Average CompTIA Security+ Salary in the DC-MD-VA Metro Area [2017]

Security+ Certified IT Pros Earn $79,571 in the DMV

According to PayScale, the CompTIA Security+ certification is earning IT professionals in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC more than their counterparts in virtually every other state in the US. It makes sense seeing as this entry-level security certification is among the few IT certifications listed on the DoD 8570.01M directive for creating a more secure IT workforce in the DoD.

The top 5 earning states and their corresponding salaries as a Security+ certified professional are:

1. Washington, DC: $85,409
2. California: $78,531
3. Maryland: $77,093
4. Virginia: $76,212
5. Texas: $67,209

CompTIA Security+ Salary – Based on Years of Experience

Salary increases have a lot to do with how much time a person has spent in the field. A Security+ certification can get you in the door earning an average of $54,893 at many organizations, but if you combine it with a few years in the workforce, that can increase your yearly earnings by $30,000. Here is the exact breakdown according to PayScale (all earnings are the national averages):

• < 1 year of experience = $54,893
• 1-4 years of experience = $58,294
• 5-9 years of experience = $68,484
• 10-19 years of experience = $82,750
• 20+ years of experience = $91,684

Companies that hire Security+ Certified Professionals

It’s one thing to know that your earning potential is higher in the DMV, but you also need to know where exactly to look for work that will pay you the top dollar amount. The 8570.01M directive is a good reference for the top employers of Security+ certified workers as U.S. military branches and well-known government contractors.

Top 5 DoD Agencies Hiring Security+ Certified Pros:

1. United States Air Force (USAF)
2. United States Army
3. United States Navy
4. United States Department of Defense
5. United States Marine Corps

Top 10 Government Contractors Hiring Security+ Certified Workers:

1. Booz Allen Hamilton
2. General Dynamics
3. Lockheed Martin Corporation
4. Northrop Grumman Corporation
5. Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
6. CACI International
7. Leidos
8. Raytheon
9. ManTech International Corporation
10. Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)

Besides employment and earning potential, there are several other factors that make earning a Security+ certification worthwhile. This certification could be the first significant step to launching a long, successful career in cyber security.