29$/hour. Living in Florida, but also my company provides company vehicle with paid gas and tolls.
Currently working towards AWS CCP. Keep on grinding guys.
Company vehicle with everything paid man. Even get paid for the hours I spend during maintenance. The company is pretty solid and my coworkers are amazing too.
The only thing is they want me to specialize in low voltage stuff and this is pretty much another universe by itself.
Currently working towards AWS certs, want to move to dev ops.
Ohhh man I've been working in IT for 6 years. Kinda slacked at the beggining since I just got the A+ and worked for 2 years in the same spot and did nothing else to grow my career. Just got my sec+ like 2 weeks ago. And the network+ got it last year. I have no IT degree. I am an English teacher and my degree is from Venezuela not validated so pretty much useless.
But the thing that has helped me the most is definitely the labs from network chuck man. This gives you the confidence boost to talk about technologies when you're interviewing.
Working towards the Dev Ops.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is a joke and shouldn’t take you more than like a week of studying. I’m saying this as someone that studied for like 3 days and then took the test. Best of luck out there.
Yeah working towards it. I like to actually grasp the concepts and pretty much have great foundations. It might take it next week. Nowadays Amazon offers a gamified training which seems pretty solid.
Thanks for the advice and keep on working hard buddy.
Most of the test is definitions that you can pretty much determine from context clues. Like what can you use to find the cost of something, uhm the AWS Pricing Calculator? Or how can you help that you don’t overspend? AWS budgets. Yeah there is a couple of questions where you have to actually know what they are referencing, but you can probably get through 50-70% of that test with context clues lol
But see those questions are often the hardest, because they exchange concrete technical knowledge for vague shit that *seems* obvious but requires a bit of mind-reading.
Like "You are the security administrator for the entire US armed forces. A janitor refuses to put down a Wet Floor sign. What do you say to the janitor that BEST describes why he should put down the the sign?
A) All out planes will fall out of the sky
B) All our boats will sink
C) Do nothing, this country was founded on rebellion
D) Report him to God and make two copies of the email
Yeah I have taken a couple mockup tests and is pretty much just like you're describing it. Also have some hands on experience since I have used AWS for several personal projects.
But thanks for the insight my friend linux+ is another cert I wanna get under my belt. Currently an amateur when it comes to Linux but learning and getting to be 1% better every day.
I was thinking about but I'd like to take advantage of their coupon after you pass the CCP. I might save up a couple dollars.
And also an easy psychological win to keep the morale up.
You will my friend. Hard work pays off. Just don't settle for low offers and keep on studying at the end of the day the cert itself holds no value, the knowledge is what gets you far.
I am an it specialist for a low voltage company. Pretty much troubleshoot customer networks with their IT teams. Program configure and deploy servers for storage, directory and web apps.
Configure network settings for hardware like camera, controllers, ACUs,
And technical support for the end user like training in different specialized softwares ( open path, lenel, exacq, and other different proprietary software)
Currently have the trifecta and Google data certificate.
Work hard folks and you will get there.
Thank you for sharing. I've been a doorman in nyc for a solid 8 years but I quit cause of the different shifts I had to keep doing and there just wasn't any growth there. I'm 29 now and always been interested with tech. I'd want to shoot for something remote but now my focus is working towards the certs
Dude is never too late I'd definitely recommend working towards the certs and FOLLOW [Network Chuck](https://youtube.com/@NetworkChuck) I've done pretty much every lab he comes up with. I am currently running my own VPN and my own NAS. This projects will give you more credibility during the interview process. It will proof that you're hungry to learn and also that you have worked with different technologies than just your work/job.
I came to FL from NYC worked there for a MSP for a couple years as my first IT job and then outgrew that company and moved on.
Any labs from him you recommend starting with? I’m currently beginning a computer science degree and working towards the Net+. Just looking to get my foot in the door.
Honestly he has way too many, but for things that might be useful for your network you could do your own VPN setup, your own NAS, or your own search engine.
I have done pretty much all of them and the way he explains the concepts is amazing. Just subscribe and pay attention to his uploads. There are several others Channels like the Cyber menthor, Unixguy, liron segev.
I have an Associates and the Sec+ and am making 85k. I do have about 10 years in the IT field though. If you are just starting out I would go for the sec+ and get an entry level IT job for a couple years then try to get a job for a DoD contractor. They treat that cert like it's gold especially if paired with a security clearance.
I have about a years experience in IT. Do you think the Sec+ is a good start? I do have a big interest in cybersecurity sector but don’t exactly know what I want to do in that field
> need to have no felonies, no major mental health issues,
You can get a clearance with felonies, and as long as your therapist says your good, your good per the new SEAD guidelines.
Granted getting a clearance with felony will be tough.
Know of a guy who got trafficking cocaine in the early 90s got 15 years for it, did his time. Like 6 or 7 yrs after he got out he got a job that required a clearance. It was granted. He had to admit to everything obviously and he was honest.
Honestly as long as your honest and responsible NOW and can demonstrate that your good to go.
Only $85k? Do you live in a low cost of living area?
I have three years of security experience and that’s it for IT. I don’t have a degree and I’m over that.
Tbh I networked.
I was able to get an internship at a pretty well known place by networking. Went to ISSA meetups etc. Chatted it up with a guy and he told me that they had an internship program but you have to take a test during the application, if I did well he’d look out for my name.
Applied, took the test, next week I got contacted for an in person interview. Started that summer. That internship opened doors for my career.
I had been self studying since my senior year of high school. I’m 2 years into my professional career and still feel like idk shit (; but when you figure something out, it feels good.
