CompTIA CySA+ Salary: How Much Can You Really Make?

The CompTIA CySA+ salary is on every cybersecurity professional’s radar as companies continue to invest in threat detection and incident response. This respected mid-level certification can open doors to well-paid roles, but what do real pay ranges look like today? From hourly and annual rates to city and experience breakdowns, understanding the current CySA+ salary trends gives you a clear snapshot of what this certification is really worth in the cybersecurity job market.

What jobs can you get with CompTIA CySA+?

Jobs you can get with CompTIA CySA+

The CompTIA CySA+ is designed for intermediate-level cybersecurity professionals who focus on threat detection and response. Some of the most common CySA+ jobs you can get with this certification include:

• Security Analyst (SOC Analyst).
• Threat Hunter (Cyber Threat Analyst, Threat Intelligence Analyst).
• Incident Response Analyst.
• Vulnerability Analyst.
• SOC Technician / Tier 1 SOC Analyst.

The demand for these roles exists in many fields, from banking and finance to healthcare, government, and large companies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that information security analyst jobs will grow by 33% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

What is the CompTIA CySA+ certification salary?

CompTIA CySA+ certification salary

CySA+ salary by job

The average CompTIA CySA+ salary can vary greatly depending on your job title and responsibilities; some roles can pay up to $112,000 per year or more. Take a look at the table below to see the average hourly pay and a short note for some hot positions.

CySA+ salary by location

The average annual CySA+ certification salary is around $107,522 nationwide. However, the top 10 highest-paying cities offer 17–24% more than the national average. 

Nome city tops the list at about $133,380/ year, followed by Berkeley and Sitka. The salary gap among the top 10 cities is just ~6%. Here’s a quick look at how CySA+ salaries compare across these top-paying U.S. cities:

Source: ZipRecruiter

These cities offer higher CySA+ salary mainly because of higher living costs, strong demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, and a limited local talent pool. 

Tech hubs like Silicon Valley attract top talent with competitive pay, while remote locations like Alaska and Hawaii often pay more to recruit and retain qualified analysts.

CySA+ salary by experience

The CySA+ salary entry level is typically modest, starting around $60,000–$92,000 (Glassdoor), but it’s still higher than many non-IT entry jobs like accounting or marketing, which often start at $36,748–$63,220. 

It also has an edge over other junior IT roles. For example, according to 2025 data from ZipRecruiter, Help Desk positions average around $23 per hour, while entry-level Vulnerability Analysts can earn approximately $35 per hour.

A CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst’s pay increases as they gain more real-world experience and specialized skills. 

Besides years of experience, employers also look at your skills, extra certificates, and real practice with tools like SIEM, forensics, or threat hunting. For example, an analyst with 3 years plus a CISSP or cloud security skills can earn as much as someone with 5 to seven years.

CySA+ salary by payrate

Breaking down CySA+ salaries by hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual rates shows how flexible this role can be. Many analysts start with a stable annual salary but later switch to contract or freelance work to earn a higher hourly rate. 

FAQs

1. How much does a CySA+ cert make?

The average salary for a CompTIA CySA+ holder in the U.S. is around $107,500 per year, but it can range from $60,000 for entry-level analysts to $150,000+ for senior roles. Your pay depends on your experience, job role, location, and any extra certifications you hold.

2. Is CySA+ in demand?

Yes! The demand for threat detection and response professionals keeps growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 33% job growth for information security analysts over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Final thoughts

CySA+ Salary potential in 2025 stays strong, ranging from about $60,000 for entry-level to $150,000+ for senior roles. Pay depends on skills, extra certifications, location, and job type. With rising demand for threat detection and response, this cert can open doors to stable, high-paying jobs, especially if you keep building real-world experience and advanced skills.

If you’re ready to aim higher, take a free CompTIA CySA+ practice test and see how close you are to your next pay raise.