A Complete Guide to Entry-Level Salaries

 entry level it salary

Even if you have the necessary training, education or certifications to work in a specific role or industry, you will likely be earning significantly less at the beginning of your career than after you have had the opportunity to gain a few years of experience. Entry-level salaries indicate the base pay for individuals just starting their careers with their first job in a specific field, industry or profession. In this article, we discuss why entry-level salaries are important, the national average for entry-level salaries in the United States, variables that affect this number and how you can negotiate your entry-level salary.

Why are entry-level salaries important?

Entry-level salaries are important because they determine the base earning potential for individuals entering a specific field or industry for the first time. Entry-level positions generally refer to roles that are open to individuals who are just starting their career and that lack a fair amount of professional experience aside from internships. By finding out how much you will make when you first enter a profession, you can then determine your earning potential for the role, allowing you to decide whether that specific career will be financially sustainable for you and your needs.

Aside from allowing you to evaluate and match a career with your monetary needs, examining entry-level salaries also gives you valuable information as you search for employment. You'll gain insight into the industry standards so you can make informed decisions when faced with a job opportunity. For example, knowing the average base pay will give you an idea of how much you are worth as an entry-level employee, which helps you evaluate whether the wages offered by an employer are fair

comptia a salary per hour

 comptia a entry level salary

What does value mean to you? For most, value means that you get more out than what you put in. Getting a good deal on a house or buying a car at below market price is often equated with value. Sometimes value is measured by return on investment, or ROI. Other times value takes on a more elusive quality. For example, an unpaid internship doesn’t reward you with money, but instead experience – which in itself is often invaluable.

 

What about the CompTIA A+ certification? Is it valuable? Is CompTIA A+ worth the time and money you put in to studying and taking the exam? Keep reading to find out.

Is the CompTIA A+ Certification Worth It?

When it comes to what you put in versus what you get out, the CompTIA A+ certification is most definitely worth it – just ask the people who hold the almost 1.2 million CompTIA A+ certifications issued to date.

Those looking to start an IT career likely have aspirations to move up the ladder and eventually specialize in something they are passionate about like cybersecurity or software development. But everybody has to start somewhere. And the first step to launching that career is landing an entry-level position. That’s where CompTIA A+ becomes valuable.

 

CompTIA A+ is widely recognized as one of the very first IT certifications that prospective IT professionals should obtain. It’s the industry standard for launching IT careers. It not only validates your foundational knowledge, but it also shows employers that you are willing to learn and advance your career, and you have ability to study and pass an exam.

 

Simply having CompTIA A+ on your resume can place you above non-certification holders in line for an interview. And when you’re trying to win your first IT job, that’s a big deal.

jobs i can get with certification

 jobs i can get with certification

Certificates work! In the least amount of time, and for the least amount of money, they provide people with the right knowledge and skills to land a job. Employers are increasingly demanding professional certification in addition to a degree from college graduates. Also, more and more certified professionals with only a high school diploma are entering the job market and successfully filling the need for skilled labor in high-income industries like IT Here’s why certifications can land you a job, and why they are so effective even when you don’t have a college degree.

IT Has a Universal Standard

Not every certification is valued the same, but neither is every college degree. The value of a degree depends on the university and its ranking on the world list of top universities. So, a degree from MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Cambridge, Oxford or ETH Zurich holds up its merit around the world, while the same is not for a lower-ranking college.

In contrast, a Microsoft Certification is always a Microsoft Certification. So, is a certification issued by CISCO, CompTIA or any other IT industry leader. The standard remains the same for everyone (students and teachers), including what you learn, how you learn it and the tests you take to pass the course. And since an international organization upholds these standards, the certificate has the same value to employers anywhere in the world.

IT is Skill-Based

The only difference between a seasoned professional and a recent graduate is the level of skill. It’s also the best way to learn, and more importantly, adopt what you learn from theory. And certification programs focus on teaching skills and their application in practice. It’s also more coveted by employers, since skill (not knowledge) is what makes money for a company, especially in the IT industry. The theory is learned quickly and along the way.

IT is Highly Specialized

Most certifications are in-depth and niche-specific. All of the attention is on one field, and so is what you learn. A Linux network security certification is about Linux security – not Windows or Unix firewalls – only Linux. But it covers it through stages, from primary through to advanced skills and development. On the other hand, a college degree in IT covers multiple fields at a basic level, which is usually not enough to reach the level of proficiency required by most employers. And graduates have to gain a Master’s degree to obtain the same skills they would from a certification course.

It Takes Less Time to Obtain It

Since the certification courses and programs are so specific, it usually takes far less time to obtain a certificate than a degree. If you want to start work as soon as possible, a certification will get you there sooner. Even the most advanced programs don’t last more than a year. And during the time it would take you to receive a Bachelor’s degree (6 years on average), you could become a leading expert in an area of your choosing.

