CompTIA CASP+ Salary Expectations
The CASP+ is a high-level cybersecurity certification designed for experienced professionals specializing in enterprise security, risk management, and incident response.
Unlike entry-level certifications, CASP+ is geared toward technical experts who want to stay hands-on rather than move into managerial roles.
Salaries for CASP+ holders vary based on experience, job role, and location. However, professionals with CASP+ certification often earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, with senior-level cybersecurity engineers and analysts making even more.
A quick look at CASP+ salary expectations on Reddit shows that many professionals report even higher earnings, especially with additional experience and credentials.
This certification can help you land roles such as security architect, penetration tester, and cybersecurity consultant.
Searching for CompTIA CASP+ jobs can reveal a variety of opportunities, ranging from government security roles to high-paying positions in finance and tech companies.
With growing demand for advanced security skills, earning CASP+ can be a game-changer for your career and your bank account!
What is CompTIA CASP+ and Why Does It Matter for Cybersecurity Professionals?
First things first, what’s this CASP+ all about? The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) is an advanced-level cybersecurity certification. It’s designed for tech pros who eat, sleep, and breathe cybersecurity.
Unlike entry-level certs that cover the basics, CASP+ dives deep into the nitty-gritty of enterprise security, risk management, and cryptography. It’s like leveling up from a squire to a knight in the cybersecurity realm.
But wait, there’s more! Starting December 17, 2024, CASP+ will be rebranded as SecurityX. Same awesome certification, just a snazzy new name.
This change emphasizes the “Xpert” level skills that the certification represents. So, if you hear folks talking about SecurityX, know that it’s the artist formerly known as CASP+.
Who should consider this certification? If you’re a security engineer, analyst, or penetration tester aiming to tackle complex security challenges, CASP+ (or SecurityX) is your golden ticket.
Continue reading: CompTIA CASP+ Certification
CompTIA CASP+ Salary Overview: What to Expect in 2025
Alright, let’s talk numbers. How much can you expect to earn with a CASP+ certification in 2025? Drumroll, please…
- Average Salary: Professionals with a CASP+ certification can expect to earn between $100,000 and $140,000 annually.
- Salary Trends: The demand for advanced cybersecurity skills is skyrocketing, and salaries are following suit. A quick look at CASP+ salary Reddit discussions reveals that many professionals see steady pay increases after earning the certification.
- Experience Matters: Entry-level CASP+ holders might start on the lower end of the salary spectrum, but with a few years under your belt, you can quickly climb the ladder to higher pay brackets.
- High-Paying Job Titles: Roles like Security Architect, Senior Security Engineer, and SOC Manager are not only prestigious but also come with hefty paychecks.
Factors That Influence a CompTIA CASP+ Salary
Several factors can influence how much you make with a CASP+ certification:
- Experience in Cybersecurity: The more hands-on experience you have, the more valuable you are to employers. Think of it as leveling up in a video game—the higher your level, the better the rewards.
- Industry Demand and Employer Type: Industries like finance, healthcare, and government have a higher demand for cybersecurity experts, often leading to better pay.
- Geographic Location and Cost of Living: Where you work matters. Major tech hubs or cities with a high cost of living often offer higher salaries to match the expenses.
- Additional Certifications and Specialized Skills: Stacking certifications like CySA+ can make you a hot commodity in the job market, as CySA+ salary trends also show a strong earning potential.
CompTIA CASP+ vs. CISSP vs. CISM: Salary Comparisons
When it comes to cybersecurity certifications, CASP+ often competes with CISSP and CISM. So, how do the salaries compare?
| Certification | Average Salary (USA) | Best for… |
| CompTIA CASP+ | $90,000 – $130,000 | Hands-on security pros |
| CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) | $110,000 – $160,000 | Security management & leadership |
| CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) | $115,000 – $150,000 | Security governance & risk management |
A glance at CASP+ certification salary discussions online shows that those who prefer hands-on technical work rather than managerial roles find CASP+ a great fit, whereas CISSP and CISM are better suited for leadership positions.
Related: CompTIA CASP+ vs CISSP: Which is Better?
Top Industries Hiring CASP+ Certified Professionals
Where can you land a job with a CASP+ certification? The good news: many industries need cybersecurity experts!
- Government & Defense: CASP+ meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements, making it a must-have for military and federal security roles.
- Salary Range: $100,000 – $140,000
- Hot Jobs: Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Engineer, SOC Analyst
- Finance & Banking: CASP+ professionals secure banking systems, detect breaches, and ensure compliance.
