When starting an IT career, it’s natural to wonder not only which certification to take first, but also which one pays more. In 2026, both CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ can help earn better salaries than non‑certified professionals. However, they tend to lead to different roles and different pay scales, because they validate different skills.

In simple terms: Network+ jobs generally pay more than A+ jobs, but your individual salary depends on experience level, location, role, and the skills you bring to the table.

Why Compensation Differs Between A+ and Network+

CompTIA A+ prepares you for entry‑level IT support and help desk roles. These jobs are crucial because every IT team needs people who can keep systems running and resolve common technical issues. However, help desk and support roles usually start at lower salary ranges compared with specialized technical paths.

Network+ focuses on networking concepts and troubleshooting. Networking skills are required in many technical roles that handle infrastructure, connectivity, cloud, and security. Because networking problems often impact entire businesses and network expertise is harder to find, jobs requiring Network+ tend to offer higher pay than A+ alone. Learners who want to compare exam questions and practice effectively can also explore available resources on https://certempire.com/vendor/comptia to strengthen their preparation and career readiness.

Typical Roles After A+ vs Network+

Here are some common jobs graduates earn after each certification:

CompTIA A+ Roles

• Help Desk Technician
• IT Support Specialist
• Desktop Support Technician
• Field Service Technician
• Technical Support Associate

CompTIA Network+ Roles

• Network Technician
• Junior Network Administrator
• NOC (Network Operations Center) Technician
• Infrastructure Support Specialist
• Systems Support Technician

Network+ roles often include responsibilities that affect multiple systems and users, which can lead to higher compensation.

Entry‑Level Salary Trends in 2026

*Salary ranges are approximate and vary based on city, employer, experience, and demand. London and major UK tech hubs tend to offer higher ranges.

The table shows a common pattern: entry‑level networking roles often pay more than entry‑level support roles, even at the beginning of your career.

Why Network+ Jobs Often Pay More

Several reasons contribute to this pay difference:

• Specialized Knowledge: Networking exams like Network+ include subnetting, VLANs, routing, switching, and security principles. These skills are more specialized than the general knowledge in A+.
• Impact on Business Continuity: Network engineers support connectivity, data flow, Wi‑Fi, VPNs, and infrastructure — systems that keep businesses running 24/7.
• Demand Across Disciplines: Networking skills are useful for cybersecurity, cloud computing, systems administration, and infrastructure roles, all of which tend to pay well in 2026.

For example, someone with Network+ skills may transition into roles like junior network administrator, NOC engineer, or cloud support, which often offer higher compensation than help desk roles.

Do You Need Experience to Earn More?

Yes, experience plays a major role in salary growth. Both A+ and Network+ are stepping stones. In many cases, employers value practical experience combined with certification more than the certificate alone.

For example:

• A help desk technician with one year of real‑world troubleshooting experience may earn more than a newly certified candidate with no hands‑on practice.
• A network technician who has configured switches, firewalls, and Wi‑Fi infrastructures is more likely to command a higher salary than someone with only theoretical knowledge.

That’s why many candidates build labs, work on real projects, and track hands‑on accomplishments on platforms like GitHub, home labs, or IT internships.

How Geography Affects Pay

Salaries for IT jobs vary widely depending on the city or region. In the UK, companies in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham often pay more than in smaller towns because of higher living costs and stronger competition for tech talent.

In 2026:

• London tends to offer the highest salaries due to a dense concentration of corporate, finance, cloud, and tech companies.
• Other UK cities still offer competitive compensation, but differences can be noticeable depending on employer size and industry.

Which Pays More in the Long Run?

In the long term (2–5 years and beyond), network‑focused careers often outpace general IT support roles in salary growth. This is especially true when professionals combine Network+ with additional certifications such as:

• Cisco CCNA or CCNP
• Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Cybersecurity certifications (Security+, CySA+, or other advanced paths)

These combinations boost your expertise and make you eligible for higher‑paying roles such as network engineer, cloud support engineer, or cybersecurity analyst.

That said, CompTIA A+ can still be valuable because:

• It builds a solid foundation for technical understanding.
• It prepares you for roles where many professionals start before moving into higher‑paying fields.
• Successful A+ professionals often progress into desktop engineering, junior system administration, or tech support leadership.

How to Boost Pay Beyond the First Certification

To increase your earning potential in IT, here are some common strategies:

1. Gain Hands‑On Experience: Practical work often matters more to employers than certification alone.
2. Stack Certifications: After A+ or Network+, consider Security+, cloud, or vendor‑specific paths for specialised careers.
3. Build Projects: Real‑world labs, GitHub portfolios, and documented case studies show employers your practical skills.
4. Network Professionally: IT meetups, forums, and LinkedIn connections can help you find higher‑paying opportunities.
5. Stay Updated: Technology changes rapidly. Continuous learning helps you stay competitive and valuable.

This concept becomes easier with Cert Empire’s YouTube explanation: ?

Final Recommendation

In 2026, if your primary goal is higher immediate salary, Network+ jobs usually pay more than A+ jobs — especially in networking, infrastructure, and technical support roles.

However, the best strategy is a combination:

• Start with A+ if you are new to IT.
• Move into Network+ after you gain basic experience.
• Follow with additional certifications and real‑world practice.

This layered path increases both your skills and your salary potential over time.
A compact visual highlight has been posted on Cert Empire’s X (Twitter) account.

FAQs

Do Network+ certified professionals earn more than A+?

In most cases, yes, Network+ roles typically pay more because networking skills are more specialised and in higher demand across technical fields.

Can A+ lead to high‑paying jobs?

Yes. A+ is a solid starting point for help desk and support roles, and with experience and additional certifications, you can advance into well‑paid system and cloud careers.

Is experience more important than certification for salary?

Often, yes. Hands‑on experience, practical projects, and demonstrable skills usually have a stronger impact on pay than certification alone.

Does the UK job market pay differently than other regions?

Yes, salaries vary by location. London and major tech hubs often offer higher pay compared to smaller cities.

Should I take both A+ and Network+ for better salary?

Yes, taking both certifications builds a strong foundation and increases your eligibility for higher‑paying roles.