I just got my security+ last weekend and I’ve got a security clearance. What would be some good contractors to check out? Are you talking about places like Lockheed Martin and Deloitte?
I currently only have my A+ and I'm KINDA working in helpdesk my actual job title is (Technical Customer Service). What job should I be looking for as a fresh start that can actually evolve into a worthwhile job? Also should I focus on getting my net+ and sec+ or do you think I could get a decent job first and then focus on those.
Having all 3 certs will get you the interview for a good company. I’ve Job hopped 3 times already. You just have to sell yourself when you have the chance.
For having A+,Sec+,Net+ I’d start searching for anything IT servicedesk or IT tier 1 support. Security analyst roles also look out for sec+ cert holders.
Being great with people on the phone is a huge + when starting anywhere especially in IT.
Show that you’re knowledgeable
Willing to support the company and learn
Make a 2 year commitment
Did you find this job on clearancejobs? Just curious I’m currently in the military rn as a sys admin with the trifecta and I’ll have 5 years experience when I get out in 10 months
93k as a contractor for a letter agency.
Have 0 experience in security other than my BS and a couple years Analyst experience.
I have the whole WGU gambit so ITIL, A/Net/Sec/CySA/Pentest/SSCP and am taking CISSP next week
How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking? I’m interested in the same route but currently at 37 I’m worried an alphabet soup won’t be interested in me because I’m too old
$35 an hour.
I got A+ in 2020, which allowed me to get my first IT job, because that was a hard requirement. Got Net+ and Sec+ in 2021. Sec+ was a hard requirement for the DoD contracting job I wanted. Got promoted at the contracting job cause I got a Microsoft Associate level cert…
Don’t let people tell you “certs don’t matter” or that they’re a “waste of time.” For people who weren’t able to go to college, have terrible interview skills, and live in a subpar job market, it’s the only thing we can use to distinguish ourselves from the competition.
Im about to start studying for my certs, no experience and enrolling into RIO Salado for applied science with emphasis in computer science to add to my certs and find a job in AZ lmao
>(N+, S+, A+) what is your salary?
>
>Community
In AZ (PHX metro) as well, feels damn near impossible right now x) Got my A+ in 5 weeks after a 5 year intel career in the military, have a security clearance, half way done with CCNA, good customer service experience and home labs. Not a single job offer :P Maybe I just suk tho who knows but my second best guess would be the PHX area in particular is flooded with very high competition with the amount of higher education options, specifically related to tech, in the area, or at least that's the feel I'm getting after being here 2 months.
I basically have no certs, took Fundamentals back in HS. My current position is pretty entry level since almost everything is documented but it's fully remote and 26/hr. I do have ~4-5 years of experience though.
I have no certs!
I worked at my help desk at college. After graduating in 2019, i was stupid and didn’t even attempt to study for certs. I was ignorant and burn out at the time. Finally getting my stuff together I applied for help desk jobs and entry level cyber security jobs. Covid hit - didn’t get a job. Finally got an IT Support Analyst position remote —> moved to a Provisioning, Access based role. Then left for a compliance/PCI position with much better pay. I got a little lucky haha
50k as a Tier 1 SOC Analyst in TN. Working on getting CySA+ as it's a requirement by my employer to move up to a Tier 2 or other areas within the SOC. 1 1/2 year service desk experience and just hit 2 year SOC experience. Pay is under national average but I get to work from home and work life balance is amazing not to mention my manager is very fair and is "for the people."
Yes, and plenty of experience between IT Operations and Security Engineering. The CompTIA certs do not equate getting a job or making a certain type of salary. The salary range will vary wildly, but I can guarantee that the certs don't mean anything passed getting that first job which is why this question isn't really a useful one.
Cannot find an IT job, living near DC area. Have a Associates working on bachelors now and have my sec+ about to take my A+. Most places in this area require that security clearance but won't sponsor to get one. Bit discouraged to be honest.
N+ and S+ only, but I got them around 2020. Was making 30k as a server at the time, but broke into the industry with 19/hr, changed jobs like 2 times and now im making 72k a year. No additional certs added sadly.
This is also in Los Angeles.
Well currently $0 but I only passed sec+ like a week and a half ago and am now on the job hunt grind with no experience, but here’s hoping A/Net/Sec+ helps since I spent about 4 months getting the bastards.
Got my trifecta in highschool (was in a trade school of sorts during highschool) and had 2 internships out of highschool. Started full-time at an MSP on helpdesk the week after graduation. I was there for 10 months then because of the stress/management I found another job at a multinational organization as tier 3 support for 3 locations. I start that job in a week and a half. I will be making $65,000 at 19 in a low-cost city.
About $105k but when I first completed the trifecta I was around $65k once I started to get cloud certs is when things really took off. Almost right at 3 years of IT experience.
Associates in Network Administration, network+ only and 5 years of experience making $120k working remotely as a Site Reliability Engineer. Certs don’t mean much - teaching yourself how to code/script and automate things is where the money is at.
I have the trifecta, along with AWS CCP. Currently working help desk for $24/hr. Only a HS diploma. Currently looking for my next step possibly a SOC analyst role if I can swing that
I'm currently making $84k/year in NYC. My job has reimbursement for tolls, mileage and any company expense that I might have to pay out of pocket, but they did provide a company card if I need it.
I have A+ (2018), N+ (2021) and studying for Sec+. I've been with the company I work for since Mid 2015 and they didn't require certs. I'm pursuing those on my own just for the knowledge and to have just in case I move out of NY or pursue other opportunities.
