Certifications That Pay Well and Offer Potential

Last Updated November 7, 2024

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There are a number of certifications that pay well in almost every industry. Whether you are considering going to school for your first time or are a working professional with years of experience, there are likely certifications that can help you boost your current standing. There are quick certificates for jobs in areas like healthcare and beauty. And there are also certificates for professionals like network administrators, accountants, and project managers.

People who are looking for certification programs that pay well often choose to work in healthcare. That is because the medical industry is known for its short training programs that often lead to careers that offer good earnings, opportunities, and even potential for future growth. And if you are currently working in information technology (or are considering entering the field), then there are a lot of quick certificate programs that can showcase your abilities and help you pursue better-paying jobs. However, these are just two examples of many possibilities.

So to help you discover some of the best certifications for jobs, we have compiled a list of popular options throughout a variety of industries and for all levels of education and experience. Find the certification that can help you reach your full potential by discovering the:

• Certificate programs that pay well
• Industry certification programs that pay well
• Best certifications to get for IT professionals
• Good certifications to have for business professionals
• Skilled trades jobs that require certification

Salary and yearly job openings information is based on 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise indicated.*

Certificate Programs That Pay Well

You may not realize how many options you have for jobs that only require a certificate. The reality is that, once you have completed one of the many quick certificate programs that are available, you will often receive additional on-the-job training in order to supplement what you have already learned in school. Opportunities can be found in almost anything from business and healthcare to criminal justice and media arts.

So take a moment to explore a few of the best certificate programs below that can open you up to high-paying jobs that don't require a college degree.

Bookkeeper: Take care of a business' or organization's basic accounting needs. Many bookkeeping certificate programs, or other relevant business programs, can be completed in a year or less. In that time, you can learn how to complete tasks related to payroll processing and computerized accounting. After obtaining some practical work experience, you may even choose to earn your Certified Bookkeeper designation through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).

• Median pay: $47,440
• Top pay: $68,860 or more
• Average annual job openings: 174,900

Court Reporter: Record spoken words and gestures during court trials and other legal proceedings so that law professionals have accurate transcripts to refer to. Court reporting can be one of the best certificate programs that pay well. So if you want to enter this interesting field, then opt for a court reporting or related legal program to get you started.

• Median pay: $63,940
• Top pay: $126,440 or more
• Average annual job openings: 1,600

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: Prepare for one of the highest-paying certificate jobs available in the healthcare field. In order to offer ultrasound procedures to help medical professionals diagnose and treat conditions and diseases, you may need to achieve industry certification in addition to your post-secondary training. The most common credential is the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) designation.

• Median pay: $84,470
• Top pay: $116,300 or more
• Average annual job openings: 5,700

Event Planner: Learn how to take care of every detail for special events from start to finish. There are many schools that offer one-year certificate programs, and you may even be able to find diploma programs that can be completed in the same amount of time. Those programs can quickly prepare you to handle any number of events with ease, including weddings, conventions, festivals, and conferences. While event planners typically have a bachelor's degree in hospitality management or business, it is not required.

• Median pay: $56,920
• Top pay: $99,010 or more
• Average annual job openings: 16,500

Occupational Therapy Aide: Offer important support to occupational therapists and their assistants who work with clients on improving mobility and movement. You will likely be involved in activities like setting up and cleaning treatment areas, helping patients complete forms, and handling administrative tasks. Some occupational therapy aides working in the field hold only a high school diploma. However, by pursuing a certificate, jobs that pay well may become more readily available, so it is likely in your best interests to complete a short training program.

• Median pay: $36,970
• Top pay: $68,720 or more
• Average annual job openings: 600

Pharmacy Technician: Take on the important role of assisting pharmacists by filling prescriptions and carrying out customer service and administrative responsibilities. Many pharmacy technician programs can be completed in less than a year's time. And in doing so, you can achieve one of the certificates that pay well. Depending on the state where you intend to work, you may need to obtain additional registration, certification, or licensing through an organization like the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). As long as you meet the organization's prerequisites, obtaining your license is a fairly simple process.

