CompTIA A+ salary guide: What you can earn in 2026

CompTIA A+ opens doors to IT careers with minimal barriers to entry. Unlike many technology roles that require a four-year degree or extensive experience, A+ certification provides an accessible path into a field where demand consistently outpaces supply. The certification validates foundational IT skills across hardware, software, networking and troubleshooting.

If you just want to know the average U.S. salary for A+ holders, the answer is $64,889. But compensation varies significantly based on experience, location, job role and industry. Read on to understand these factors and how to maximize your income. For comprehensive salary data across certifications, download our Cybersecurity Salary Guide.

Salary data updated May 2026. Figures are based on publicly available salary data from Glassdoor, Payscale and Salary.com, with ranges varying by role, experience, location and employer.

Earn your A+ certification, guaranteed!

Enroll in a CompTIA A+ Boot Camp and earn one of the most popular entry-level certifications — guaranteed.

Get Pricing [ ]

Understanding the CompTIA A+ certification value proposition

The current CompTIA A+ V15 exams launched March 25, 2025. Core 1 is 220-1201 and Core 2 is 220-1202, and candidates must pass both exams from the same version to earn the certification. The updated Core 1 and Core 2 V15 exams now emphasize cloud computing, virtualization and security fundamentals while maintaining comprehensive hardware and operating system coverage.

CompTIA A+ includes performance-based questions alongside multiple-choice and drag-and-drop questions, so candidates should be prepared to apply concepts in practical support scenarios. This practical focus makes the certification valuable to employers who need confidence that new hires can handle actual support situations, not just pass multiple-choice tests.

The vendor-neutral approach sets it apart. You're not tied to Microsoft, Cisco or any specific platform, providing flexibility across different work environments. Whether a company runs Windows or Linux, Dell or HP, your A+ credential signals you understand fundamental principles.

For details about A+ career paths, check our CompTIA A+ jobs outlook guide.

National average A+ salary 2026

We compiled salary data from the three most trusted sources to establish a baseline for A+ professional earnings. This methodology combines job-specific salary data with certification holder reports to provide a realistic picture of what you can expect.

Here's what each source reports:

• Glassdoor: $63,962 (Help Desk Technician role)
• Payscale: $76,000 (A+ certification holders)
• Salary.com: $54,666 (A+ certification median)

Based on these figures, the average U.S. salary benchmark for CompTIA A+-aligned professionals is approximately $64,900.

This average represents a starting point. Glassdoor's data focuses on help desk technician roles, the most common entry point for A+ holders. Payscale surveys actual certification holders across various roles, explaining their higher figures. Salary.com provides the most conservative estimate, capturing the broad range of entry-level positions.

The wide variance reflects an important reality: your actual salary depends more on the specific role you fill, your experience level and your geographic location than on the certification alone. The certification gets you in the door. Everything else determines how much you earn.

Salary progression by experience level

Experience drives earning potential more than any other factor. Your first help desk job might start modestly, but systematic skill development can double your salary within five years. The following salary progression data comes from Glassdoor and Payscale as of May 2026.

• Entry-level positions (0–1 years) typically pay between $40,000 and $50,000 annually. Professionals just starting out an average of $56,834 per year, with a range between $46,383 and $70,196. The variation often reflects geographic differences more than skill level.
• Early career professionals (1–4 years) see salaries climb to $50,000–$65,000. Professionals with 1–4 years earn an average of $55,000. At this stage, you've moved beyond basic troubleshooting and can handle more complex issues independently.
• Mid-career (4–7 years) compensation reaches $60,000–$75,000. By this point, many professionals have added specializations or additional certifications. You might focus on specific applications, handle tier 2 escalations or take on project work.
• Experienced professionals (7–10 years) command $70,000–$85,000 or more. At this level, you're likely in a senior technical role or have moved into team leadership. Your hands-on experience and specialized knowledge drive your value.
• Late career (10+ years) IT professionals with A+ backgrounds can earn $80,000–$100,000+, particularly if they've transitioned into systems administration, network management or IT management roles.

Geographic salary variations

Location dramatically affects your paycheck. The same help desk role that pays $48,000 in smaller markets commands $73,000 in San Francisco. Understanding these regional differences helps you make informed decisions about where to build your career.

Major metropolitan areas offer the highest base salaries, according to Glassdoor data from May 2026:

• San Francisco, CA, leads with help desk technicians earning an average of $73,000, with a typical range from $59,000 to $91,000. The Bay Area's high cost of living and intense competition for technical talent drive these figures.
• Seattle, WA, offers an average of $67,000, ranging from $55,000 to $81,000, according to Glassdoor's Seattle data. The Pacific Northwest tech hub provides 15% higher salaries than the national average, with somewhat lower living costs than San Francisco.
• Washington, DC, averages $65,000, with salaries ranging from $54,000 to $79,000 per Glassdoor's DC data. Government contractor positions and federal agency roles requiring A+ certification create steady demand.
• New York City, NY, shows help desk technicians earning an average of $60,000, with a range of $49,000 to $73,000. Financial services and media companies drive demand.
• California (statewide) averages $60,000, just above the national average. Smaller California cities outside the Bay Area offer reasonable salaries without San Francisco's extreme costs.

