what field more money: Networking or IT Security?

CEHwanabe

like CCNA/CCNP vs CEH/CISSP/GIAC/ISACA. I dont like networking but like Info sec but more where?

Ryan82

There's more money in the area that you are interested in. You will never excel in an area that holds no interest for you.

NetworkVeteran

CEHwanabe wrote: »

like CCNA/CCNP vs CEH/CISSP. I dont like networking but like Info sec but more where?

According to the 2011 IT Skills and Salary Report--

CCNA : $80k
CCNP : $97k
CCIE : $120k

CEH: $86k
CISSP: $101k

Networking wins!

However, these are averages. I only have a CCNP and I make far above the CCIE level. You are more likely to excel on a path that you enjoy than on a path that you do not enjoy.

Iristheangel

It really depends. You won't find a lot of security jobs that don't require you to have some networking, *Nix, and programming/scripting skills. You can always teach yourself on your own but certifications makes a statement that you pursued learning about the material and took the extra step of getting certified in it. I'm in the network security boat myself and just took the CISSP exam last week, but I also have a CCNA, planning to pick up the CCNP next year and am teaching myself C++ and Java. IT security is a growing industry with a vast potential to make a lot of money as is networking, but you won't get by with just Cisco skills or just a CISSP. In order to make the big bucks, you'll need to broaden your skillset

MrBishop

CEHwanabe wrote: »

like CCNA/CCNP vs CEH/CISSP. I dont like networking but like Info sec but more where?

There is money to be made in both areas and other areas as well such as Voice. I would go with what you enjoy or have passion in. I left the MSIA program for another degree that suited my career goals.

spicy ahi

Why not do both? I started off as network jock but I've slowly been moving into more of a security-focused role. CCNA and Sec+ starting out. The CCNA got me the jobs but the Sec+ moved me into more IA roles. I just took the CISSP as well, and before that I got the CCNA:Security.

CodeBlox

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

According to the 2011 IT Skills and Salary Report--

CCNA : $80k
CCNP : $97k
CCIE : $120k

CEH: $86k
CISSP: $101k

Networking wins!

However, these are averages. I only have a CCNP and I make far above the CCIE level. You are more likely to excel on a path that you enjoy than on a path that you do not enjoy.

I have my CCNA now where's my money? I make just over half of what you say they make. Just kidding, it's not like I'm in a job that really utilizes it right now.

tpatt100

I am falling behind in basic networking skills such as CCNA or MCSA level stuff even though I work in security. I do need to get back up to speed because I find myself struggling when I have to do basic audits for router/switch configs or group policy and web server audits. I have to take the CCENT and I will probably get the CCNA afterwards. After that I am done with WGU except the final capstone so I can focus on upgrading my Microsoft certs.

NetworkVeteran

I make just over half of what you say they make.

I suspect they meant to add an extra zero to your offer letter and were totally astonished to discover they had retained your services at such a bargain rate.

MrBishop

CEHwanabe wrote: »

ty sir, i agree Cisco stuff doesnt click, cyber security is awsome

I just looked at my school handbook and I'm debating if I should double major since I would only need 5 classes more for my MSIA even though I probably will never use it.(Never say never though)

VAHokie56

CodeBlox wrote: »

I have my CCNA now where's my money? I make just over half of what you say they make. Just kidding, it's not like I'm in a job that really utilizes it right now.

You are close to Richmond are you not? our team has a spot open for a mid level engineer on a contract position...PM me if your interested

phoeneous

CEHwanabe wrote: »

I dont like networking but like Info sec

How can you like Infosec but not networking? The two coexist with each other. What do you think firewalls are? It's not like you're going to hack into Word documents and such...

zenhound

phoeneous wrote: »

How can you like Infosec but not networking? The two coexist with each other. What do you think firewalls are? It's not like you're going to hack into Word documents and such...

There's always physical security...

dt3k

80k for CCNA? That poll must also be including CCIE's who have a CCNA on their resume. CCNA's arn't getting 80k, don't care what any survey or person says.

dt3k

phoeneous wrote: »

How can you like Infosec but not networking? The two coexist with each other. What do you think firewalls are? It's not like you're going to hack into Word documents and such...

There is a pretty massive difference between what a top level networker and security person does on a day to day basis. I'd say technically they coexist with each other. Understanding Cisco does not necessarily mean understanding networking. You can know virtually everything about how a network operates and functions without knowing CLI. Cisco Security and Security are like night and day imo.

phoeneous

dt3k wrote: »

There is a pretty massive difference between what a top level networker and security person does on a day to day basis. I'd say technically they coexist with each other. Understanding Cisco does not necessarily mean understanding networking. You can know virtually everything about how a network operates and functions without knowing CLI. Cisco Security and Security are like night and day imo.

But I didn't mention Cisco.

