CompTIA Security+ has been the entry-level cybersecurity gold standard for over two decades. With the SY0-701 exam now well-established and the DoD's transition from 8570 to 8140 (DoDM 8140.03) fully in effect, many candidates are asking: is Security+ still worth the time and money in 2026?
This article gives a direct answer backed by 2024–2026 salary data, hiring trends, and a comparison against the most common alternatives.
The Short Answer
Yes — for most people, Security+ is still the highest-ROI entry-level security certification in 2026. The exam is well-respected by hiring managers, it remains a DoD 8140 qualifier, and the cost-to-salary impact ratio is unmatched by any equivalent credential.
The exceptions: if you already have an advanced cert (CISSP, CISM, OSCP), if you're targeting a pure cloud security role, or if you have 5+ years of security experience and want a CISSP-track cert immediately.
Salary Data: What Security+ Actually Pays
Below is the aggregated US salary data for Security+ certified professionals from CompTIA's 2024 IT Workforce report, Payscale, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor (May 2026 snapshot).
| Role | Median US salary | Range (25th–75th percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst (entry-level) | $78,000 | $65k–$92k |
| SOC Analyst (Tier 1) | $72,000 | $58k–$88k |
| SOC Analyst (Tier 2) | $94,000 | $80k–$112k |
| Systems Administrator (with Security+) | $84,000 | $70k–$100k |
| Federal IT Specialist | $92,000 | $78k–$118k |
| Cloud Security Engineer (Security+ + cloud cert) | $128,000 | $108k–$155k |
The cert itself is rarely the single salary driver — it's a floor-raiser. Candidates with Security+ get past automated ATS filters, qualify for federal contracts, and reach the interview stage at a higher rate than equally-skilled uncertified candidates.
DoD 8140 Status (Replacing 8570)
The DoD's old 8570 directive was replaced by DoDM 8140.03 in February 2023, with full implementation by 2025. Security+ remains a qualifying certification under 8140 for the following work roles:
| Work role family | Levels qualified |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity (CY) | Entry & Intermediate |
| IT (Cyberspace IT) | Entry & Intermediate |
| Cyber Effects (CE) | Entry |
If you're targeting a US federal IT contractor role (Booz Allen, Leidos, SAIC, CACI, GDIT, Raytheon, Lockheed), Security+ is functionally mandatory. Many job postings list it as a hard requirement, often paired with a clearance.
The SY0-701 Exam At a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Voucher cost | $404 USD |
| Format | Up to 90 questions, multiple choice + performance-based |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 750 / 900 |
| Validity | 3 years (renewable via CE program) |
| Recommended experience | 2 years sysadmin with security focus |
What changed from SY0-601 to SY0-701
- Domain reorganisation into 5 (down from 5) with consolidated objectives
- Heavier emphasis on zero trust architecture and cloud security
- New content on supply chain security, SBOM, and software composition analysis
- Modernised cryptography content (post-quantum awareness, but not deep math)
- Reduced focus on legacy network attacks; expanded coverage of OAuth/OIDC and SASE
Security+ vs The Alternatives
| Cert | Cost | Experience needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | $404 | 0–2 years | Generalist entry, federal/DoD |
| CompTIA CySA+ | $404 | 3–4 years | Blue-team analyst, SOC Tier 2 |
| (ISC)² CC | $50 (free for first cert) | None | Absolute beginner, weaker market value |
| (ISC)² SSCP | $249 | 1 year | SysAdmin with security focus |
| CISSP | $749 | 5 years (4 with degree) | Senior practitioner, manager |
| GIAC GSEC | $2,499 | 1–3 years | Hands-on technical depth; expensive |
| AWS Security Specialty | $300 | 2 years AWS | Cloud security specialist |
Should I go straight to CySA+ instead?
CySA+ assumes the foundational knowledge Security+ teaches. If you skip Security+, you'll spend more time studying for CySA+ to fill the gaps. The smart path is usually Security+ first, then CySA+ within 12 months while the material is still fresh.
Should I go straight to CISSP?
Only if you legitimately have 5 years of cumulative paid security work experience (4 with a degree). Otherwise you'd earn the "Associate of (ISC)²" status until you accrue the time. For most candidates, Security+ → 2–3 years experience → CISSP is the realistic timeline.
Where Security+ Falls Short
- It's not deeply hands-on. If you want offensive skills, look at OSCP, PNPT, or CompTIA PenTest+.
- It's not cloud-specific. A cloud-specific cert (AWS Security Specialty, AZ-500, GCP PCSE) is needed for cloud security roles.
- It's broad but shallow. Senior roles will require additional specialisation.
When Security+ Is Not Worth It
You can skip Security+ if:
- You already hold CISSP, CISM, CASP+/SecurityX, or a senior GIAC cert
- You have 5+ years of documented security experience and want a leadership cert
- You are working purely in cloud-native security and your employer values vendor certs over CompTIA
- You're in a region with no DoD presence and your local market favours ISACA or (ISC)² credentials
Verdict
For US-based candidates with under 4 years of security experience, Security+ remains the single most impactful cert per dollar spent in 2026. The DoD 8140 alignment, federal contractor demand, and ATS-filter pass-through value continue to justify the $404 voucher cost. Pair it with a cloud security cert within 12–18 months and you have a resume that will get callbacks from any SOC or cloud security team in the country.