• Median pay: $40,300
• Top pay: $57,130 or more
• Average annual job openings: 47,400

Physical Therapy Aide: Perform important support activities while working under the direction of a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant. You will likely take care of tasks that are not directly related to patient care. Those could include getting areas ready for treatments, helping clients move to and from treatment areas, and handling administrative procedures. Physical therapy aides can find jobs that only require a certificate or less.

• Median pay: $33,520
• Top pay: $43,980 or more
• Average annual job openings: 6,800

Restaurant Manager: Manage every aspect of a restaurant's operations to ensure that quality food is coming out of the kitchen, good service is being delivered at the tables, and customers are leaving happy. When it comes to high-paying certificate jobs, restaurant manager could be the way to go. Most restaurant managers worked their way up from the entry level, so it is a career field in which prior experience can be important.

• Median pay: $63,060
• Top pay: $101,240 or more
• Average annual job openings: 44,500

Travel Agent: Help people have incredible vacations that they will always remember. There are many quick certification programs for travel agents that can lead you to good-paying jobs that offer a number of other great perks. Those can include personal travel discounts and opportunities to work from home. Once you complete your training, you may want to obtain further credentials to become a Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE), or Certified Travel Counselor (CTC).

• Median pay: $47,410
• Top pay: $69,640 or more
• Average annual job openings: 8,200

Web Designer: Put your creative and technical skills to work in a web design position. It may surprise you to learn that you can work as a web designer with as little as a certificate. Certificate programs are also frequently beneficial because some employers report that they would rather hire web designers who complete short training programs and develop the rest of their abilities while working on the job. After all, the skills and requirements that are needed in this field evolve quickly.

• Median pay: $98,540
• Top pay: $176,490 or more
• Average annual job openings: 9,900

Industry Certification Programs That Pay Well

A lot of short training programs—whether they award certificates, diplomas, or even associate degrees—can prepare you for important industry-recognized certifications. In some cases, those certifications are legally required to work in your chosen industry. And in others, certain certifications are viewed highly by potential employers, especially when you are compared to other job candidates who are not certified. Listed below, you can find some of the best certifications for jobs that are in demand and pay well.

Auto Mechanic: You can technically work as an automotive mechanic with no more than a high school education. But by completing a training program, you can benefit from quick certifications that lead you to good-paying, high-demand jobs. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is considered the standard in the industry, even though it is not legally required. You can take the test to achieve the first level of repair technician certification once you have completed one year of relevant hands-on experience.

• Median pay: $47,770
• Top pay: $77,630 or more
• Average annual job openings: 67,800

Commercial Diver: If you have a sense of adventure and can picture yourself working under water at sites all around the world, then becoming a commercial diver may be a great choice. Commercial diving schools offer certificate programs for jobs that pay well and can take you to locations that you never imagined. You could be working in oceans, rivers, and lakes where you conduct inspections, repairs, and maintenance of underwater structures. You could also work on completing underwater construction or taking underwater photos and videos. Note that you will likely need to work through several levels of quick certifications for scuba diving in order to attend commercial diving school.

• Median pay: $61,300
• Top pay: $136,990 or more**
• Average annual job openings: 400

Commercial Truck Driver: You could transform your love of cruising down the open road into a commercial truck driver career. And a certification program can be completed in as little as a few weeks. Many schools offer inclusive tuition, which means that all of your supplies and fees are included. So, upon successful completion of your CDL training and licensing, you can have your commercial driver's license and any applicable endorsements in hand.

• Median pay: $54,320
• Top pay: $76,780 or more
• Average annual job openings: 240,300

Cosmetologist: A cosmetology license is one of the best certifications for jobs that are in demand and offer good earning possibilities. Plus, earning your license is a fast process. In approximately one year's time, you could complete your training, take your state's licensing exam, and be ready to start offering cosmetology services in salons, spas, and other beauty establishments.

• Median pay: $34,970
• Top pay: $63,310 or more
• Average annual job openings: 80,000

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): You can choose from three different levels of certification when you become an EMT or a paramedic. Through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), you can become certified as an EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, or Paramedic. An EMT-Basic program often requires only about 150 hours of training. Once that is completed, you can qualify for your certification exam. If you pass it, you'll be ready to pursue opportunities that involve helping the sick and injured. You may even get to start saving lives.