- Salary Range: $95,000 – $140,000
- Hot Jobs: Security Engineer, Risk Analyst, Security Consultant
- Healthcare & Critical Infrastructure: CASP+ professionals help protect patient data and hospital networks.
- Salary Range: $90,000 – $130,000
- Hot Jobs: Network Security Engineer, Security Operations Specialist
- Technology & Cloud Security: CASP+ is ideal for professionals interested in cloud security, penetration testing, and DevSecOps.
- Salary Range: $100,000 – $150,000
- Hot Jobs: Cloud Security Engineer, Penetration Tester
CASP+ Salary Differences in Government vs. Private Sector
So, does it matter if you work in government or the private sector? Absolutely!
- Government CASP+ Salaries:
- Often lower base salaries but strong job security
- Security clearances can boost pay
- Pension plans and federal benefits are a big plus
- Average Government Salary: $95,000 – $130,000
- Private Sector CASP+ Salaries:
- Higher salaries, especially in finance and tech
- More bonuses, stock options, and perks
- More demanding workloads
- Average Private Sector Salary: $100,000 – $150,000+
A deep dive into CASP+ salary range discussions on Reddit suggests that many professionals in the private sector can negotiate higher salaries, particularly in tech and finance industries.
Key Takeaway: If you prefer stability and benefits, government jobs are a great choice. If you want higher pay and faster career growth, go for the private sector. Either way, investing in a CASP+ certification can significantly enhance your earning potential and career trajectory.
CompTIA CASP+ Salary by Job Role: Security Architect, Analyst, and More
Your job title plays a huge role in your earning potential. Let’s look at how CASP+ salaries differ by role and explore how much a CompTIA CASP+ certified professional makes.
Job Role & CASP+ Pay Scale
| Job Role | Average Salary (USA) |
| Security Architect | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| Security Analyst | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| Penetration Tester | $95,000 – $140,000 |
| SOC Analyst | $85,000 – $120,000 |
Job Responsibilities & Salary Impact
- Security Architects make the most money because they design enterprise security systems. This is one of the best-paying jobs for CASP+ certified professionals.
- Security Analysts focus on monitoring threats and incident response. CASP+ salary by experience varies, but seasoned analysts can command six-figure salaries.
- Penetration Testers (ethical hackers) are paid well due to their specialized skills. CASP+ vs CISSP salary comparisons show CISSP may pay slightly more for managerial roles, while CASP+ is strong in hands-on security positions.
- SOC Analysts have lower salaries but offer great career growth opportunities. CASP+ salary growth potential is strong as analysts move into higher-level roles.
If you want to maximize your CompTIA CASP+ salary for entry-level vs experienced professionals, aim for Security Architect or Penetration Tester roles!
Remote vs. On-Site CASP+ Jobs: Does Location Affect Pay?
Salary Differences: Remote vs. On-Site Jobs
Remote CASP+ Jobs:
- More flexibility
- Competitive pay (but sometimes lower than on-site jobs)
- Less commuting = more savings
On-Site CASP+ Jobs:
- Often pay higher in major cities (NYC, San Francisco, D.C.)
- More opportunities for promotions & networking
- Some companies offer relocation bonuses
Tip: If you’re open to relocation, you can negotiate a higher CASP+ salary by state, especially in areas with high cybersecurity demand.
Check this out: CompTIA CASP+ Free Questions
Geographic Salary Trends for CompTIA CASP+ Holders
Where Do CASP+ Professionals Earn the Most?
Salaries for CASP+ holders vary by location. Here are some of the highest-paying U.S. states and cities for cybersecurity professionals:
Top-Paying U.S. States for CASP+ Professionals:
- California – $120,000 – $150,000
- New York – $115,000 – $145,000
- Virginia – $110,000 – $140,000
- Maryland – $105,000 – $135,000
- Texas – $100,000 – $130,000
Highest-Paying Cities for CASP+ Professionals:
- San Francisco, CA – $135,000+
- Washington, D.C. – $130,000+
- New York City, NY – $125,000+
- Austin, TX – $120,000+
- Seattle, WA – $115,000+
CASP+ Salary: U.S. vs. International Trends
Outside the U.S., CASP+ salary by state shifts to international markets:
- United Kingdom – £70,000 – £90,000 ($90,000 – $115,000 USD)
- Canada – CAD 95,000 – 120,000 ($70,000 – $90,000 USD)
- Australia – AUD 120,000 – 150,000 ($80,000 – $100,000 USD)
- Germany – €75,000 – €100,000 ($80,000 – $110,000 USD)
The Cost of Living Factor
A high salary isn’t always the best deal. Cities like San Francisco and New York may offer six-figure salaries, but the cost of living eats into earnings.
