CompTIA Security+ vs AWS Security Specialty: Which Pays More?

Anyone researching Security+ vs AWS Security Specialty eventually runs into the same question: what does Security+ actually demand? CompTIA's current Security+ exam is SY0-701, launched on November 7, 2023. It is a single-exam certification priced at $425, capped at maximum of 90 questions, timed at 90 minutes, and scored on a 100–900 scale with 750 required to pass.

Security+ vs AWS Security Specialty

Security+ is vendor-neutral and broad. AWS Security Specialty is vendor-specific and deep — it focuses exclusively on securing AWS environments. The two certifications serve different purposes and are often held together by professionals working in AWS-heavy environments.

For salary comparison: AWS Security Specialty holders often command higher compensation in AWS-centric roles, but Security+ is more widely applicable across industries and government. The right comparison depends on your target environment.

Job market context

BLS reports a median annual wage of $124,910 for information security analysts and projects 28.5% growth from 2024 to 2034. Security+ aligns with broad defensive coverage across all environments. AWS Security Specialty aligns with cloud-specific roles in organizations standardized on AWS.

What should you do with this information next?

Our CompTIA Security+ study guide covers all five SY0-701 domains. Available at securitypluscertprep.com/guide.

SimpuTech's Security+ AI tutor can build a personalized study plan. Try it at SimpuTech.com.