Industry Sector Compensation Differences

Industry Sector Compensation Differences

Financial services lead industry compensation for Security+ professionals, averaging $88,000 across all experience levels. Major banks and investment firms offer premium compensation to protect critical financial infrastructure. Entry-level positions in financial services start at $65,000-$70,000, significantly higher than other industries. Fintech startups often match or exceed traditional financial institution salaries while offering equity compensation.

Technology companies offer competitive base salaries averaging $85,000 plus significant additional compensation. Stock options, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits often push total compensation well above base salaries. Large tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offer entry-level Security+ positions starting at $75,000-$80,000 with total compensation exceeding $100,000. Startups might offer lower base salaries but provide equity upside potential.

Government positions provide stable compensation averaging $82,000 for Security+ professionals. While base salaries might lag private sector slightly, comprehensive benefits including pension plans, healthcare, and job security create attractive total packages. Cleared positions command significant premiums, with Secret clearance adding $5,000-$10,000 and Top Secret clearance adding $10,000-$20,000 to base compensation.

Healthcare organizations offer average salaries of $75,000 for Security+ professionals, with growth driven by digital transformation and compliance requirements. Large hospital systems and healthcare technology companies lead compensation, while smaller practices offer lower but still competitive salaries. The critical nature of healthcare infrastructure and patient data protection drives increasing investment in security professionals.