It’s Cost Effective

Research released in 2018 shows that gaining a degree from a four-year state college costs on average $9,970 per year for state residents, and $25,620 per year for everyone else. But the amount of loan debt a student takes on during those four years is even higher and stands at $37,172. That’s a lot of money, considering how much you can earn during those four years. On the other hand, certification courses don’t come close concerning cost, with some certification courses being completely free. But for less money, you gain the skills necessary to land a job, and quickly pay off your investment, even if its several thousand dollars (a two-month salary in IT). And that makes a certification program extraordinarily sustainable and easy on your bank account.

Invest in Your Future

Are you ready to take your education to the next level? Here at MyComputerCareer, we help students make the first step into an exciting career in the IT Industry. Take our FREE career evaluation and find out what course you should take.

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Based in Holly Springs, North Carolina, MyComputerCareer, Inc. is an innovative adult technical school with courses taught online and at its seven campuses in Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina and Texas. Students who complete MyComputerCareer’s rigorous Information Technology courses may earn up to 13 highly valuable IT Certifications in areas ranging from Operating Systems to Computer Networks and Cyber Security, certificates often required even for those with four-year college degrees. In addition, these courses form the foundation for students interested in obtaining an Associate’s degree from MyComputerCareer.

What Is CompTIA Network+ Certification?

 a+ and n+ certification

Learnfast is a CompTIA Certified Training Center. CompTIA's A+ and N+ are internationally recodnised courses and the global leaders in IT certifications. These courses will help you kick start your career in IT. Quality training providers have been reviewed and approved by CompTIA through the CompTIA Authorized Partner Program (CAPP) to provide the best instructor-led exam preparation experience possible

The CompTIA Network+ certification is an IT certification exam that verifies you have the essential knowledge and skills in networking to develop a career in IT infrastructure.

Unlike other vendor-specific networking certifications, CompTIA Network+ prepares you to support the network regardless of the platform. It forms the foundation you need before specializing in a vendor solution. CompTIA Network+ is the only industry certification that covers both wired and wireless networks.

CompTIA’s Network+ validates the knowledge and skills needed to troubleshoot, configure and manage wired and wireless networks found in companies around the world. CompTIA Network+ certifies a professional-level understanding of emerging technologies, including cloud and virtualization technologies.

What Job Roles Should Take the Exam?

CompTIA Network+ is for professionals with the recommended prerequisite of CompTIA Network+ certification and nine months of networking experience looking develop their networking careers. CompTIA Network+ prepares candidates for the following job roles:

• Network administrator
• Network field technician
• Junior network administrator
• IT consultant
• Network field engineer
• Computer technician
• Help desk technician
• System engineer
• Network support specialist
• Network analyst

Why CompTIA Certifications?

 a+ near me

Why CompTIA Certifications?

CompTIA vendor neutral certifications are the starting point for a career in IT. Earning a CompTIA certification proves you have the right skills, and is the starting place for a career in IT. 

CompTIA certification updates and retirements

Planning to earn or currently have a CompTIA certification? Stay up to date with CompTIA certification exam retirements, launches, CE and other useful information. Learn more at CompTIA Certifications website »

CompTIA CySA+ CS0-001 exam retirement

The English language version of the CompTIA CySA+ certification exam retires October 21, 2020. Anyone preparing for this exam version is encouraged to complete their studies and take their exam. Vouchers already purchased for this exam can also be used for the CySA+ CS0-002 exam and are valid through the voucher expiration. Learn more about the CompTIA CySA+ certification exam »

CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam launches November 12, 2020

The CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam will be available starting November 12, 2020. Security+ focuses on the latest trends and techniques in risk management, risk mitigation, threat management and intrusion detection. Learn more about the CompTIA Security+ certification exam »

CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+)

CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification is for instructors who want to verify they have attained a standard of excellence in the training field. The CTT+ certifications validate the knowledge and use of tools and techniques necessary for successfully teaching in today’s learning environments.

Pearson VUE delivers the CTT+ TK0-201 Essentials exam.

The CompTIA CTT+ certification performance based TK0-202 Classroom trainer and the TK0-203 Virtual Classroom trainer exams are delivered exclusively through Ingenuiti. Please visit the CompTIA CTT+ certification website for additional information, CTT+ guidelines and submission forms on these exams.

 comptia salary

Calculate Your Potential IT Salary

Today's information technology (IT) careers offer an incredible array of opportunity, variety, passion – and of course, earnings potential. As you may expect, there is a range of factors that influence what your IT salary could be, like years of experience, cost of living and regional market value. As you explore IT career path options, use the CompTIA IT Salary Calculator to estimate your salary and know your worth during your job search. The calculator includes salary data from 400 different metro areas, covering 85% of the U.S. population.

To begin, please select your current job (or desired IT occupation), your experience level and a location where you may want to work.