• Median pay: $38,930
• Top pay: $59,390 or more
• Average annual job openings: 13,900

Massage Therapist: You can learn the skills needed to become a spa massage therapist in less than a year. Schools that prepare you to become a spa masseuse tend to offer quick certification programs, but it is worth nothing that many of them will not meet the prerequisites to become registered. By investing a little more time in your schooling, you could become a registered massage therapist (RMT), which can open you up to even more career opportunities and earning potential.

• Median pay: $55,310
• Top pay: $95,700 or more
• Average annual job openings: 22,800

Medical Transcriptionist: By completing a quick medical transcription program, you could become certified through the Association of Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) as a Registered or Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS/CHDS). Although medical transcription certification is voluntary, it is a great way to show employers that you have developed industry-standard skills and are capable of accurately transcribing healthcare professionals' recordings into medical documents.

• Median pay: $37,060
• Top pay: $52,880 or more
• Average annual job openings: 9,600

Nurse: You could earn a licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate in as little as a year, pass your state's licensing exam, and be ready to offer important healthcare services in a variety of medical settings. Earning a certificate or diploma is a common path of entry to the field. Along with having great opportunities for jobs and earnings, you can also easily advance in the field. There are many programs that can help you obtain the skills that are needed to become a registered nurse (RN) at any time throughout your nursing career.

• Median pay for LPNs: $59,730
• Top pay for LPNs: $77,870 or more
• Average annual job openings for LPNs: 54,000

• Median pay for RNs: $86,070
• Top pay for RNs: $132,680 or more
• Average annual job openings for RNs: 194,500

Real Estate Agent: Your search for certificates that pay well could end right here. Real estate agent definitely falls into the category of quick certifications that offer great opportunities. Depending on the state where you intend to work, you could complete your pre-licensing coursework in 180 hours or less. From there, you just have to achieve licensing from your state real estate board. Once you have done that, you will be ready to start helping your clients buy and sell houses.

• Median pay: $54,300
• Top pay: $119,590 or more
• Average annual job openings: 46,000

Best Certifications to Get for IT Professionals

If you are an information technology professional who already has a post-secondary credential, then you could find a number of options for quick certifications that pay well. In fact, techies are known to have access to some of the highest-paying jobs out there, especially when they have recognized and valued certifications. There are employers who will not even consider you for certain positions without industry credentials. So depending on your prior training and experience, you can find fast certification programs that can help expand your opportunities even further. Here are a few IT vocational areas and the most common certifications available within them.

Cloud Computing: The field of cloud computing is growing quickly and offers skilled professionals a lot of exciting opportunities in a variety of IT settings. You can showcase your skills to potential employers through a number of certificates. For jobs in cloud computing, the most popular options are the Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications. But additional options are offered by vendors like Google and CompTIA. Cloud computing professionals can take on many different types of positions, depending on their education and experience. Those include jobs as systems analysts or programmers, server administrators, and network managers.

(Note that the information below is for computer systems analysts.)

• Median pay: $103,800
• Top pay: $165,700 or more
• Average annual job openings: 37,300

Computer Networking: Those who are trained computer networking professionals often enjoy excellent career opportunities. And it is a field that offers a number of high-paying certificate jobs. Like many IT specialties, you have a lot of options to choose from. Two of the most common networking designations are the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE). Both of those are multi-level certifications that cover areas like collaboration, data centers, and security. Companies like CompTIA, SolarWinds, and Wireshark also offer popular computer networking credentials.

• Median pay for network systems administrators: $95,360
• Top pay for network systems administrators: $148,710 or more
• Average annual job openings for network systems administrators: 16,400

• Median pay for network architects: $129,840
• Top pay for network architects: $195,000 or more
• Average annual job openings for network architects: 12,300

Database Development and Administration: The role of a database professional is an important one in today's technology-driven world. And while there are many database-related designations to choose from, Microsoft Azure certifications are sought the most by employers on popular job boards, followed by IBM and Oracle certifications.

