If you are planning to break into the IT industry, two names come up more than any others: the Google IT Support Certificate and the CompTIA A+ Certification. Both are popular, both are respected, and both can help you land your first IT job.
But which one actually pays more? And which one is better for your long-term career growth? Let’s dive into the data and see what the numbers say.
What Each Credential Offers
The Google IT Certificate is an online, project-based program that takes about three to six months to complete. It focuses on practical IT support skills such as troubleshooting, networking, system administration, and even modern applications like AI in IT support.
The CompTIA A+ Certification is widely considered the industry standard for entry-level IT. It covers a broad foundation of hardware, software, mobile, and troubleshooting skills. Unlike Google’s certificate, it requires passing two proctored exams, which employers often see as proof of rigor.
In short: Google offers accessibility and brand recognition, while CompTIA offers tradition and proven industry trust.
Salary Comparison in the United States
CompTIA A+
- Help Desk Technician: 57,000 to 63,000 USD
- IT Support Specialist: 65,000 to 70,000 USD
- Overall average: 45,000 to 65,000 USD
Google IT Certificate
- Help Desk Technician: 47,000 to 49,000 USD
- IT Support Specialist: 50,000 to 53,000 USD
- Overall average: 50,000 to 54,000 USD
Verdict: In the U.S., CompTIA A+ generally commands a higher starting salary, largely due to its longer history and the perceived rigor of its exams.
The Canadian Surprise
In Ontario, Canada, the trend reverses.
- CompTIA A+ holders in Toronto average about 52,005 CAD per year
- Google IT Certificate holders in Ontario average about 69,020 CAD per year
This difference is partly explained by Google’s strong corporate brand in Canada and its direct referral network of 150+ employers. In some cases, Google certificate holders are moving into higher-paying support roles beyond traditional help desk positions, such as network operations or platform support.
Salary Growth Over Time
CompTIA A+ has decades of data showing salary progression. For example:
- IT Support Specialists grow from around 62,000 USD at entry level to about 79,000 USD after 10–14 years.
- Help Desk Technicians move from about 57,000 USD to 69,000 USD over the same period.
Google IT Certificate only launched in 2018, so there is no 10+ year track record yet. Current averages suggest certificate holders start around 50,000 USD and move into mid-level IT roles in the 65,000 to 70,000 USD range after several years of experience. While the long-term progression cannot be fully mapped yet, industry trends suggest that professionals who start with the Google IT Certificate and then stack additional certifications often follow the same upward salary path as their CompTIA peers.
The Power of Stacking Certifications
The biggest salary jumps do not come from a single certificate, but from stacking. Adding more advanced certifications accelerates pay significantly.
| Certification Path | Salary Increase | Career Path |
|---|---|---|
| A+ with Network+ | 8,000 to 15,000 USD | Network Specialist |
| A+ with Security+ | 12,000 to 20,000 USD | Cybersecurity |
| A+ with Cloud Essentials | 6,000 to 12,000 USD | Cloud Infrastructure |
| A+ with Linux+ | 7,000 to 14,000 USD | System Administration |
Advanced paths can lead to six-figure salaries. For example, a Security+ professional often earns around 112,000 USD, while a Google Cloud Architect can earn over 190,000 USD.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose CompTIA A+ if you want a traditional, exam-validated certification that employers instantly recognize. It is perfect if you value structure and want a broad, vendor-neutral IT foundation.
- Choose Google IT Certificate if you want a flexible, project-based program that can be finished quickly. It is ideal for career changers or those who want direct access to Google’s hiring consortium. Bonus: completing the certificate unlocks a discount voucher for CompTIA A+ exams, lowering the cost if you choose to pursue both.
- Best of both worlds: Many professionals complete the Google IT Certificate first to gain skills and employer referrals, then use the voucher to sit for CompTIA A+. This combination delivers both accessibility and rigor, which employers love.
Final Thoughts
Both the Google IT Certificate and the CompTIA A+ Certification are strong entry points into IT, but they bring different strengths to the table.
- CompTIA A+ is often associated with slightly higher starting salaries in the U.S. because of its rigorous exam process and long-standing reputation among employers. It is the traditional, widely trusted certification.
- Google IT Certificate sometimes shows lower starting salaries in the U.S., but it provides something unique: a direct hiring network of 150+ employers and a discount voucher for the CompTIA A+ exams. The voucher does not make the exams free, but it lowers the cost, making it easier for learners to pursue both credentials.
For many learners, the smartest strategy is to complete the Google IT Certificate first. This gives you practical, hands-on skills and employer connections, while also unlocking a discount for CompTIA A+. Adding both credentials to your résumé combines Google’s accessibility and brand power with CompTIA’s rigor and recognition.
Bottom line: CompTIA may lead to higher pay in some U.S. markets, but Google gives you a referral pipeline and a stepping stone toward CompTIA at a lower cost. The real career advantage comes from using either as a launchpad and then stacking more advanced certifications like Security+, Network+, or cloud credentials to hit six-figure roles.