The OP said "cyber security is awsome", which I agree, but how far can one get in cyber security without understanding basic networking?

networker050184

dt3k wrote: »

80k for CCNA? That poll must also be including CCIE's who have a CCNA on their resume. CCNA's arn't getting 80k, don't care what any survey or person says.

There is the problem right there. Trying to tie a certification to a pay range is useless. There are so many factors to take into consideration you'd be a fool to try and put a dollar value on a certification.

foofighters

You should do whichever you are most interested in. Both of them can pay well and poorly depending on the job or position.

Tackle

networker050184 wrote: »

There is the problem right there. Trying to tie a certification to a pay range is useless. There are so many factors to take into consideration you'd be a fool to try and put a dollar value on a certification.

Exactly. I would probably drop the value of MCTS if I had to take a poll...

techdudehere

I don't think certifications are the cause of those salaries and I'm skeptical of the numbers in any event.

pcgizzmo

dt3k wrote: »

80k for CCNA? That poll must also be including CCIE's who have a CCNA on their resume. CCNA's arn't getting 80k, don't care what any survey or person says.

I don't know how you can say this. I make more than that and I don't have a CCNA but do some of the same things. Job salary is highly variable on so many things. It has to do with experience, other duties, location, value to the company, salary negotiation, time on the job, previous salary etc.. etc..


It's quite probable there are a lot of people with CCNA's that make 80k or more. Just because you don't know any doesn't make it an impossibility.

VAHokie56

pcgizzmo wrote: »

I don't know how you can say this. I make more than that and I don't have a CCNA but do some of the same things. Job salary is highly variable on so many things. It has to do with experience, other duties, location, value to the company, salary negotiation, time on the job, previous salary etc.. etc..


It's quite probable there are a lot of people with CCNA's that make 80k or more. Just because you don't know any doesn't make it an impossibility.

I was over that mark myself with OT when I only had a CCNA, its certainly pretty common around my area for decent Cisco people to make that much or way more

flt0nujr

I totally agree with your comment. CCNA's in the Noc where I work aren't anywhere close to that number. Only a few of them are at $65+.

NetworkVeteran

flt0nujr wrote: »

I totally agree with your comment. CCNA's in the Noc where I work aren't anywhere close to that number. Only a few of them are at $65+.

The CCNAs I know in Alpharetta, GA (near you) make far more than that. Remember, $80k is the average... not "where compensation starts" and not "for all cities in the country". When we discuss salaries and how we're treated by customers, it's like we're all on different planets.

rsutton

Saying cert x = salary y is ambiguous and misleading. You will get paid what an employer thinks you are worth, or as I prefer to think, I get paid what I think I'm worth. Either way, factors such as experience, a degree, certifications, location, the hiring manager's budget, your soft skills, and other variables, will all play a part in your salary. The certification is only a small fraction of what makes you appealing to an employer. Anyone reading salary threads on a forum or in a magazine needs to take it with a rather large grain of salt.

Devilry

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

The CCNAs I know in Alpharetta, GA (near you) make far more than that. Remember, $80k is the average... not "where compensation starts" and not "for all cities in the country". When we discuss salaries and how we're treated by customers, it's like we're all on different planets.

i'm going to +1 this. I work for a company that even the tier III help desk guys make the $80k mark. we have two CCNAs that are at $100k. It's more than just cert = $$$. it is the overall package. BTW, I am in buckhead, right around the corner from Alpharetta.

GAngel

I made more than that survey starting off years ago. CS students from a good school make more than 100k at any of the top companies now all in.

Most of my mates now are in the high 180's low 190's with less than 10 years experience. All in big expensive cities though so its relative.

networker050184

NetworkVeteran wrote: »

The CCNAs I know in Alpharetta, GA (near you) make far more than that. Remember, $80k is the average... not "where compensation starts" and not "for all cities in the country". When we discuss salaries and how we're treated by customers, it's like we're all on different planets.

Sure, but is it the sole fact that they have a CCNA that gets them that salary? I'd venture a confident guess at no so its pretty pointless to say 'CCNAs' make any dollar amount.

DevilWAH

its all about the normal curve.

Pay is so varied across companies that talk of averages and values are meaningless.

Generally security engineers have had more experience than entry level network engineers, so by default the starting wage of a security person will be higher, which in turn will puss the average up. you may find the range of security is 100 - 150 with an average of 125. while network is 30 - 300 with an average of 110.. Which one then is "more money"?

Looking at money when you are starting out a career is foolish at best, and skills profession no matter what field they are in, should be able to command a respectable wage if they are good at there job. It is not the field you are in that will dictate you wage but how well you can preform your role. And you will do best as other people have said by choosing a role you enjoy.

The people who end up doing the best, having the most successful careers, and earning the most, are most often the people who chose a job doing some thing they would happily do for nothing.

kremit

Like any field that pays a lick of anything, you have to be good! My cup of tea would be security. The idea of catching threats and examining them is appealing to me.