Cost of living matters tremendously. A $70,000 salary in Austin, Texas, provides significantly more purchasing power than $85,000 in San Francisco. Remote work has complicated the picture, with some companies paying based on employee location while others offer location-independent salaries. When considering remote positions, clarify the company's compensation philosophy before accepting.

Salary ranges by job title

The specific role you fill matters as much as your experience level. A+ certification qualifies you for various positions, each with distinct responsibilities and compensation. The following salary data comes from Glassdoor as of May 2026.

• Help Desk Technician ($57,000 average) represents the most common entry point. These professionals handle incoming support requests via phone, email or ticketing systems as the first line of defense. Range: $47,000–$70,000.
• IT Support Specialist ($61,000 average) involves more proactive work than reactive help desk support. You might manage user accounts, deploy updates, maintain documentation and handle escalated issues. Range: $49,000–$75,000.
• Desktop Support Technician ($56,000 average) provides hands-on technical support, often visiting user workstations to diagnose and repair hardware issues, install software and configure systems. Range: $47,000–$68,000.
• Field Service Technician ($58,000 average) travels to client sites, possibly managing multiple locations. This role combines technical skills with independent work habits. Range: $49,000–$69,000.
• Technical Support Engineer ($88,000 average) generally indicates more specialized knowledge or responsibility for complex technical environments. You might support specific applications or handle escalations requiring deep investigation. Range: $70,000–$111,000.
• Junior Systems Administrator ($85,000 average) represents career progression beyond pure support. You'll manage servers, networks and infrastructure rather than primarily supporting end users. Range: $69,000–$104,000.

Earn your A+ certification, guaranteed!

Enroll in a CompTIA A+ Boot Camp and earn one of the most popular entry-level certifications — guaranteed.

Get Pricing [ ]

Industry-based compensation differences

Where you work matters as much as what you do. The following industry salary data comes from Glassdoor analysis across sectors.

• Aerospace and Defense: $87,482 (Leidos is the top-paying company)
• Legal: $70,793 (Mayer Brown, Dentons and K&L Gates are top-paying companies)
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology: $69,883 (Novogene, Cepheid and Roche are top-paying companies)
• Energy, Mining and Utilities: $65,630 (Weatherford is the top-paying company)
• Manufacturing: $62,055 (John Deere, Medtronic and Abbott are top-paying companies)

When evaluating industries, consider total compensation. Healthcare and government often include superior health insurance and retirement benefits. Tech companies might offer equity or unlimited PTO. Financial services firms might pay significant bonuses.

Skills and certifications that increase earning potential

A+ certification establishes your foundation, but strategic skill development drives long-term earnings growth. Additional credentials prove you can apply fundamentals to specific, valuable contexts.

• CompTIA Network+ focuses on network infrastructure and troubleshooting. Network administrators with Network+ certification earn $69,000–$82,000, creating an apparent $10,000–$20,000 salary increase over basic help desk roles.
• CompTIA Security+ opens the security analyst path, with entry-level positions starting around $70,000 and mid-level roles reaching $90,000–$100,000. According to our Security+ salary guide, certification holders average $99,446 in total compensation. For detailed salary information on other certifications, download our cybersecurity salary guide, which covers options such as Network+, Security+, ISC² CGRC, AWS Certified Solutions Architect and CISM.
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate level) demonstrates cloud computing skills. Professionals holding it command $100,000–$130,000 salaries in cloud-focused roles.
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) illustrates a six-figure earning potential. Security managers with CISM average $115,000–$140,000, demonstrating the career progression possible starting from an A+ foundation.

Additional certifications can help qualify you for higher-paying roles. For example, Security+ is commonly associated with security administrator or analyst paths, while AWS Solutions Architect can support progression into cloud roles. Actual pay depends on role, experience, location and employer.

For comprehensive training, explore the Infosec Skills platform and certification boot camps to accelerate your learning path.

Strategies to maximize your A+ salary

Getting certified is step one. Maximizing your earning potential requires strategic career management and continuous skill development.