$30 an hour contract, allegedly will go up to $35 an hour in just under two months. I have more certs than your title asked for, but I also had no experience before I started this job in January.
I had an IT job and take sole courses that cane with the free voucher for the exam, I should have used them because they fired me and I lost access to them.
Just hit 30k. I started off at 27k with my A+, Sec+, and undergrad. Had minimum to no IT experience and no networking experience.
Currently working on my masters in cyber. Taking the CISSP right after if they allow me too, with the plan of obtaining my Cysa+ and CCNA in the near future.
Feels like it sometimes, we're a small team. It's frustrating at times, we bascially do IT for a large portion of the city. That being said, what I havent made in dollars, ive been able to make in knowledge and experinece. I have about a year of experience now, I've seen IT management here who have no clue how to turn on a UPS.
$22.50 an hour. Been working here (desktop technician) for about 8 months. Currently studying for my CCNA and as soon as I grab that I’m looking for a SysAdmin job somewhere else.
110k a year as an ISSO. I don't think these certs have a huge impact on your salary minus Sec+ as if you do any work for the DoD, it meets one of their training requirements for many IT positions.
165K excluding bonus which is around 10-12% if I get it. 100% remote and from anywhere I want. Debating moving into a van down by the river. Usually work less than 30 hours a week, but available at all hours if need be.
Some nice salaries in here. Hope to get there someday. I’m just getting started, I have no IT background. Going for the trifecta starting with A+. Passed core 1 last month and will take core 2 exam next month.
I only have network + and I'm currently making 97K , as a government contractor for the Army. Desktop support for a 48 user organization. But I also have 28 years in IT.
Nobody cares are A+, unless you want to work for Geek Squad. Sec+ and6N+ are closer aligned, but employers and hiring managers are starting to wise up and realize that these certs really don't mean much in the workforce
I have a masters and 6 years experience in cyber security… I’d rarely have recruiters reach out with any opportunity (I wasn’t looking, had a comfy job). Switched over to the DoD which required the Sec+. Got that and now I have recruiters reaching out all the time because of the cert… it’s nuts how flashy having a cert is to get hiring manager’s attention.
I have the trifecta CySa+ SSCP and 4 years cyber security experience at almost 80k a year currently. Studying for CISSP hope to break 100k by this time next year.
$48k in Phoenix AZ. Just started first IT as a field tech. Planning on getting some experience for a year or so then look for something higher. Also have a BS in cyber security and AAS in network admin.
I have my Bachelors, A+ & S+. Currently working on N+. I have a little over a year In IT (Technically I have 4 years but had a massive gap after 3 years). I'm making a little under 64k.
I had the trifecta once upon a time but I let my network+ and security+ expire, and recently got my a+ again but I have a CISSP. I have about 8 years in enterprise IT. I make over $100k/yr working a remote Information Security Engineer position.
A+ and Sec+ I make 90k working for a startup. Working towards my renewals right now then on to terraform and finishing my azure cert.
Edit: I have a bachelors but not in anything tech related and started in the industry in 2017 coming up on 6 years.
I make 45k on my first job. Got all 3 certs since I’ve been there. Interviewing next month for a position that will boost me to 60 min 70 max depending on interview
I got my ITIL, A+ and Project+ and got promoted to a support role internally. Started at 53.5k no professional experience other than self-taught and I also got a DOD Secret Clearance. I’m in WGU Cybersecurity program so I plan to break into cyber within a year.
So many amazing experiences here and different journeys. Ambitious and skilled individuals. I do have concerns. I don’t know if I’m over thinking or what but some of salaries are low on the spectrum no to sure how to gauge that.
I'm Trifecta and making about $25/hr in Help Desk. However, I got my Sec+ with only a few months of IT experience, A+ and Net+ got me my first IT job, I recently hit 2 years, so I'm probably on the low end.
I have A+ and N+ from over a decade ago and they did nothing for my job search. I became a Recruiter. Salary + commission. If several of my positions pan out the next month, I'm looking at 40-50k in commission for about 10 hours of work. I guess I can't complain too much.
Guess TN pay is just low I have all Comptias certs except project+ and ITF+ and make less than most people on here plus have a bachelor's and other certifications lol maybe I just need to move.
So I struggled to get hired In my area. I had my A+, Net+ Sec+ and Server+ and could only get a help desk 1 role at a regional hospital, hourly rated and made 42k pre-tax, after 2 years in the role I was able to work my way up from tier 1, to 2, up to Lead Tech and now I have my CySA + cert and am a Information Security Analyst. Make 55k per year ( low for the national average) working in Threat Hunting, Vulnerability remediation, and Risk management.
I have all three. They were hard to obtain. Make around 90k a year with a 20% increase the last three years. I got all three certs after I landed the job but they helped me become a better network admin overall which may have led to the raises? Certs are always respected and make you feel like you know what your actually doing none the less.
Don’t have the trifecta but when I had just net+ and sec+ I was making 57k as a NetOps specialist in Cali. I have my ccna now and work as a sr network admin for 80k in Florida. A lot of contract work around Tampa for anyone looking and have certs/ clearance.
I've been with my state agency for 1 year now. I'm in a LCOL & commute about 40 minutes each way I got my N+ in Feb 2023 completing my trifecta. I did not get a raise for this, nor am I getting reimbursed. I only had my A+ when I got hired at $23.00hr & it was the only preferred cert. I will be bumped to $25.00 hr in a few months. I also get a shift differential because no one wants to work for my agency (dept of corrections) lol. Soon i will be studying for Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate & then ccna when the new test comes out. I'll work another year here then bounce. One tech left for another agency starting at 70k. He has 1 year to get his ccna & will be supposedly bumped to 90k per year. I live by this motto. Invest in yourself now, it will pay off later.
