If you're heading toward networking, skip A+ and start with Network+. If you're heading toward helpdesk first, do A+ then Network+.
The default advice is always "do A+ first, then Network+." That's correct if your goal is an entry-level IT support role — helpdesk, desktop support, hardware break-fix. But if your goal is network engineering, systems administration, or cloud infrastructure, A+ content has limited overlap with your actual target role. Network+ covers subnetting, routing protocols, wireless standards, network security, and troubleshooting methodology — all of which are directly applicable to networking careers. A+'s hardware and OS content becomes relevant background knowledge, not job-critical skill, once you're past entry-level.
The salary differential between A+-only and Network+-credentialed roles is consistent: Network+ holders average $10,000–$15,000 more annually than A+-only holders, primarily because network troubleshooting skills are more specialized and harder to learn without structured study. Both certs share a similar pass rate (~70%), but Network+ candidates tend to be more motivated and more experienced when they sit the exam, which skews the comparison.
One path worth considering that most guides ignore: go directly to CCNA from A+ if your target is enterprise networking. CCNA is more employer-recognized than Network+ in networking-specific roles, and candidates who have completed A+ already have the foundational hardware and OS knowledge that prevents CCNA from feeling overwhelming. Network+ can feel redundant between those two steps if networking is your actual destination.