In today’s competitive world, you need an impressive bio to stand out. And while college degrees give you an edge, they are expensive, and it takes years to get one.
Also, degrees may or may not be able to give you the advantage you need for professional growth. Here are 25 certificate programs that pay well, give you a competitive edge, and keep you ahead of the game.
25 Certificate Programs That Pay Well
1. Real Estate Sales Agent Certification
Median Annual Salary: $71,220
Real estate brokers help people buy and sell properties. They complete the necessary paperwork in accordance with the state’s real estate laws. To get the certification, you need to pass the real estate exam. There are several online courses, and you can complete them in 4–5 months, depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying.
2. Phlebotomist
Median Annual Salary: $36,320
Phlebotomists are medical professionals whose tasks include drawing blood for tests, transfusion, donations, and research. To become one, you need to take a 2–6 months training course from a technical school or community college.
3. Fitness/Personal Trainer
Median Annual Salary: $40,510
A fitness trainer helps people achieve their fitness goals. They can work at gyms, health clubs, personal homes, and community centers. You need a certificate from an accredited program that takes around 6 months to become one.
4. Computer Support Specialist Certification
Median Annual Salary: $55,510
They help people fix technical issues that they are facing with their computers. You can complete short certificate courses like CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate, or the Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
5. Medical Records And Health Information Management
Median Annual Salary: $48,270
Also known as the medical coder, the person collects, organizes, and manages data related to a patient’s health information. You need to do courses like the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), and Certified Professional Coder (CPC), which typically take around 6 months.
6. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
Median Annual Salary: $36,650
An EMT is a paramedic who knows basic emergency procedures like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), stabilizing patients, providing oxygen, managing injuries and fractures, delivering babies, and more. The course duration is typically between 6 months to a year but can be more for some courses.
7. Funeral Director
Median Annual Salary: $60,846
Earlier known as undertakers, funeral directors take care of every single arrangement related to a funeral. This job is best for people who do not have very high qualifications. To become one, you need a license that you will be granted after completing a short certificate course from the National Funeral Directors Association or funeral director certificates offered by colleges and universities.
8. Air Traffic Controller
Median Annual Salary: $95,266
The entry and exit of aircraft from the airport are under the control of an air traffic controller. They monitor their activity in the skies and guide pilots as they take off and land. After completing the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program, you can become one.
9. Software Development
Median Annual Salary: $114,631
Software developers design computer applications, fix bugs, analyze software, run system maintenance, and more for applications. An associate degree program in software development can help you gain the necessary knowledge for performing these tasks.
10. Radiation Therapist
Median Annual Salary: $77,649
A radiation therapist plays a vital role on the oncology team that treats patients with cancer. You can enroll in one of the many radiation therapy training programs and become a certified radiation therapist.
11. Web Developer
Median Annual Salary: $61,766
Web developers design, create, and maintain websites. A certified web development program will teach you the basics of web designing, programming languages, computer system analytics, and more. There are several online as well as university-accredited web development programs that you can complete within 6-12 months.
12. Flight Attendant
Median Annual Salary: $59,150
Flight attendants take care of the passengers. If you have a high school diploma, you can become one by completing flight attendant programs certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
13. Pharmacy Technician
Median Annual Salary: $36,450
A pharmacy technician learns everything about medication—names, dispense, usage, dosage, and so on. You need to complete one of the many certified programs the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) offers to become one. You can complete these short courses in a maximum of 15 months.
14. Physical Therapist Aide (PTA)
Median Annual Salary: $49,750
A PTA is under the direct guidance of a physical therapist. They treat patients using exercise, training, and massage, and they maintain the patient’s records. To become one, you need to complete any program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
15. Massage Therapist
Median Annual Salary: $46,620
A massage therapist manipulates a patient’s muscles to relieve soreness and pain. It is one of those professions that does not require a college degree and is perfect for less educated individuals.
However, you get your license after you have completed a postsecondary program that requires 500-1000 hours of study.
16. HVACR Technicians
Median Annual Salary: $53,410
HVACR stands for heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. And an HVACR tech works on cleaning, repairing, installing, and insulating these systems. To become one, you must check your state’s policy and gain a certificate or associate’s degree.
17. Makeup Artists
Median Annual Salary: $106,920
Makeup artists who work in a performance or theoretical setting apply makeup to performers according to their roles. To become one, you need to complete a makeup program at a cosmetology school.
18. Hearing Aid Specialists
Median Annual Salary: $52,630
A hearing aid specialist evaluates a patient’s ear to check the extent of hearing loss. He performs various tests, recommends a hearing aid, and more. You can become one by gaining an associate degree as a hearing aid specialist.
19. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
Median Annual Salary: $46,470
A solar PV installer assembles, installs, and maintains solar PV systems and associated structures. You will have to gain quick certification from community colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes.
20. Choreographers
Median Annual Salary: $43,680
Choreographers create dance routines for performances. If you are passionate about dancing, you can start as a dancer at a training institute and work hard to raise your ranks.
21. Travel Agents
Median Annual Salary: $42,350
A travel agency employs a travel agent and guides customers to help them achieve their travel goals. While you do not require any degree or certification, some employers may ask for technical training in professional travel planning.
22. Photographers
Median Annual Salary: $41,280
Photographers capture moments for special functions and professional fields like medicine, industries, and brands. While you do not need any certification to become one, you can sharpen your skills and upgrade your CV by obtaining a diploma, certificate, or bachelor’s degree in photography.
23. Dental Assistant
Median Annual Salary: $41,180
A dental assistant works alongside a dentist. They evaluate dental infections and diseases and educate patients about the importance of oral hygiene. To become one, you must gain a diploma or certificate in a dental assisting program.
24. Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)
Median Annual Salary: $50,900
An RBT works in a mental health facility and helps modify a patient’s behavior. You need an RBT certificate from community colleges and universities to become one.
25. Law Enforcement
Median Annual Salary: $67,290
Law enforcement associates work in investigation, criminal justice, and local laws. You do not require any degree, but having an associate degree gives you a competitive edge.