IT Certifications for IT Support Specialists

IT training and certifications plus hands-on experience prove to employers you have the skills needed for jobs like IT Support Specialists. CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ are great options to gain the skills employers look for in IT Support Specialists.

Ready to get started? Follow these steps to get certified and get your dream job offer.

1. Choose the IT certification that will prepare you for your new job.
2. Download the exam objectives to see what skills you need to know.
3. Start training for your exam with CompTIA books, eLearning tools, classes and more.
4. Register and take your IT certification exam.

P.S. You can save 10% on your voucher or training product by signing up for our newsletter.

Thanks for visiting the CompTIA information technology (IT) salary calculator. CompTIA compiled the underlying data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey, the most recently available wage data at the metro area level. As noted, there are many factors that influence wages. Beyond location, occupation and job level, the size of the employer, the industry sector, the degree of competition for in-demand skills and many other factors can push wages up or down. Any citations from this wage calculator should be sourced to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and CompTIA.

What job can I get with a CompTIA A+?

 comptia jobs

Intro to CompTIA Security+ Certification

The industry-wide benchmark of cybersecurity certifications, the CompTIA Security+ certification, covers six core fundamental security areas, including:

• Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities
• Technologies and Tools
• Architecture and Design
• Identity and Access Management
• Risk Management
• Cryptography and PKI

Created by the leading computing technology association in the world, CompTIA, and accredited by ANSI in compliance with the ISO 17024 Standard, the Security+ certification is vendor-neutral, allowing candidates to focus on general security aspects rather than company-specific approaches. Because the test is so comprehensive and “flying by the seat of one’s pants” is not advised, individuals seeking Security+ certification are encouraged to review various study guides and video training materials to prepare thoroughly.

What the Security+ Certification Means for Your Career

Taking and passing the Security+ test is no easy feat. As such, achieving Security+ certification elevates your value to current and future employers because it underscores your ability to:

• Explain the security functions of common network devices and technologies across any architecture you encounter, making you highly valuable to virtually any employer.
• Apply and implement secure network administration principles and procedures in nearly all environments you face.
• Implement and configure a wireless network in a safe and secure manner, including Internet-of-Things devices and networks, making you a vital player as the proliferation of devices continues to spread.
• Identify security threats and perform risk mitigation activities in an expeditious fashion, thus limiting the damages.
• Understand applicable policies, laws and regulations of IT security, whether dictated locally or globally, and thus reducing potential fines from compliance authorities.
• Explain the impacts and proper use of environmental controls.
• Understand and apply cryptography and Public Key Infrastructure.
• Explain the concepts of user authentication, authorization, and access control, helping raise the importance of security among fellow employees and making security a part of everyone’s job.
• Exemplify the concepts of data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Identify and analyze common attacks, e.g., social engineering, malware, application & wireless attacks.

Earn your CompTIA Security+ certification with binge-worthy learning from ITProTV, CompTIA’s official video training partner.

How Does Security+ Differ from Other Security Certifications

The Security+ certification is one of the top sought-after credentials for entry-level IT positions. Other certifications, which are generally more granular in nature, often lead to more specific security roles and positions. These other certifications include:

• CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
• CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor.
• CISM – Certified Information Security Manager.
• GIAC – GIAC Security Essentials Certification.
• CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control.
• CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker.
• ECSA – EC-Council Certified Security Analyst.
• GPEN – GIAC Penetration Tester.
• SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner.

Regardless of the certification you eventually hold, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that certified security specialists can earn significantly higher annual salaries than those lacking credentials. 

ITProTV has all the cybersecurity IT training you need, including DoD-approved 8570 requirements, all online, on-demand. Start Free.

Job Prospects for Security+ Certified Professionals

The current job market for CompTIA Security+ certified professionals is growing. In fact, it’s hard to imagine another job sector with brighter prospects than cybersecurity professionals. Analysts predict that by the end of 2018, there will be up to two million unfilled cybersecurity jobs. Approximately six million cyber professionals will be needed with only four million available. By 2021, according to CyberSecurity Ventures, that gap will increase to 3.5 million unfilled positions.  Obviously, this gap will create an increasing demand for qualified security professionals and push salaries up accordingly. CompTIA found that 62% of managers in the U.S. who were hiring for IT positions indicated that security skills are a “must have” to be considered for a position.

Jobs Most in Demand

Individuals considering a career in cybersecurity would be wise to consider the following in-demand roles:

• Security Analyst
• Security Engineer or Architect
• Security/IT Director or Manager
• CISO/CSO, Systems Administrator
• Network Architect or Engineer
• Forensics Investigator
• Auditor
• Systems Engineer or Integrator

Individuals seeking these positions should have a demonstrable record for:

• Incident handling and response
• Audit and compliance
• Firewall/IDS/IPS skills
• Intrusion detection
• Analytics and intelligence
• SIEM management
• Access/identity management
• Application security development
• Advanced malware prevention
• Cloud computing/virtualization