Earn More Money With These Quick Career Certifications

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12 Quick Certifications That Could Launch You Into a Higher-Paying Job (financebuzz.com)

Ditch the Degree? 12 High-Paying Jobs You Can Get With Just a Certification!

Thinking about a career change or just want to boost your income? While hitting the books for another advanced degree is certainly an option, it’s not the only path to a fatter paycheck! Turns out, there are tons of professional certification programs out there – some quick, some affordable – that can land you in fantastic careers with serious earning potential.

We’ve scoured the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (your go-to for all things job-related!)

to bring you 12 top-tier jobs that only require a certification to get started. Let’s dive in, from the lowest to the highest median annual wages!

1. Pharmacy Technician

Ever wonder who helps pharmacists keep everything running smoothly at your local drug store, grocery, or even hospital? That’s a pharmacy technician!

While requirements vary by state, many simply need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training. For those looking for a formal edge, a pharmacy technology education program can get you certified.

On average, these pros pull in about $43,460 a year.

2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

If you’re drawn to the healthcare industry and want to make a difference fast, EMT training could be your ticket. These programs, often less than six months long, teach vital life-saving techniques and other essential medical skills. EMTs earn an average of $46,350 annually, and while state requirements differ, a license is always a must.

3. Phlebotomist

Here’s another medical field gem that’s accessible with rapid training! Phlebotomists are the skilled individuals who draw blood in hospitals, doctor’s offices, donor centers, and labs.

Training programs typically wrap up in under a year, and many employers prefer candidates with a professional certification. The average salary hovers around $43,660 a year.

4. Flight Attendant

Got a serious case of wanderlust and don’t mind a flexible schedule? Becoming a flight attendant might just be your calling!

Getting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified is usually a speedy process, often completed in just weeks. After that, airlines provide their own specialized training on safety and company specifics.

Flight attendants enjoy an average annual income of about $67,130.

5. Welder

Welders are the unsung heroes who join metal parts, whether with hand-held tools or robotic equipment. The certification process can be relatively quick – just pass a test through the American Welding Society to demonstrate your skills, honed through training or experience. Earning about $51,000 annually, welders find work in diverse industries like manufacturing and construction, with some even tackling the depths as underwater welders!

6. Massage Therapist

While some programs extend up to two years, you can actually become a certified massage therapist in just a few months! These professionals manipulate muscles and joints to help clients with pain and soreness.

Certification programs vary depending on your specialty and might require 500 to 1,000 hours of study. Most states also require certification or licensing.

The average annual salary is around $57,950.

7. Air Traffic Controller

Now, this one’s a bit more involved, but it’s also the highest-paying on our list! Becoming an air traffic controller typically requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree through the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, followed by FAA training.

It’s a demanding job, demanding constant vigilance to ensure aircraft safety. But the payoff?

An impressive average annual salary of about $144,580.

8. HVACR Technician

HVACR technicians are the folks who keep our heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems running smoothly in homes, offices, and beyond. Licensing varies by state, but you can typically enroll in a community college or trade school for a certificate or associate’s degree, with programs lasting from six months to two years. According to BLS data, HVACR technicians earn about $59,810 annually.

9. Physical Therapist Aide

Physical therapist aides (PTAs) work alongside physical therapists and often start with just a high school diploma and on-the-job training. However, completing a PTA certification program, which can take up to two years, can be a big advantage.

Some states may require a specific license. (If you’re aiming higher, physical therapy assistants, who typically earn more, need to pass the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy exam.)

Combined, physical therapist aides and assistants average $60,050 annually.

10. Insurance Sales Agent

If sales are your forte, getting certified to sell insurance – whether it’s life, health, disability, home, or auto – is usually a swift process. States regulate insurance sales differently, but you’ll need to be licensed in the states where you operate.

Many agents start with just a high school diploma and training, though some states require passing an exam. On average, insurance sales agents earn about $60,370 per year.

11. Construction/Building Inspector

Becoming a construction or building inspector can happen very quickly, and here’s a bonus: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a free program!

These inspectors ensure construction sites and buildings meet regulations like building codes and zoning. The EPA’s course involves five training modules and a final exam for certification.

Construction/building inspectors average $72,120 annually.

12. Web Developer

Interested in coding and building websites? There’s a booming market for web developers, with plenty of training camps and certification programs available.

These “boot camps” often teach the essentials like HTML, CSS, and other languages, typically ranging from 10 weeks to a few months. Many community colleges and universities now offer these bootcamp-style courses.

On average, web developers rake in $95,380 annually.

The Bottom Line

Snagging a specialty certification or license can open doors to incredible career opportunities and give your finances a serious boost. The best part? Many of these programs don’t require the traditional four-year college grind.

As you ponder new career paths and bigger paychecks, it’s always smart to start planning how you’ll make the most of your increased earnings.

Smart Money Moves for Everyone

No matter your current bank balance, there’s always room to grow your wealth. Here’s a quick guide to kickstart your financial journey today:

Boost Your Income: If bills are tight, explore side hustles that fit your schedule or look into other legitimate ways to keep more cash in your wallet.
Grow What You Have: Time and compound interest are your best friends for wealth building.

Understand your current financial standing and create a plan. For early retirement dreams, a professional financial advisor can be a game-changer.

Seize Opportunities: Maximize benefits, discounts, and money-saving deals. Always compare auto insurance rates to potentially save hundreds.

And on the flip side, be vigilant against financial traps that silently drain your account!