If you’re thinking about a cybersecurity certification that gives the best return on time, effort, and gets you noticed in the job market, 2025 is the year to strongly consider CompTIA Security+ SY0-701. It isn’t just “nice to have” anymore. It’s fast becoming a must-have credential for anyone serious about breaking into, or leveling up, in cybersecurity.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
- What’s driving demand for this certification
- How much you can expect to earn
- How it stacks up vs. other certs
- Why holders are seeing career boosts
| For a complete, in-depth overview of the certification, visit the full CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam guide for 2025. |
The Rising Demand for Security+ in 2025
Let’s be real: cybersecurity isn’t slowing down. Data breaches, AI-based threats, remote work, and hybrid cloud architectures have pushed organizations to prioritize their security posture more than ever.
- Over the past year, there were 63,620 open jobs in the U.S. alone that explicitly list CompTIA Security+ in their job requirements. That shows employers are actively seeking people who have this cert.
- According to career‐path reports, Security+ job roles continue to grow—many forecasts estimate 33% growth or higher over the next several years in security analyst and related roles.
- The skills SY0-701 emphasizes—threat detection, governance/risk and compliance, cloud security, and incident response—match many of the most pressing needs of companies today. That alignment makes this cert very relevant.
So if you’ve been wondering whether the Security+ certification is still valuable, the answer in 2025 is: absolutely yes.
What Kind of Salary Can You Expect with Security+?
You work hard. Certification should push your paycheck up. Here are real numbers (2025) to set your expectations:
| Career Stage | Typical U.S. Salary* |
|---|---|
| Entry (0-2 years, junior roles) | ~$70,000-$75,000/yr |
| Early to Mid-career (2-5 years, with experience & the cert) | ~$90,000-$105,000/yr |
| Specialized or Higher Demand Roles (Incident Response, Cloud, Security Analyst in metro areas) | $110,000+ depending on location, responsibilities, and additional skills/clearances. |
Salaries vary a lot by region, industry, and how much hands-on experience you have. A Security+ in a rural area may see lower pay; the same cert in a high-cost metro area may push well beyond these ranges.
So yes: this cert can move your earning potential upward—fast if you combine it with the right job, role, or specialization.
What Makes SY0-701 Special Compared to Older Versions & Other Certs
Here are the reasons SY0-701 is standing out:
Updated Content & Domains
SY0-701 includes refreshed exam domains tailored for modern cybersecurity needs: zero trust, cloud/hybrid environments, threat hunting, and updated approaches to compliance. These aren’t just buzzwords—they reflect what organizations are asking for now.
Performance-Based and Real-World Skills
Hands-on components/PBQs (Performance Based Questions) force you to apply what you know—not just regurgitate facts. This helps you stand out in interviews and actual job tasks.
Foundational, Yet Wide in Scope
SY0-701 is not too specialized, so it works as a foundation. If you want to later go into PenTest+, CySA+, cloud security, etc., having SY0-701 gives you credibility early.
Strong Recognition Across Industries
Whether in finance, healthcare, government, or tech, you’ll find Security+ referenced in job descriptions. It’s often a minimum requirement or a strongly desired credential, especially in roles dealing with compliance, audits, and threat analysis.
How SY0-701 Helps Your Career Path
Getting this cert isn’t just about minutes in front of a test. It helps you:
- Land roles you couldn’t before – SOC Analyst (Tier 1), Security Specialist, Security Administrator, Incident Response Associate, etc.
- Negotiate better pay – Employers often see certified professionals as lower risk and higher readiness, so they are more willing to offer salary bumps or promotions.
- Build a base for specialization – Once you have SY0-701, adding niche certs (cloud, threat intelligence, DevSecOps, etc.) becomes more doable and impactful.
Should You Get It If You’re New vs. Experienced?
Here are a couple of scenarios:
| If You’re New to Cybersecurity | If You Already Have Some Experience |
|---|---|
| SY0-701 gives you credibility and shows you know the basics of security posture, vulnerabilities, attacks, and how to respond. It’s a solid first cert after something like CompTIA A+ or basic IT roles. | It can fill in gaps—especially with cloud security, modern threat vectors, governance and risk. Also helps you move up (from junior to mid-level) or move into more focused roles. |
If you’re on the fence, think: can you invest a few months of solid study, hands-on labs, and mock exams? If yes, this cert is likely worth it.
Tips to Maximize the Value of SY0-701
To get the most out of it, don’t just pass—plan for how to use the cert:
- Pair it with hands-on experience. Even small labs or volunteer security projects help.
- Focus on location and industry for job searching. Big metro areas often pay more. If possible, target organizations or sectors that prioritize Security+ (healthcare, government, finance).
- Keep updating your skills. Once you have SY0-701, don’t stop. Threats evolve quickly; learning about new attack tools, cloud security, or open-source security tools keeps you competitive.
- Build a good resume. Highlight what you did in preparation—PBQs you practiced, policies you studied, labs you ran. This helps interviewers see practical ability, not just certification.
Summary & Takeaway
If you want one certification in 2025 that gives broad value, strong job demand, real salary uplift, and a good long-term foundation, CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 is it. It equips you with up-to-date skills, aligns with what organizations need right now, and gives you flexibility to grow in your cybersecurity career.
Next Steps
- Explore more about the exam domains and objectives here: Complete Breakdown of CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Exam Objectives and Domains (2025) →
https://certempire.com/sy0-701-exam-objectives-domains-2025/
- If you’re getting ready to take it, check out: Pass Security+ on Your First Attempt: SY0-701 Exam Cheat Sheet [2025 Updated] →
https://certempire.com/pass-security-plus-first-attempt-sy0-701-cheat-sheet-2025/
- And to plan what comes after SY0-701, see: Done With Security+ Exam? Here Are 10 Things You Can Do Next →
https://certempire.com/done-with-security-plus-exam-10-next-steps/
Last Updated on by Team CE