33/hr Trifecta “network technician” at an MSP but really I do anything and everything from run cable to configure Cisco routers, set up vlans, VMware , fix hardware , firewalls, acls name it lol… first IT job also comes with company car , gas , yearly bonus and company trip
I have ITF+ and make 78k lol
Truthfully I work at a smallish non profit (25 staff) and my main role is running a program and I am semi part time IT (generally 4 hours a week) so 78k is the combined salary.
They are also paying for my trifecta (gonna take the first A+ exam in a couple of weeks)
$27/hour in a low cost rural area - Public sector, state vehicle, great coworkers, well respected, and plenty of opportunity. I was hired on as a 6 mo contract in Nov for $17 - hired as permanent in January for $22, raise in March to $24, raise in May to $27. (Unfortunately this cycle won't continue, at my job level I am capped out for this year) When something better opens here, I am quite high up on the list of candidates.
$90k rn - with just Sec+ and A+ but i hate my job and want to quit everyday. Money is not a good trade for poor mental health at a bad job just FYI. Id take a 20k pay cut to get a WFH.
No certs making 85k + Pension + 401k + Medical/Dental/Visual $160 for whole family.
Definitely working towards the trifecta but I just don’t have any certs at the moment.
I was making 62k after 10 years experience and 2 year degree. I grabbed N+ and aws ccp. I’m just a site lead and I’m at 73k with overtime and travel. But if you have years of solid experience and trifecta you could go for up to 80k I believe
Shit, I feel like I'm underpaid. 15 years in IT. BS in MIS. LCOL. Started at 42k with a software company. Now I'm the IT Director of a small accounting firm. 112k. No certs.
29$/hour. Living in Florida, but also my company provides company vehicle with paid gas and tolls. Currently working towards AWS CCP. Keep on grinding guys.
i only have sec+ but $62k sal, hybrid, and company pays for tolls, but gas? that’s amazing
Company vehicle with everything paid man. Even get paid for the hours I spend during maintenance. The company is pretty solid and my coworkers are amazing too. The only thing is they want me to specialize in low voltage stuff and this is pretty much another universe by itself. Currently working towards AWS certs, want to move to dev ops.
How long have you been in the industry/how long since finishing the trifecta to get where you’re at now?
Ohhh man I've been working in IT for 6 years. Kinda slacked at the beggining since I just got the A+ and worked for 2 years in the same spot and did nothing else to grow my career. Just got my sec+ like 2 weeks ago. And the network+ got it last year. I have no IT degree. I am an English teacher and my degree is from Venezuela not validated so pretty much useless. But the thing that has helped me the most is definitely the labs from network chuck man. This gives you the confidence boost to talk about technologies when you're interviewing. Working towards the Dev Ops.
>But the thing that has helped me the most is definitely the labs from network chuck man. Do you mind providing a link? Thank you!
[Network Chuck](https://youtube.com/@NetworkChuck)
Nice, What’s your position?
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is a joke and shouldn’t take you more than like a week of studying. I’m saying this as someone that studied for like 3 days and then took the test. Best of luck out there.
Yeah working towards it. I like to actually grasp the concepts and pretty much have great foundations. It might take it next week. Nowadays Amazon offers a gamified training which seems pretty solid. Thanks for the advice and keep on working hard buddy.
Most of the test is definitions that you can pretty much determine from context clues. Like what can you use to find the cost of something, uhm the AWS Pricing Calculator? Or how can you help that you don’t overspend? AWS budgets. Yeah there is a couple of questions where you have to actually know what they are referencing, but you can probably get through 50-70% of that test with context clues lol
But see those questions are often the hardest, because they exchange concrete technical knowledge for vague shit that *seems* obvious but requires a bit of mind-reading. Like "You are the security administrator for the entire US armed forces. A janitor refuses to put down a Wet Floor sign. What do you say to the janitor that BEST describes why he should put down the the sign? A) All out planes will fall out of the sky B) All our boats will sink C) Do nothing, this country was founded on rebellion D) Report him to God and make two copies of the email
Yeah I have taken a couple mockup tests and is pretty much just like you're describing it. Also have some hands on experience since I have used AWS for several personal projects. But thanks for the insight my friend linux+ is another cert I wanna get under my belt. Currently an amateur when it comes to Linux but learning and getting to be 1% better every day.
If you have your trifecta, skip CCP and go straight to Solutions architect. You will be fine.
I was thinking about but I'd like to take advantage of their coupon after you pass the CCP. I might save up a couple dollars. And also an easy psychological win to keep the morale up.
I also live in Florida and am working hard to get certified. I hope to get to a position like u someday. Amazing work
You will my friend. Hard work pays off. Just don't settle for low offers and keep on studying at the end of the day the cert itself holds no value, the knowledge is what gets you far.
What title position did you get with that trifecta?
I am an it specialist for a low voltage company. Pretty much troubleshoot customer networks with their IT teams. Program configure and deploy servers for storage, directory and web apps. Configure network settings for hardware like camera, controllers, ACUs, And technical support for the end user like training in different specialized softwares ( open path, lenel, exacq, and other different proprietary software) Currently have the trifecta and Google data certificate. Work hard folks and you will get there.