• Median pay: $101,510
• Top pay: $157,710 or more
• Average annual job openings: 5,300

Help Desk: A lot of newly trained IT professionals begin their careers in help desk positions. It is a great starting point for a technology career, and you can help make yourself stand out from the crowd by earning industry-standard certifications that showcase your skills. Some of the more popular certifications that employers look for include CompTIA A+ and ITIL Foundation certifications.

• Median pay for user support specialists: $59,240
• Top pay for user support specialists: $97,020 or more
• Average annual job openings for user support specialists: 50,600

• Median pay for network support specialists: $71,530
• Top pay for network support specialists: $121,920 or more
• Average annual job openings for network support specialists: 12,100

Information Security: As technology becomes more widely used for everything from social media to online banking, data security becomes that much more important. And that is why information security analysts enjoy some of the highest-paid certifications. One of the most popular options is the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) designation offered through ISACA. Two other prevalent choices are the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designations.

• Median pay: $120,360
• Top pay: $182,370 or more
• Average annual job openings: 17,300

Programming: The electronics that you use on a daily basis have all had computer programmers involved in their production processes. Everything from software programs and computer networks to mobile apps and video games can operate successfully because of the code that is written into them. Code Platoon found that in 2024, the most sought-after programming language was Java, and Python was the language whose popularity was increasing the fastest. So having Java and Python certifications could be especially beneficial to your career.

• Median pay: $99,700
• Top pay: $167,230 or more
• Average annual job openings: 6,400

Good Certifications to Have for Business Professionals

Are you an experienced business professional who has already achieved a four-year degree or some other level of college education? It might make you happy to learn that, when you pursue important industry certifications, jobs that pay well often follow. In fact, in the world of business, those who are certified often earn more—in some cases, substantially more—than those who are not certified. So it is definitely worth looking into what kinds of credentials could be available to you. Continue reading to discover some of the highest-paying certificate jobs for business professionals right now.

Accounting: Join the ranks of some of the most admired accounting professionals by adding a certification to your title. Two of the most common designations that accountants pursue are Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Although achieving those titles takes a lot of commitment and hard work, it can really pay off. A 2021 salary survey by the Institute of Management Accountants found that professionals with a CPA can earn up to 106 percent more and CMAs about 59 percent more than accounting professionals who do not hold either certification. Individuals who possess both the CMA and CPA certifications can receive median total compensation approximately 149 percent higher than their counterparts without these certifications. So, earning a professional certification could be in your best interest if you are currently working as an accountant or plan to in the future.

• Median pay: $79,880
• Top pay: $137,280 or more
• Average annual job openings: 130,800

Actuary: Learn how to collect and analyze data and statistics in order to determine people's and business' risk levels as part of deciding whether they qualify for insurance and setting their premium rates. Actuaries are the ultimate risk managers. And by becoming an actuary, you can enjoy one of the highest-paid certifications found in the workforce. If you have a background in math, statistics, economics, or finance and work in a risk-management-related field, then you may want to consider boosting your career by earning an actuary credential through the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or Society of Actuaries (SOA).

• Median pay: $120,000
• Top pay: $209,310 or more
• Average annual job openings: 2,200

Financial Planning: Boost your earnings in the finance world by becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A 2024 study by CFP Board of Standards found that professionals with a CFP certification earned an average of 10 percent more than financial advisors with similar years of experience who did not have the credential. This is one of the best certifications for jobs in financial planning. It's a great way to enhance your career status and earning power.

(Note that the information below is for personal financial advisors.)

• Median pay: $99,580
• Top pay: $239,200 or more
• Average annual job openings: 27,000

Human Resources: Take your career in human resources to the next level by earning your certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) through the HR Certification Institute. You could also become a Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP). Both of these organizations offer various certification programs that depend on your level of education and experience. And, although achieving HR certifications is often optional, it is an excellent way to show employers that you possess high-level skills in human resources.

