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Security+ ROI › Illinois

CompTIA Security+ Certification Cost in Illinois 2026: $90K Salary, 0.3-Month Payback

Security+ in Illinois: certified professionals earn $89,760/year at state-adjusted rates. Total cost $554. Payback: 0.3 months.

Security+ in Illinois — Key Numbers

$90K
Avg Salary w/ Cert
+$20K
Annual Salary Boost
$554
Total Cost
0.3 mo
Payback Period

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

Security+ Cost Breakdown

Exam fee $404
Study materials $150
Total upfront cost $554
Salary without cert (Illinois) $69,360/yr
Salary with Security+ (Illinois) $89,760/yr
5-year net ROI $101K

Security+ Job Market in Illinois

Illinois Security+ demand spans financial services, technology firms, and federal contractors. The DoD 8570/8140 requirement makes Security+ near-mandatory for anyone targeting defense contractor roles in the state. The $90K median reflects Illinois's above-average IT wages. The $404 exam fee and the cert's 90%+ employer recognition rate make it the fastest-payback entry-level security credential in Illinois. Many employers in the state reimburse the exam fee at hire.

Illinois Payback Calculator

Related Certifications in Illinois

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← Back to full Security+ guide
All certifications in Illinois · Payback period by state
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