CISSP vs Security+: The $27,000/Year Salary Gap Explained
Security+ adds $13,000/year on a $404 exam. CISSP adds $40,000/year on a $749 exam — but requires 5 years of experience first. These aren't competing choices for most people. They're sequential career milestones.
Compare ROI at Your Salary
Net gain = (annual premium × years) − total cert cost. CISSP: $125/yr CPE maintenance. Security+: $50 every 3 yrs (annualized to ~$17/yr). Salary premium applied as flat annual increase.
Full Comparison: CISSP vs Security+
# # Guidelines: # - 50-70 words (AI Overviews cite 50-70 word blocks most reliably — shorter gets skipped) # - Start with a direct answer sentence containing a specific number or fact # - Include at least 2 specific data points (dollar amounts, percentages, comparisons) # - Include location/context where applicable # - End with a personal-context hook ("use the calculator below to...") # - Do NOT use for H2s that label interactive form sections (calculator inputs, results) # - DO use for H2s that pose or imply a question readers would search for %>CISSP costs $749 and adds $40,000/year at senior security roles; Security+ costs $404 and adds $13,000/year with no experience requirement. For most security professionals, these aren't competing choices — Security+ gets you into security roles, CISSP advances you to senior and leadership positions after 5 years of experience. Enter your salary above to compare payback periods.
| Factor | CISSP | Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $749 | $404 |
| Study materials | $200–$500 | $50–$150 |
| Experience required | 5 yrs paid experience | None (recommended: 2 yrs) |
| Salary premium | +$40,000/yr | +$13,000/yr |
| Payback period | ~3 months | ~2 months |
| 5-year net ROI (at $90K) | +$196,126 | +$63,416 |
| DoD 8570 mapping | IAM Level III, IAT Level III | IAT Level II, IAM Level I |
| Career stage | Senior security / leadership | Entry-to-mid security |
| Issuing body | (ISC)² | CompTIA |
5-year ROI: (annual premium × 5) − exam − study materials − renewal costs. Salary data: (ISC)² Workforce Study 2025, CompTIA IT Industry Outlook 2025, BLS OEWS 2024.
The $27,000 Annual Salary Gap Is Real
CISSP holders earn roughly $40,000 above their uncertified peers; Security+ holders earn about $13,000 more. That $27,000 annual gap compounds: over 5 years, the difference in total compensation is roughly $135,000. CISSP's higher exam cost and maintenance fees narrow the gap but don't close it.
The catch: CISSP's salary premium applies to senior security roles. If you hold CISSP but haven't moved into a senior position, you won't fully capture that premium. The cert opens the door — your experience and job change captures the salary.
Security+ Is the Starting Point, Not the Destination
Security+ is designed as a foundational credential for professionals entering security roles. It has no hard experience requirement, costs under $600 total, and pays back in about 2 months on any security salary. It's the right first step.
The career path for most security professionals: Security+ gets you into a role, 2–4 years of experience builds the domain knowledge CISSP requires, then CISSP elevates you to senior positions. Skipping Security+ is possible if you already have 5 years of qualifying experience — but many people find Security+ study useful preparation for the broader CISSP domains.
If you already have Security+ and 5+ years of security experience, the math strongly favors pursuing CISSP. The incremental cost is modest; the salary lift is substantial.
DoD Work: Both Certs Have a Role
Security+ satisfies DoD 8570 IAT Level II and IAM Level I baselines — common for junior analyst, help desk, and entry-level security roles in government contracting. CISSP satisfies IAM Level III and IAT Level III, required for senior security roles like ISSO, ISSM, and security architect positions.
Most government IT programs require Security+ at entry level and CISSP for advancement into senior technical or management positions. If your goal is federal contracting, budget for both over your career trajectory — they serve different position requirements.