In contrast, states like Texas and Florida provide solid salaries with no state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your paycheck.
CASP+ vs Security+ vs CISSP Salary Comparison
| Certification | Average Salary (USA) |
| CASP+ | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| CISSP | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| Security+ | $70,000 – $100,000 |
While CASP+ vs CISSP salary comparisons show CISSP leading in executive roles, CASP+ is strong in technical, hands-on security positions. Security+ is an entry-level certification, but earning CASP+ significantly boosts earning potential.
How to Increase Your Earning Potential with a CompTIA CASP+ Certification
Negotiate Like a Pro
- Research salary trends in your area using sites like Glassdoor and Payscale.
- Highlight your CompTIA CASP+ job opportunities and how they benefit the company.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a higher starting salary or bonuses.
Keep Your Skills Sharp
- Take additional courses on emerging topics like cloud security and AI-driven security.
- Stay updated with cybersecurity trends by following industry news and attending conferences.
Expand Your Network & Seek Promotions
- Join cybersecurity groups like (ISC)² and CompTIA communities.
- Seek promotions into security leadership roles (e.g., Security Architect, CISO).
Find out: How to Prepare for the CompTIA CASP+ Exam
Best Certifications to Pair with CASP+ for Higher Salaries
While CASP+ is a strong certification, pairing it with others can significantly increase your value.
| Certification | Best for | Salary Boost |
| CISSP | Security leadership roles | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| CEH | Ethical hackers, pen testers | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| OSCP | Red team specialists | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| AWS Security | Cloud security specialists | $110,000 – $150,000 |
Related post: CompTIA Stackable Certifications
Final Thoughts: Is CASP+ Worth It?
Absolutely! The CompTIA CASP+ certification is a great stepping stone into higher-paying cybersecurity roles.
To maximize your earnings, consider:
- Working in high-paying cities/states.
- Negotiating for better salaries.
- Upskilling with additional certifications.
With strong CASP+ salary growth potential, getting this certification is a fantastic investment.
Ready to take the next step? Go get that certification—and the paycheck that comes with it!
FAQs
How Much Money Can You Make With CompTIA Security+?
With a CompTIA Security+ certification, professionals can earn an average salary ranging from $57,000 to $121,653 annually, depending on experience, job role, and location.
Entry-level roles like help desk technicians start around $49,000, while advanced positions such as security analysts or engineers can pay up to $144,000.
This certification is highly valued in cybersecurity, meeting U.S. Department of Defense requirements and opening doors to lucrative career opportunities.
What Jobs Can You Get With CASP+?
With a CASP+ certification, you can qualify for advanced cybersecurity roles such as security architect, senior security engineer, SOC manager, security analyst, cyber risk analyst, and IT cybersecurity specialist.
These positions involve designing and implementing secure enterprise solutions, addressing governance and compliance requirements, and leading technical teams.
CASP+ is recognized by organizations like the U.S. Department of Defense and companies such as Lockheed Martin and Verizon.
How Much Does CASP vs CISSP Make?
CISSP-certified professionals earn an average salary of $119,577 globally, with North American salaries reaching $147,757 annually. CASP+ holders typically earn between $51,619 and $115,032, depending on role and experience.
CISSP generally commands higher salaries due to its focus on managerial and strategic roles, while CASP+ caters to technical practitioners. Both certifications offer lucrative opportunities but differ in scope and earning potential based on job responsibilities and career paths.
How Much Does CASP+ Pay?
CASP+ certification holders typically earn between $80,000 and $140,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
Entry-level roles start around $80,000 to $90,000, while senior positions can exceed $140,000. Global averages are reported as high as $127,451. Salaries vary significantly based on job title, seniority, and geographic location.
Is CISM Better Than CASP?
CISM and CASP+ serve different career paths, making one "better" dependent on goals. CISM focuses on managerial roles like Information Security Manager or CISO, emphasizing governance, risk management, and strategy.
CASP+ targets technical roles such as Security Engineer or Architect, emphasizing hands-on implementation of security solutions.
For leadership aspirations, CISM is better; for technical expertise, CASP+ is ideal. Both certifications are valuable but cater to distinct professional objectives.