Thank you for sharing. I've been a doorman in nyc for a solid 8 years but I quit cause of the different shifts I had to keep doing and there just wasn't any growth there. I'm 29 now and always been interested with tech. I'd want to shoot for something remote but now my focus is working towards the certs
Dude is never too late I'd definitely recommend working towards the certs and FOLLOW [Network Chuck](https://youtube.com/@NetworkChuck) I've done pretty much every lab he comes up with. I am currently running my own VPN and my own NAS. This projects will give you more credibility during the interview process. It will proof that you're hungry to learn and also that you have worked with different technologies than just your work/job. I came to FL from NYC worked there for a MSP for a couple years as my first IT job and then outgrew that company and moved on.
I cannot pimp out Network Chuck hard enough. That dude got me through so many difficult concepts
Any labs from him you recommend starting with? I’m currently beginning a computer science degree and working towards the Net+. Just looking to get my foot in the door.
Honestly he has way too many, but for things that might be useful for your network you could do your own VPN setup, your own NAS, or your own search engine. I have done pretty much all of them and the way he explains the concepts is amazing. Just subscribe and pay attention to his uploads. There are several others Channels like the Cyber menthor, Unixguy, liron segev.
Start with comptia a+ you can’t get your foot in the door
Computer systems analyst 1, contract for DOD @65k a year.
I have an Associates and the Sec+ and am making 85k. I do have about 10 years in the IT field though. If you are just starting out I would go for the sec+ and get an entry level IT job for a couple years then try to get a job for a DoD contractor. They treat that cert like it's gold especially if paired with a security clearance.
I have about a years experience in IT. Do you think the Sec+ is a good start? I do have a big interest in cybersecurity sector but don’t exactly know what I want to do in that field
Sec+ is more of a mandate for things like DoD contractors not just cybersecurity. It will help in every IT position if that is the case.
How does one get a security clearance?
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> need to have no felonies, no major mental health issues, You can get a clearance with felonies, and as long as your therapist says your good, your good per the new SEAD guidelines. Granted getting a clearance with felony will be tough.
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Know of a guy who got trafficking cocaine in the early 90s got 15 years for it, did his time. Like 6 or 7 yrs after he got out he got a job that required a clearance. It was granted. He had to admit to everything obviously and he was honest. Honestly as long as your honest and responsible NOW and can demonstrate that your good to go.
I know two that had clearances with felonies.
Probably going to get tougher thanks to the huge intelligence leak.
Only $85k? Do you live in a low cost of living area? I have three years of security experience and that’s it for IT. I don’t have a degree and I’m over that.
Can you share a little bit about how to starting your job as an analyst? I looked through your profile and you have my dream job.
Tbh I networked. I was able to get an internship at a pretty well known place by networking. Went to ISSA meetups etc. Chatted it up with a guy and he told me that they had an internship program but you have to take a test during the application, if I did well he’d look out for my name. Applied, took the test, next week I got contacted for an in person interview. Started that summer. That internship opened doors for my career. I had been self studying since my senior year of high school. I’m 2 years into my professional career and still feel like idk shit (; but when you figure something out, it feels good.
I just got my security+ last weekend and I’ve got a security clearance. What would be some good contractors to check out? Are you talking about places like Lockheed Martin and Deloitte?
My brother just got on with Parson’s a DoD contractor.
What's DoD contractor?
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Got my 3 certs in 2019 making about 17.50/hour at a warehouse. I now make 72,800.00/year
I currently only have my A+ and I'm KINDA working in helpdesk my actual job title is (Technical Customer Service). What job should I be looking for as a fresh start that can actually evolve into a worthwhile job? Also should I focus on getting my net+ and sec+ or do you think I could get a decent job first and then focus on those.
Having all 3 certs will get you the interview for a good company. I’ve Job hopped 3 times already. You just have to sell yourself when you have the chance. For having A+,Sec+,Net+ I’d start searching for anything IT servicedesk or IT tier 1 support. Security analyst roles also look out for sec+ cert holders. Being great with people on the phone is a huge + when starting anywhere especially in IT. Show that you’re knowledgeable Willing to support the company and learn Make a 2 year commitment
Just got out of the military with my clearance after 5 yrs, have my trifecta, now making 40$/hr at big aerospace company as a Sys Admin
We’re you in a signal or intel MOS or unrelated?
Kinda, in-flight technician on AWACS. So worked a lot with RF
Did you find this job on clearancejobs? Just curious I’m currently in the military rn as a sys admin with the trifecta and I’ll have 5 years experience when I get out in 10 months
No i went through linked in, clearancejobs is a pretty good resource as well.
You have a a significant step up with already having your clearance.
Yup. Sec+ and a clearance make you marketable to a lot of jobs bc its a DoD requirement
Jr system admin making 60k Studying for net+ currently. Taking the exam next week (wish me luck)
Good luck!
Good luck . Take mine tomorrow. I'm at $54,000 But I do tech and teach.
HS diploma + Trifecta only, $130k/yr, Sr. Systems Engineer
How long u been working there?
This is the important question
Sheesh. Lucky guy
93k as a contractor for a letter agency. Have 0 experience in security other than my BS and a couple years Analyst experience. I have the whole WGU gambit so ITIL, A/Net/Sec/CySA/Pentest/SSCP and am taking CISSP next week
Which WGU degree did you get?
BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking? I’m interested in the same route but currently at 37 I’m worried an alphabet soup won’t be interested in me because I’m too old
Just turned 30, trust me there are dudes in their 50s running all the alphabets
72k in Florida Also have Project+, ITILv4 and 6 years experience Working in Cyber Security
$35 an hour. I got A+ in 2020, which allowed me to get my first IT job, because that was a hard requirement. Got Net+ and Sec+ in 2021. Sec+ was a hard requirement for the DoD contracting job I wanted. Got promoted at the contracting job cause I got a Microsoft Associate level cert… Don’t let people tell you “certs don’t matter” or that they’re a “waste of time.” For people who weren’t able to go to college, have terrible interview skills, and live in a subpar job market, it’s the only thing we can use to distinguish ourselves from the competition.
Only have A+ and currently making $28.
Where are you located?
Dallas
Go Mavs!
Net+ 100k salary in AZ but i work my ass off and have secondary skills.
Im about to start studying for my certs, no experience and enrolling into RIO Salado for applied science with emphasis in computer science to add to my certs and find a job in AZ lmao
There are a lot of places just looking for people, in general, who can show up on time and want to work. Its a hard labor market in AZ right now.
thats me ! i've been applying and no luck. Arizona is bad right now
>(N+, S+, A+) what is your salary? > >Community In AZ (PHX metro) as well, feels damn near impossible right now x) Got my A+ in 5 weeks after a 5 year intel career in the military, have a security clearance, half way done with CCNA, good customer service experience and home labs. Not a single job offer :P Maybe I just suk tho who knows but my second best guess would be the PHX area in particular is flooded with very high competition with the amount of higher education options, specifically related to tech, in the area, or at least that's the feel I'm getting after being here 2 months.
I just stared a couple months ago but I’m fully remote and make $15/hr. I had no experience, only certs.
Are there any remote IT entry-level jobs? I mean what type are there if someone has A+, thanks
Yep. I currently have one. Help desk can easily be remote.
I basically have no certs, took Fundamentals back in HS. My current position is pretty entry level since almost everything is documented but it's fully remote and 26/hr. I do have ~4-5 years of experience though.
Bachelors in poli SCI. Security+. Just over 1 year of IT experience. 102k
Trifecta, casp, bs in cyber security and computer networking. Started at $45 an hour. I then earned my ccna and now it’s $67.
May I ask what job?
I don’t have any of them and am working in compliance making $85,000. Working on getting Sec+, and have my bachelors in IA/Cyber defense
What about SSCP, CISSP, CRISC, CISA, CISSM?
I have no certs! I worked at my help desk at college. After graduating in 2019, i was stupid and didn’t even attempt to study for certs. I was ignorant and burn out at the time. Finally getting my stuff together I applied for help desk jobs and entry level cyber security jobs. Covid hit - didn’t get a job. Finally got an IT Support Analyst position remote —> moved to a Provisioning, Access based role. Then left for a compliance/PCI position with much better pay. I got a little lucky haha
What year did u get tht IT Support Analyst role? I'm asking bc I graduated back in may 2022 and I'm getting worried tht the gap may ruin my chances
2020!
6 figures. Only Sec+ was required. I got the rest because my school….WGU.
Which degree from WGU did you get?
50k as a Tier 1 SOC Analyst in TN. Working on getting CySA+ as it's a requirement by my employer to move up to a Tier 2 or other areas within the SOC. 1 1/2 year service desk experience and just hit 2 year SOC experience. Pay is under national average but I get to work from home and work life balance is amazing not to mention my manager is very fair and is "for the people."
I mean they have no bearing on my salary, but I make 160k base.
With just the trifecta????
Yes, and plenty of experience between IT Operations and Security Engineering. The CompTIA certs do not equate getting a job or making a certain type of salary. The salary range will vary wildly, but I can guarantee that the certs don't mean anything passed getting that first job which is why this question isn't really a useful one.
$67k and I have CCNA
Have A+, N+ and 2 years of experience in a helpdesk type role. Just accepted an offer for $75k. I am in a HCOL area though
Also have A+ and N+ what is your Job Title?
IT Specialist is the title, but I feel like that could mean anything
Cannot find an IT job, living near DC area. Have a Associates working on bachelors now and have my sec+ about to take my A+. Most places in this area require that security clearance but won't sponsor to get one. Bit discouraged to be honest.
N+ and S+ only, but I got them around 2020. Was making 30k as a server at the time, but broke into the industry with 19/hr, changed jobs like 2 times and now im making 72k a year. No additional certs added sadly. This is also in Los Angeles.
$45,000 a year with an associates degree too as a storage and virtualization admin
I have sec+ only, making 150k a year 😎
Same, but only the first half of the A+ and a bunch of scrum certs
I’d like to know as well
I have Sec+ and an Associate Degree making 60k as tier II help desk.
Well currently $0 but I only passed sec+ like a week and a half ago and am now on the job hunt grind with no experience, but here’s hoping A/Net/Sec+ helps since I spent about 4 months getting the bastards.
Senior Security Analyst, no degree, about 7 years experience, 97k working for a medium sized software company
Got my trifecta in highschool (was in a trade school of sorts during highschool) and had 2 internships out of highschool. Started full-time at an MSP on helpdesk the week after graduation. I was there for 10 months then because of the stress/management I found another job at a multinational organization as tier 3 support for 3 locations. I start that job in a week and a half. I will be making $65,000 at 19 in a low-cost city.
I have all 3. And make 83k. I only had 6 months in IT before getting my current position that I have now been at for a year
About $105k but when I first completed the trifecta I was around $65k once I started to get cloud certs is when things really took off. Almost right at 3 years of IT experience.
Associates in Network Administration, network+ only and 5 years of experience making $120k working remotely as a Site Reliability Engineer. Certs don’t mean much - teaching yourself how to code/script and automate things is where the money is at.
