may be obsolete today. Certifications help professionals stay relevant by ensuring that their knowledge aligns with current standards and practices.

CompTIA regularly updates its certification exams to reflect industry trends, emerging technologies, and new job role expectations. For example, the transition of CASP+ to SecurityX reflects a broader shift toward advanced, role-based security credentials. Similarly, the introduction of certifications like Data+ acknowledges the growing need for data literacy across job functions.

Professionals who maintain current certifications signal to employers that they are proactive learners capable of adapting to change. This trait is highly valued in today’s digital-first economy.

The ROI of Certification for Individuals and Organizations

Return on investment is a key metric for both individuals and organizations considering certification. From an individual perspective, certification costs (including training, exam fees, and study time) are typically recouped quickly through salary increases, job opportunities, or promotions.

For organizations, the ROI comes through improved productivity, fewer errors, better security posture, and enhanced team collaboration. Certified employees also tend to require less onboarding time and are better equipped to take on cross-functional responsibilities.

Certifications also support workforce development goals. Many employers use them as benchmarks during employee reviews or as prerequisites for advancement. They offer a consistent and measurable way to gauge skills and set career paths.

Proofing Your Career

As automation and artificial intelligence reshape the workplace, certain job functions will change or disappear. However, professionals who continuously update their skills and adapt to new tools are more likely to remain employed and even advance.

Certifications help future-proof your career by giving you structured opportunities to build expertise in emerging areas. Whether it’s cloud security, data analysis, zero-trust architecture, or AI integration, CompTIA offers pathways to expand your capabilities.

Certifications can also serve as a foundation for lifelong learning. Once you’ve earned one certification, it becomes easier to pursue others or transition into specialized areas. Over time, this creates a layered and robust skillset that is harder to automate and more valuable to employers.

Strategic Credentialing in 2025 and Beyond

In 2025, CompTIA certifications will remain a strategic asset for IT professionals and their employers. They offer a measurable, respected, and cost-effective way to validate skills, open doors, and accelerate careers. Whether you’re just entering the field or aiming for a leadership role, certifications help establish credibility, increase earning power, and support ongoing growth.

As the technology landscape continues to shift, certifications will play an even greater role in helping professionals and businesses stay agile and competitive. Investing in certification is not just a tactical decision—it’s a long-term strategy for career resilience and industry relevance.

Navigating Your Certification Path: Where to Start

Choosing the right CompTIA certification depends on your current experience, career goals, and the demands of the industry sector you’re targeting. Here’s a simplified roadmap:

Beginners:

• Start with CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+): Ideal if you’re completely new to IT.

• Next, CompTIA A+: This is the cornerstone for roles like Help Desk Technician, Technical Support Specialist, and Field Service Technician.

Intermediate:

• CompTIA Network+: A great next step if you’re aiming for a role in networking or support.

• CompTIA Security+: Perfect for those interested in cybersecurity, required for many government and DoD-related roles.

Advanced:

• CompTIA CySA+ or PenTest+: Tailored for professionals aiming to become security analysts or penetration testers.

• CompTIA Cloud+ and Linux+: Best for infrastructure-focused professionals managing cloud or Linux environments.

• SecurityX (formerly CASP+): Aimed at senior professionals managing enterprise-wide cybersecurity solutions.

By identifying your current level and where you want to go, you can map out a learning path that aligns with your career trajectory and builds a strong foundation over time.

Staying Certified: Renewal and Continuing Education

Most CompTIA certifications are valid for three years, after which they must be renewed. Fortunately, CompTIA offers a Continuing Education (CE) program that allows you to maintain your certifications without retaking exams.

Renewal Options Include:

• Earning higher-level certifications (e.g., renewing A+ by passing Network+ or Security+).

• Completing CompTIA-approved training or webinars.

• Attending industry conferences or taking related college-level courses.

• Submitting on-the-job experience or published work.

• Completing CertMaster CE, a self-paced course offered by CompTIA for specific certifications.

Keeping your certification current not only preserves its value but also demonstrates that you’re continuously updating your skillset in a fast-evolving industry.

Combining Certifications for Career Specialization

One of the most powerful aspects of CompTIA certifications is how well they stack and integrate. For instance:

• A professional with Network+ + Security+ + Linux+ may be an ideal candidate for a DevSecOps role.

• Pairing Cloud++ + CySA+ aligns well with emerging cloud security analyst positions.

• Combining Data++ + Security+ supports careers in risk analysis or data governance.

By layering certifications strategically, you can create unique and in-demand skill profiles tailored to roles in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, compliance, systems administration, or data analytics.

Leveraging Certifications for Career Transitions

One of the most overlooked advantages of CompTIA certifications is how they support career transitions, whether you’re moving from:

• Non-technical roles in IT

• Support roles in cybersecurity

• Networking into the cloud or DevOps

• Military service into civilian tech jobs

CompTIA’s vendor-neutral certifications provide a common language that bridges different environments. If you’re changing industries, these certifications validate transferable skills that can be applied across sectors and platforms.

For veterans or career changers, programs like CompTIA’s Career Tech Academy, DoD SkillBridge, or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding often help cover costs, making transitions smoother and more affordable.

Final Thoughts

As of 2025, the need for certified IT professionals has never been greater. Cyber threats are escalating, cloud environments are expanding, and digital transformation is accelerating across all industries. Organizations are seeking professionals who are not just skilled but certified to meet standards and capable of adapting to change.

CompTIA certifications remain:

• Globally recognized

• Aligned to industry frameworks and government standards

• Accessible to entry-level and career-switching professionals

• Affordable and flexible compared to academic degrees
  

In short, they offer a practical, respected, and strategic way to build and grow a career in IT.

Whether you’re just beginning or already working in tech, CompTIA provides a structured path to long-term success. With commitment, ongoing learning, and the right certifications, you can stay ahead in one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich industries in the world.