• Median pay for specialists: $67,650
• Top pay for specialists: $121,800 or more
• Average annual job openings for specialists: 86,200

• Median pay for managers: $136,350
• Top pay for managers: $239,200 or more
• Average annual job openings for managers: 17,400

Project Management: Add a reputable and coveted certification to your professional portfolio and help make yourself stand out from other project managers in the field. When project managers are Project Management Professional (PMP) certified, they are more likely to complete their projects on time and on budget. And they earn up to 33 percent more than non-certified project managers. If you meet the education and experience prerequisites, then this could be considered one of the quick certifications that pay well.

• Median pay: $98,580
• Top pay: $163,040
• Average annual job openings: 77,000

Skilled Trades Jobs That Require Certification

If you are looking for certifications that pay, then the skilled trades may be your answer. To reach your fullest potential within the skilled trades sector, you may need to become certified or licensed as a journeyperson within your chosen profession. Though helper and assistant jobs are available throughout the skilled trades field, having a journeyperson certification will enable you to complete more tasks and work unsupervised.

There are a couple of routes that you can take to become a journeyperson. As one option, you can take a short training program in order to gain the fundamental skills needed to start out in an entry-level position. Then, once you gain some industry experience, you can apply to complete an apprenticeship program. Or, as another option, you can choose to go right into an apprenticeship program directly. As you work through your apprenticeship, you actually do not spend a lot of time in school. Most apprentices only train in the classroom for up to six weeks a year, and the rest of their time is spent receiving paid on-the-job training.

So, although it can take four or five years to become a certified journeyperson, it is a career path that can pay off. And some of the most in-demand positions are in the skilled trades. Take a moment to check out some of the best certifications to have in this sector:

Carpenter: Let a carpentry school help you develop the skills that are needed for designing, planning, building, constructing, renovating, remodeling, and restoring homes and residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. As you build your professional skills, you may even decide to specialize in an area like cabinet- or furniture-making. Before you know it, you could be creating structures that are both beautiful and structurally sound.

• Median pay: $56,350
• Top pay: $94,580 or more
• Average annual job openings: 76,500

Electrician: Take part in electrical training that can start providing you with the skills needed to install, repair, and maintain residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems and prepare you for an electrical apprenticeship. It is also possible for you to take a short electrical technician program so that you can get into the workforce quickly. And then you can start working toward becoming a fully licensed electrician later on.

• Median pay: $61,590
• Top pay: $104,180 or more
• Average annual job openings: 80,200

HVAC Mechanic: Learn what it takes to professionally install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and even refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Along with completing apprenticeship training that can lead to journeyperson status, other certifications are available. All HVAC mechanics must have at least one certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). And you can achieve additional professional credentials from HVAC Excellence or North American Technician Excellence (NATE). HVAC schooling typically takes from eight months to two years.

• Median pay: $57,300
• Top pay: $84,250 or more
• Average annual job openings: 42,500

Plumber: Develop the practical and professional plumbing skills needed to excel in this interesting and varied career field. You could also prepare to enter a related field like pipefitting, gas fitting, or steam fitting, all of which are specialties within the plumbing trade. Getting into this line of work can mean enjoying a number of excellent job opportunities and earning a good, steady paycheck.

• Median pay: $61,550
• Top pay: $103,140 or more
• Average annual job openings: 43,300

Welder: Trade schools for welding help students develop the knowledge and abilities needed to forge metal in commercial and industrial settings. Welders often work for manufacturing or construction companies. In fact, when it comes to the concentration of employment, 2023 OEWS program data shows that the top five industries for welders are: (1) railroad rolling stock manufacturers; (2) fabricated metal product manufacturers; (3) automobile and trailer manufacturers; (4) ship and boat building companies; and (5) machinery manufacturing. By pursuing certification as a licensed welder, you are opening yourself up to a great amount of potential in terms of earnings and vocational possibilities.

• Median pay: $48,940
• Top pay: $72,970 or more
• Average annual job openings: 45,800

Position Yourself to Achieve Success

You have a lot of options for attaining certifications that pay well. Some of them can be earned quickly, whereas others require a certain level of education and experience in order to achieve them. Now that you have come up with ideas for the best choices for you, begin searching for schools that can help you put your ideas into action. Find some of the best certificate programs near you by entering your zip code below. It's a simple first step toward a brighter future!