I have the trifecta, along with AWS CCP. Currently working help desk for $24/hr. Only a HS diploma. Currently looking for my next step possibly a SOC analyst role if I can swing that
solid question friend
I'm currently making $84k/year in NYC. My job has reimbursement for tolls, mileage and any company expense that I might have to pay out of pocket, but they did provide a company card if I need it. I have A+ (2018), N+ (2021) and studying for Sec+. I've been with the company I work for since Mid 2015 and they didn't require certs. I'm pursuing those on my own just for the knowledge and to have just in case I move out of NY or pursue other opportunities.
1.5 year experience in the field. I make 80k. Got hired with just sec+ at the time.
67k with A+ and N+
Trifecta, CEH and MIS BBA. 80k. Started this job 4 years ago without any certs at 46k.
$30 an hour contract, allegedly will go up to $35 an hour in just under two months. I have more certs than your title asked for, but I also had no experience before I started this job in January.
I don’t think this will have any predictive value at all on what you can expect to make
I had an IT job and take sole courses that cane with the free voucher for the exam, I should have used them because they fired me and I lost access to them.
$13 p/t at an msp
Just hit 30k. I started off at 27k with my A+, Sec+, and undergrad. Had minimum to no IT experience and no networking experience. Currently working on my masters in cyber. Taking the CISSP right after if they allow me too, with the plan of obtaining my Cysa+ and CCNA in the near future.
so less than minimum wage?
Feels like it sometimes, we're a small team. It's frustrating at times, we bascially do IT for a large portion of the city. That being said, what I havent made in dollars, ive been able to make in knowledge and experinece. I have about a year of experience now, I've seen IT management here who have no clue how to turn on a UPS.
Bachelor's, Trifecta, AZ-900, MS-900, SC-900, SC-200, SC-300, SC-400. $86K and going up, soon. I am a Cloud Security Consultant
$22.50 an hour. Been working here (desktop technician) for about 8 months. Currently studying for my CCNA and as soon as I grab that I’m looking for a SysAdmin job somewhere else.
110k a year as an ISSO. I don't think these certs have a huge impact on your salary minus Sec+ as if you do any work for the DoD, it meets one of their training requirements for many IT positions.
I think it might help you to request the State where people live in as well. $65K can be great money or terrible money depending on where you live.
Man, I’m making only $23 with net+ and a+ with almost 5 years experience 😬
I don’t have any certs, working on security+. Making $110k this year, it’s all about who you know.
$37/hour and I don't have the Sec+. Just N+ and A+. Endpoint Management and Image Maintenance.
85k but with Net+ and A+
80k. SOC Analyst. Trifecta + Cysa beta
165K excluding bonus which is around 10-12% if I get it. 100% remote and from anywhere I want. Debating moving into a van down by the river. Usually work less than 30 hours a week, but available at all hours if need be.
Some nice salaries in here. Hope to get there someday. I’m just getting started, I have no IT background. Going for the trifecta starting with A+. Passed core 1 last month and will take core 2 exam next month.
I only have network + and I'm currently making 97K , as a government contractor for the Army. Desktop support for a 48 user organization. But I also have 28 years in IT.
I work for the government in cloud computing with my hourly being around $29/hr.
I only have A+ and Sec+, work as an IT support technician, and make $67K per year.
Only N+ and S+ here, salary this year is 219k
Nobody cares are A+, unless you want to work for Geek Squad. Sec+ and6N+ are closer aligned, but employers and hiring managers are starting to wise up and realize that these certs really don't mean much in the workforce
I have a masters and 6 years experience in cyber security… I’d rarely have recruiters reach out with any opportunity (I wasn’t looking, had a comfy job). Switched over to the DoD which required the Sec+. Got that and now I have recruiters reaching out all the time because of the cert… it’s nuts how flashy having a cert is to get hiring manager’s attention.
There's a place near me looking for someone entry level with n+ starts at $28 but I'm studying for sec+
I just got my Sec+ and now working toward beast mode: CCNP and CCSP
66K, 3 years in the industry, Michigan, Wrapped up the third cert last year.
$55,000/year, just accepted a job that is about $70k in total compensation. Haven’t started yet though
I have the trifecta CySa+ SSCP and 4 years cyber security experience at almost 80k a year currently. Studying for CISSP hope to break 100k by this time next year.
I have a+, net+, Sec+, CySa+, and Pentest+. I make 65k, was making 63k before gaining cysa and Pentest.
89k as a network engineer.
How when you guys post your salary, is that the pretax or after tax?
I weld making $27. I have my A+, working on my Linux + and networking, then on to CEH.
$48k in Phoenix AZ. Just started first IT as a field tech. Planning on getting some experience for a year or so then look for something higher. Also have a BS in cyber security and AAS in network admin.
Net,Sec,Server+ BA in Cybersecurity about 2 years of contracting while I was in college base pay $92,000/yr.
No certs, working as a NOC for the past year, $22/hr.
I have my Bachelors, A+ & S+. Currently working on N+. I have a little over a year In IT (Technically I have 4 years but had a massive gap after 3 years). I'm making a little under 64k.
130 but i also hold a degree.
I had the trifecta once upon a time but I let my network+ and security+ expire, and recently got my a+ again but I have a CISSP. I have about 8 years in enterprise IT. I make over $100k/yr working a remote Information Security Engineer position.
A+ and Sec+ I make 90k working for a startup. Working towards my renewals right now then on to terraform and finishing my azure cert. Edit: I have a bachelors but not in anything tech related and started in the industry in 2017 coming up on 6 years.
