Certificate programs for you to consider
When people think about top salary careers, they often think about jobs that require a traditional bachelor's, master's, or even doctoral degree. However, there are many jobs out there that can earn you an excellent salary with no extensive higher education requirements. Certificate programs are often much shorter than degree programs and provide a number of excellent benefits. Learn what certificate programs are, review the advantages of completing one, and consider a list of potential programs for you to try.What is a certificate program?
A certificate program is a short-term training program, usually related to a specific skill or trade. They’re often thought of as alternatives to traditional degree programs. These training programs are designed to prepare you for a specific career by giving you the necessary education and training to perform that role following completion of the program.
Some people enter a certificate program directly after high school instead of attending a college or university. Others acquire certificates during their career to improve promotion and salary opportunities or use a training program to transition into an entirely new career field midway through their working years.
15 high-paying careers with certificate programs
These 15 positions pay very well and usually don’t require higher education other than a certificate:
Emergency medical technician (EMT)
Average Base Pay: $35,830 per year
Most EMTs are required to have a certificate in EMT-I Basic. Usually, this program takes about two years to complete. Once finished, you’ll be on your way to an exciting and fulfilling career assisting those in need during medical emergencies.
Industrial engineering technician
Average Base Pay: $65,969 per year
To become an industrial engineering technician, you’ll need a certificate from a vocational-technical school or an associate’s degree. Either of these options takes about two years to complete. Industrial engineering technicians interpret and revise engineering drawings and schematics and help plan work assignments.
Funeral director
Average Base Pay: $48,536 per year
The National Funeral Directors Association offers a number of specific certificates like arranger training, cremation certification, and certified celebrant training. These certificates can help you find work as a funeral director, performing job responsibilities like arranging funerals and communicating with the deceased’s family and friends.
Real estate broker
Average Base Pay: $75,823 per year
Each state dictates the necessary licensing and certification requirements for real estate brokers. In most states, real estate brokers must complete a series of trainings and certificates to be qualified to work. This role differs from that of a real estate agent in that brokers can own their own brokerage firms and employ other agents.
Brick mason
Average Base Pay: $69,839 per year
The Mason Contractors Association of America provides certification for masonry companies to ensure proper education and training. Other similar programs are available for independent brick masons to complete. Common responsibilities for brick masons include laying brick, stone, and tile and completing repairs on stonework.
Plumber
Average Base Pay: $47,949 per year
Many plumbers earn certifications as they gain on-the-job skills and experience to expand the work they can do and their career potential. A few common certifications are UPC Master Level Plumber and UPC Journey Level Plumber. Plumbers perform job duties like fixing leaky pipes and installing sinks and toilets.
Personal trainer
Average Base Pay: $40,000 per year
The National Academy of Sports Medicine offers several options for earning certification as a personal trainer. Most gyms, fitness centers, and other personal trainer employers expect their employees to hold a certification. Personal trainers perform tasks like helping clients workout safely, creating fitness plans, and managing scheduling in the fitness facility.
Air traffic controller
Average Base Pay: $41,665 per year
Air traffic controllers can earn a variety of degrees, ranging from associate’s degrees to master’s degrees. Associate degree programs are usually only two years and equip prospective controllers with the necessary skills to manage plane traffic in the air and on the ground.
Medical coder
Average Base Pay: $33,716 per year
While certification is not required for medical coders, those who choose to complete one might find they have increased job opportunities and higher salary offers from perspective employers. The American Academy of Professional Coders offer multiple medical coding certificates to help medical coders better perform their job duties, like appropriately coding medical bills for insurance companies.
Firefighter
Average Base Pay: $50,346 per year
Firefighters are responsible for more than just controlling structure fires and wildfires. They also have to administer emergency medical care to people injured as a result of the fire. As such, firefighters must have training and certification as EMTs or paramedics.
Web developer
Average Base Pay: $68,524 per year
Many web developers are self taught. This field is constantly growing, adapting, and changing, so certificates are a great way to quickly develop new skills and prove to prospective employers you can use them. Many web developers earn certificates in Google AdWords, ACE Web Specialist, and HTML5 App Development. Web developers often perform tasks like maintain websites, create applications, and troubleshoot technical problems.
Surgical technologist
Average Base Pay: $48,174 per year
Surgical technologist licensing and certification requirements vary by state, but most states prefer a certificate from a reputable organization. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting offers certification for surgical technologists. This career includes job duties like preparing surgical suites for operations and assisting doctors and nurses during surgery.
Building inspector
Average Base Pay: $35,086 per year
Building inspectors can earn several certificates as they progress through their careers to increase their skill set and salary potential. Common certificates include Certified Electrical Inspector Certification, Certified Professional Inspector, and Commercial Building Inspector B2 Certification. Building inspectors perform tasks like determining building compliance with state and federal laws, offering feedback on proposed plans, and monitoring construction work.
Court reporter
Average Base Pay: $44,477 per year
Court reporters often obtain certificates and continuing education to keep their skills up to date. The National Court Reporter’s Association offers several certifications for interested reporters, including Registered Professional Reporter, Certified Real Time Reporter, and Registered Merit Reporter. Court reporters create an exact record of court proceedings.
Architectural and civil drafter
Average Base Pay: $44,010 per year
Architectural and civil drafters can qualify for work by completing technical school, vocational school, or degree programs. Many opt for certificate programs over degree programs since they’re shorter and cheaper. In addition to training, most earn certification in CAD, since a major job responsibility is creating architectural drawings using CAD software.