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- 12 Quick Certifications That Could Launch You Into a Higher-Paying Job (financebuzz.com)
Boost Your Earnings with These 12 In-Demand Certifications
Looking to level up your career and income without committing to a full-blown degree? Professional certifications offer a fast-track to exciting new jobs and substantial pay bumps.
Here are 12 certified professions, ranked by median annual salary, that could be your ticket to a brighter future. Salary data is sourced from the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Pharmacy Technician: Assist pharmacists, fill prescriptions, and interact with customers in various settings.
Requirements vary by state, but a high school diploma and on-the-job training are often sufficient. Certification programs in pharmacy technology can enhance your prospects.
Median annual wage: $43,460.
- Phlebotomist: Draw blood for hospitals, clinics, and labs.
Training programs typically last under a year. Certification is often preferred by employers.
Median annual wage: $43,660.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Provide vital pre-hospital medical care.
Training programs are generally less than six months, followed by state licensing. Median annual wage: $46,350.
- Welder: Join and repair metal parts using specialized equipment.
Certification through the American Welding Society, demonstrating skills acquired through training or experience, is key. Median annual wage: $51,000.
- Massage Therapist: Alleviate pain and promote wellness through muscle manipulation.
Certification programs, ranging from 500-1000 hours, are available, along with state licensing requirements. Median annual wage: $57,950.
- HVACR Technician: Install and maintain heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
Certification or an associate degree from a trade school or community college is typical, with programs lasting six months to two years. Median annual wage: $59,810.
- Physical Therapist Aide: Support physical therapists in patient care.
A high school diploma and on-the-job training are common prerequisites. Certification programs and state licensing may also be required.
Median annual wage: $60,050 (combined with Physical Therapy Assistant).
- Insurance Sales Agent: Sell various insurance products, requiring a high school diploma, training, and state licensing, often including an exam. Median annual wage: $60,370.
- Flight Attendant: Ensure passenger safety and comfort during air travel.
FAA certification is required, along with airline-specific training. Median annual wage: $67,130.
- Construction/Building Inspector: Verify compliance with building codes and regulations.
A free certification program is offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Median annual wage: $72,120.
- Web Developer: Build and maintain websites.
Coding “boot camps” and certification programs, lasting from several weeks to a few months, teach essential skills like HTML, CSS, and other programming languages. Median annual wage: $95,380.
- Air Traffic Controller: Manage air traffic flow for safe and efficient air travel.
This demanding role requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree within the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program and FAA training. Median annual wage: $144,580.
Financial Planning Tips for Everyone
Regardless of your current financial situation, there’s always room for improvement. Consider these strategies:
- Tackle Debt: Explore options like balance transfer cards and debt counseling to accelerate your debt repayment journey.
- Boost Income: Supplement your income with a part-time job or other opportunities to gain financial breathing room.
- Trim Expenses: Identify and reduce major expenses, such as auto insurance or travel costs, to free up more funds.
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- 12 Quick Certifications That Could Launch You Into a Higher-Paying Job (financebuzz.com)