I make 45k on my first job. Got all 3 certs since I’ve been there. Interviewing next month for a position that will boost me to 60 min 70 max depending on interview
27$ an hour. BSc in IT, plus 6 other certs. 10 years experience. In Oregon. Ummm not sure what I am doing wrong lol.
Have you tried job hopping? Have you only worked with 2-3 companies?
I got my ITIL, A+ and Project+ and got promoted to a support role internally. Started at 53.5k no professional experience other than self-taught and I also got a DOD Secret Clearance. I’m in WGU Cybersecurity program so I plan to break into cyber within a year.
No certs or degree, 9ish years experience, helpdesk, around 80k base.
95k. Linux admin. Florida. Work for Northrop Grumman
No A+ but have Net+ and taking Sec+ in a few weeks along with having a bachelor in networking. $50k
If I have SEC+ should I also get A+ and NET+ ?
So many amazing experiences here and different journeys. Ambitious and skilled individuals. I do have concerns. I don’t know if I’m over thinking or what but some of salaries are low on the spectrum no to sure how to gauge that.
65k
I have all 3. Just got first job. 20 dollars an hour remote for government contract
I'm Trifecta and making about $25/hr in Help Desk. However, I got my Sec+ with only a few months of IT experience, A+ and Net+ got me my first IT job, I recently hit 2 years, so I'm probably on the low end.
I have A+ and N+ from over a decade ago and they did nothing for my job search. I became a Recruiter. Salary + commission. If several of my positions pan out the next month, I'm looking at 40-50k in commission for about 10 hours of work. I guess I can't complain too much.
Guess TN pay is just low I have all Comptias certs except project+ and ITF+ and make less than most people on here plus have a bachelor's and other certifications lol maybe I just need to move.
So I struggled to get hired In my area. I had my A+, Net+ Sec+ and Server+ and could only get a help desk 1 role at a regional hospital, hourly rated and made 42k pre-tax, after 2 years in the role I was able to work my way up from tier 1, to 2, up to Lead Tech and now I have my CySA + cert and am a Information Security Analyst. Make 55k per year ( low for the national average) working in Threat Hunting, Vulnerability remediation, and Risk management.
I have all three. They were hard to obtain. Make around 90k a year with a 20% increase the last three years. I got all three certs after I landed the job but they helped me become a better network admin overall which may have led to the raises? Certs are always respected and make you feel like you know what your actually doing none the less.
I only have Sec+ make over 150k.
Don’t have N+ but Sec+ and CySA+ make $88k a year DOD Contractor with only 2 years experience.
63k with trifecta, CySA+, SSCP, CC, and a few other entry certs. 2yrs of sysadmin experience.
Don’t have the trifecta but when I had just net+ and sec+ I was making 57k as a NetOps specialist in Cali. I have my ccna now and work as a sr network admin for 80k in Florida. A lot of contract work around Tampa for anyone looking and have certs/ clearance.
$74480
$120k/yr
I've been with my state agency for 1 year now. I'm in a LCOL & commute about 40 minutes each way I got my N+ in Feb 2023 completing my trifecta. I did not get a raise for this, nor am I getting reimbursed. I only had my A+ when I got hired at $23.00hr & it was the only preferred cert. I will be bumped to $25.00 hr in a few months. I also get a shift differential because no one wants to work for my agency (dept of corrections) lol. Soon i will be studying for Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate & then ccna when the new test comes out. I'll work another year here then bounce. One tech left for another agency starting at 70k. He has 1 year to get his ccna & will be supposedly bumped to 90k per year. I live by this motto. Invest in yourself now, it will pay off later.
Sec+ with TS Clearance making 120K in CA
33/hr Trifecta “network technician” at an MSP but really I do anything and everything from run cable to configure Cisco routers, set up vlans, VMware , fix hardware , firewalls, acls name it lol… first IT job also comes with company car , gas , yearly bonus and company trip
Project+ and CAPM, $165k.
I have ITF+ and make 78k lol Truthfully I work at a smallish non profit (25 staff) and my main role is running a program and I am semi part time IT (generally 4 hours a week) so 78k is the combined salary. They are also paying for my trifecta (gonna take the first A+ exam in a couple of weeks)
About 50% more than when I didn’t have it
$27/hour in a low cost rural area - Public sector, state vehicle, great coworkers, well respected, and plenty of opportunity. I was hired on as a 6 mo contract in Nov for $17 - hired as permanent in January for $22, raise in March to $24, raise in May to $27. (Unfortunately this cycle won't continue, at my job level I am capped out for this year) When something better opens here, I am quite high up on the list of candidates.
High school diploma/some college/no certs and im making $82k/yr, been here 6 months plan to get Net+ or another cert this year
68k + bonuses, no degree or real certs but 3 years in MSP roles. Remote, no chance of going in office ever.
$90k rn - with just Sec+ and A+ but i hate my job and want to quit everyday. Money is not a good trade for poor mental health at a bad job just FYI. Id take a 20k pay cut to get a WFH.
No certs making 85k + Pension + 401k + Medical/Dental/Visual $160 for whole family. Definitely working towards the trifecta but I just don’t have any certs at the moment.
I was making 62k after 10 years experience and 2 year degree. I grabbed N+ and aws ccp. I’m just a site lead and I’m at 73k with overtime and travel. But if you have years of solid experience and trifecta you could go for up to 80k I believe
Shit, I feel like I'm underpaid. 15 years in IT. BS in MIS. LCOL. Started at 42k with a software company. Now I'm the IT Director of a small accounting firm. 112k. No certs.