Top Certifications that Pay Well

There are some jobs that don’t require a college degree. Instead, employers look to hire people with certifications. If you’re looking for certifications that pay well, then you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve sourced a list of some of the highest paying certificate jobs so that you can choose which one best fits your career goals.

What is a Certification Program?

Before we dive into the options, let’s review what a certification program is exactly.

A certification is a credential that serves as a signal to employers that you have obtained the required skills and knowledge for a specific role. In most cases, a certification program is designed for a specific industry, role, or technology.

Professional organizations, colleges, and companies offer certification programs. With a certification, you can apply for jobs with a high chance of being hired because you demonstrate that you have exactly what is needed to get the job done.

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Certifications That Pay Well

There are countless certification programs available. Here, we will share some certificates that pay well.

1. Wind Turbine Technician

Wind turbine technicians, or wind techs, work to replace parts and fix wind turbines. Wind turbines operate with hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical parts so the job is highly technical. This is why the certification program exists because you will learn specific skills for the job. The job is not well-suited for anyone who is scared of heights.

Typically, wind turbine certificate programs consist of 28 units.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual salary for a wind turbine technician is $56,230.

2. Phlebotomist

When you get your blood taken, the important task is performed by a phlebotomist. Professional certification courses for phlebotomists teach people how to draw the right amount of blood safely, dispose of materials, and how to insert the needle.

Community colleges, vocational schools, and technical schools will offer this type of program.

Phlebotomists earn an average of $36,320 annually.

3. Medical Assistant

For anyone who wishes to work in the medical field without having to earn a four-year degree, the medical assistant certification is a great option. There are even online certification programs available! Medical assistants work alongside doctors, nurses, and patients in medical settings and labs to provide aid.

Although it’s an entry-level position within the field, there is a lot of room for growth.

The average salary of a medical assistant is $35,850 per year. 

4. Medical Records Technician

In about a year of study, you can become a medical records technician. In this role, you are responsible for maintaining and organizing medical records, including adding doctor’s notes into files for patients.

Medical records technicians earn a salary of about $44,090 annually.

5. Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)

To become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), it is required that you take and pass the National Council Licensure Exam. LPNs/LVNs begin their education with a high school diploma, or GED equivalent. Then, they can become certified by taking courses and passing the exam.

LPN and LVNs work in doctor’s offices, nursing homes, military facilities, residential care facilities and more to help take care of patients. They may change bandages on wounds, track medical history, discuss patient’s concerns, manage equipment, and more.

Their average salary per year is $48,820. 

6. Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet metal workers find jobs in industrial settings to assemble, repair, install, and design sheet metal products.

Certification courses provide hands-on training for this hands-on role. Students learn how to work with different types of metal like brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, to name a few.

The average salary for this position is $51,370. 

7. Surgical Technologist

Surgeons rarely work alone. In an operation room, surgical technologists assist both nurses and doctors in performing surgery.

This certificate program offers another opportunity for anyone who wishes to work in the medical field to do so without having to complete degree programs. This entry-level position offers a great starting point for someone looking to familiarize themself with medical care and training to see if they’d like to continue up the ladder.

Surgical technologists have an average salary of $49,710. 

8. HVAC Technicians

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC technicians are qualified to install, repair, and maintain heating and air conditioning units. They can choose to specialize in installation, repair, or maintenance, or work on all three for specific or various types of equipment.

They can earn an average of $50,590. The profession is expected to grow at an average rate of 4% between 2019-2029.

9. Massage Therapist

If you enjoy working with your hands, then you can become a certified massage therapist by enrolling in a certificate program. Students will also be prepared to sit for the Board Certification Exams (BCTMB) upon completion of a program. Massage therapists help to heal and treat physical ailments for patients and work in settings like wellness clinics, private practices, and even in patient’s homes.

On average, massage therapists make $43,620 yearly. However, it is possible to earn six figures in this role. The job outlook is growing much faster than average at a rate of 21% between 2019-2029.

Alternatives: Affordable Degrees

As you can see, there exists diverse opportunities to obtain solid paying positions with nothing more than the completion of a certificate program. Some students decide to enroll in a certificate program because it takes less time and typically costs less than degree programs.

But what if you could earn an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree at your own pace without having to pay tuition fees? If this sounds intriguing to you to help you reach your career goals, then a tuition-free degree from the University of the People is waiting for you!

Our entirely online and accredited university allows students from all around the world to graduate with degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, and Education. The flexibility of our online programs means that you get to choose when to log on and learn!

The Bottom Line

Certifications that pay well exist in many industries and professions. Once you know what type of job is calling your name, you can see what type of education is required. If it’s the case that a certification is all that’s needed, then you can get going by enrolling either online or in-person.

Alternatively, you can always earn a degree from the University of the People and then obtain certifications on an as-needed or wanted basis, if it will serve your career goals.