• Negotiate your first offer intelligently. Research typical salaries for your target role using Glassdoor, Payscale and Salary.com. When you receive an offer, express enthusiasm while respectfully asking if compensation is flexible. Entry-level candidates often leave $2,000-$5,000 on the table by accepting the first number. For specific negotiation tactics, review our A+ interview questions guide.
• Document your achievements systematically. Maintain a running list of problems solved, systems improved and positive feedback received. When review time arrives, concrete examples demonstrate your value better than general claims.
• Pursue additional certifications strategically. Choose credentials that align with your career direction and employer needs. If your company uses AWS heavily, pursue AWS certifications. If security interests you, focus on Security+. Strategic specialization increases your value more than scattered credentials.
• Consider strategic job changes. While job-hopping every year looks questionable, strategic moves every 2–3 years often result in larger salary increases than annual raises. Companies typically pay new hires market rates, while internal raises average 3%–5%. A job change might bring a 15%–20% salary increase.
• Leverage remote work opportunities. If you live in a lower-cost area but can secure remote work with companies in expensive cities, you might earn San Francisco salaries while enjoying Oklahoma City living costs. This geographic arbitrage creates substantial purchasing power.
• Invest in continuous learning. The technology landscape changes constantly. Professionals who stay current remain valuable and employable. Use resources like Infosec's content library to keep your skills sharp.
• Consider total compensation packages. Base salary tells only part of the story. Evaluate health insurance quality, retirement plan matching, PTO policies, professional development budgets and work-from-home flexibility. A position paying $5,000 less might offer superior overall compensation through better benefits.

Return on investment analysis

A+ certification requires a modest investment compared to four-year degrees or coding bootcamps. The current exam cost is $274 per exam, with two exams required. Total examination fees: $548. Study materials could add $100–$200 for self-study or $1,500–$3,000 for boot camps, although boot camps often include exam vouchers and other materials you need.

Total investment range: $550–$3,000, depending on your study approach.

Compare this to four-year degrees costing $40,000–$150,000+ or coding bootcamps running $10,000–$20,000. The salary premium over non-certified IT support workers typically ranges from $5,000–$10,000 annually.

Because the two required A+ exams cost about $550 before study materials, many candidates can recoup the exam-fee portion relatively quickly after landing an entry-level IT support role. The exact ROI depends on your prior income, local market, study costs and whether you need a retake.

Over a career, the impact is substantial. An IT professional starting at $58,000 and progressing to $85,000 over 10 years earns approximately $700,000 during that period. The certification provides faster entry into IT at a lower cost than alternative paths, though combining certification with continued education creates the strongest career foundation.

Earn your A+ certification, guaranteed!

Enroll in a CompTIA A+ Boot Camp and earn one of the most popular entry-level certifications — guaranteed.

Get Pricing [ ]

Frequently asked questions

What's the starting salary for someone with just CompTIA A+?

Starting salaries typically range from $40,000–$50,000 for entry-level help desk positions. Your exact starting point depends on location, employer and any previous customer service or technical experience.

Can you make six figures with CompTIA A+?

A+ alone typically won't reach six figures, but it provides the foundation. Professionals who add specializations like Security+ or cloud certifications and progress into roles like security analyst or IT manager can reach $100,000+ within 5–10 years.

How does location affect my salary?

Location dramatically impacts compensation. Major tech hubs like San Francisco ($81,000+), Seattle ($73,000+) and Washington, DC ($72,000+) pay significantly more than smaller markets, though higher salaries often come with increased living costs.

Should I negotiate my first IT job offer?

Yes, politely and professionally. Research typical salaries for your role and area using Glassdoor and Payscale. When you receive an offer, express enthusiasm while asking if compensation is flexible. Even gaining $2,000–$3,000 compounds through future percentage-based raises.

How quickly do salaries increase with experience?

IT support salaries typically increase by 10%–15% every 2-3 years for professionals who continue to develop their skills. Job changes often result in larger increases (15%–25%) than internal raises. Professionals who add certifications beyond A+ see faster salary growth.

Is CompTIA A+ worth the investment financially?

For most people entering IT careers, yes. The $630–$2,530 total investment can be recouped in 1–3 months once you secure a help desk position. The certification provides structured learning and validates your knowledge to employers.

What certifications should I pursue after A+ to increase my salary?

CompTIA Network+ and Security+ represent the most direct paths. Network+ opens roles paying $70,000–$85,000. Security+ enables positions averaging $90,000–$100,000. Cloud certifications command even higher salaries but require more advanced knowledge.

Do remote jobs pay less than on-site positions?

Sometimes. Many companies adjust salaries based on employee location. However, some organizations offer location-independent salaries, creating opportunities for geographic arbitrage. Always clarify the company's remote work compensation policy before accepting.

How do benefits factor into total compensation?

Benefits can add 20%–40% to the value of your base salary. Strong health insurance, generous 401(k) matching and professional development budgets significantly impact overall compensation. A $60,000 position with excellent benefits might provide better value than $65,000 position with minimal benefits.

What's the salary difference between A+ and other CompTIA certifications?

Network+ holders average $70,000–$85,000, roughly $5,000–$15,000 above A+ alone. Security+ professionals average $99,000+, representing a $30,000+ premium. Each additional certification demonstrates deeper expertise and qualifies you for more specialized, better-paying roles.