A+ ROI › Illinois

CompTIA A+ Certification Cost in Illinois 2026: $56K Salary, 0.4-Month Payback

A+ in Illinois: certified professionals earn $56,100/year at state-adjusted rates. Total cost $458. Payback: 0.4 months.

A+ in Illinois — Key Numbers

$56K

Avg Salary w/ Cert

+$13K

Annual Salary Boost

$458

Total Cost

0.4 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS state estimates 2024. State multiplier: 102% of national average.

A+ Cost Breakdown

Exam fee $358

Study materials $100

Total upfront cost $458

Salary without cert (Illinois) $42,840/yr

Salary with A+ (Illinois) $56,100/yr

5-year net ROI $66K

A+ Job Market in Illinois

CompTIA A+ is the entry point for IT support careers in Illinois. Help desk and desktop support roles in financial services, healthcare, and tech companies commonly list A+ as a preferred or required credential. The $56K median is entry-level by Illinois standards — most A+ holders in the state move on to Security+ or CCNA within 2 years. The two-exam requirement ($358/exam) totals roughly $716 for the full certification, though many employers in Illinois cover the cost.

Illinois Payback Calculator

Your Current Salary

Total Cert Cost

Expected Salary with A+ in Illinois

Related Certifications in Illinois

Security+ → CCNA →

← Back to full A+ guide

All certifications in Illinois · Payback period by state

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