Career Licenses That Pay Well

Not Everyone Has The Means To Go Back To School For A Four

Check out these 6-month certificate programs that pay well.

Breaking into a new career might be something you want to do, but depending on the field, the time and investment to do so can seem daunting. Not everyone has the means to go back to school for a four-year degree full-time while not earning an income. The good news is that you don’t have to get your bachelor’s degree. There are some 6-month certificate programs that pay well in the long run.

With six months of training or less, short-term career training programs or certificate programs can help you launch into a new field. Note: Certifications on a resume look extra-nice to recruiters. Some lead to well-paying jobs right away, while others provide a foot in the door to get you working and earning while you continue learning on the job and advancing in your new career.

Here are a few options for in-person or online certificate programs that could be completed in half a year or less, with data from the Monster Salary Guide.

Aws Certified Solutions Architect Associate

Candidates, who are AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate, can ensure a high salary. This certification signified proficiency in designing scalable solutions on the AWS platform. According to AmbitionBox, the salary after completing this certification starts from 2.4 lakhs and goes up to 16.0 lakhs per year.

Master’s Program: AWS Cloud Architect

Cement And Concrete Mason

• Degree or Certificate Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent preferred relevant vocational school coursework may be helpful
• Training Requirements: Variable-length apprenticeships or on-the-job training
• Median Salary : $48,040
• Salary Range : $33,590 to $78,810
• Growth Outlook : 6,000 fewer positions

This semi-skilled line of construction and restoration work requires little more than a high school diploma and an eye for detail. However, most employers prefer masons to complete coursework in relevant specialties, such as historical masonry, sustainable masonry, tile, and grout. Specialization is key for earning potential and career advancement. For example, in older cities like Philadelphia and Chicago, historical mason work is in high demand.

Even as union membership declines in other lines of work, masonry remains heavily unionized, particularly in historic union strongholds across the northern U.S. Union membership isnt a panacea, of course, but union jobs tend to be higher-paying and more secure than non-union positions.

Bear in mind that masonry work is more physically taxing than some other construction specialties and that overall employment in the field is heavily dependent on the fortunes of the broader construction industry.

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Find A Program That Works With Your Schedule

Look into what each program costs, how long each takes to complete, and what the program offers. Is there on-the-job training? What about courses or exams? Be sure to select a program that fits your schedule. For example, if you want to continue to work full-time while pursuing the program, make sure its schedule is flexible.

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 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.

• Median pay: $90,920
• Top pay: $147,670 or more
• Average annual job openings: 53,400

• Median pay: $93,750
• Top pay: $148,060 or more
• Average annual job openings: 9,700

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Airline Pilots Copilots And Flight Engineers: $198190

Working in the aviation industry can mean a lot of time away from home, but it also leads to a nice paycheck in many cases. The BLS lumps airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers into one category.

The pilot, or captain, typically has the most experience operating a plane and oversees the other members of the flight crew. The copilot is the second in command during the flight and helps the captain with responsibilities in the cockpit.

Flight engineers do preflight checks, monitor the planes cabin pressure, assess how much fuel is being burned, and perform other important duties. However, because of the increased amount of automation in new aircraft, there are fewer jobs for flight engineers than there used to be.

• Education Airline pilots usually require a bachelors degree and have an Airline Transport Pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. They often start out as commercial pilots and accrue thousands of hours of experience in the cockpit before gaining employment with an airline.
• Job Outlook There are roughly 74,700 individuals employed as airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers in the United States. The BLS expects that number to rise by 14% between 2020 and 2030.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers/cardiovascular Technologists

Median salary: $70,380Education needed: associate degreeJob growth: 12%

Sonographers use medical equipment to create images of organs, tissues and blood vessels that allow people to understand whats going on inside their bodies. Cardiovascular techs work with physicians to perform complex procedures related to heart health, such as inserting stents or pacemakers. They also help perform tests to diagnose cardiac health problems in patients.

These jobs are experiencing higher than average growth, which means you should have plenty of employment opportunities if you go this route!

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Audio And Sound Technician

A sound technician handles assembling, operating, and maintaining the technical equipment used for recordings. A big part of their job is to test every piece of equipment and ensure optimum results. With their help, sound engineers can record, enhance, amplify, mix, or reproduce sound. Sound technicians test the equipment, make necessary adjustments during a recording or sound production. They are trained to identify the sound requirements for a given task or situation and perform adjustments to get the best results. They work in concert venues, recording studios, TV and film sets, or radio stations.

• Median Annual Salary 2020 : $47,920

Detectives And Criminal Investigators

Median annual wage: $79,970Projected job growth through 2026: 5 percent

These types of law enforcement officers collect evidence and gather facts for criminal cases. They conduct interviews, examine records, observe the activities of suspects and participate in raids and arrests. They typically specialize in one type of crime such as homicide or fraud and work on a case until an arrest and trial are completed or the case is dropped.

To become a detective, you’ll need at least a high school diploma, although many federal agencies and some police departments require college coursework or a college degree.

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What Are The Highest

The highest-paying trade jobs include construction manager, elevator and escalator installer, and radiation therapist. The median salary in 2020 for a construction manager was $97,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Elevator installers made a median salary of $88,540, and radiation therapists earned $86,850. However, some of these higher-paying roles require an associate degree.

Certified Aircraft Maintenance Technicians

Certified Aircraft maintenance technicians are in high demand. They perform preventive and routine maintenance on all types of planes and helicopters. They are responsible for the repair and scheduled maintenance jobs that ensure plane and passenger safety. They are trained to meet all safety standards so that accidents and crashes can be averted. Anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll in an FAA-certified program and train to become an aircraft mechanic. They work for public and private airline companies as well as the military.

• Median Annual Salary 2020 : $66,680

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What Is The Value Of Online Certifications Versus Traditional Programs

The value of online certifications is growing every day. Compared to a few years ago when traditional programs took center stage, now students are on the lookout for online options. More and more employers wish to fill the skills gap and are therefore looking out for skilled professionals in their fields. For them, technical and skills-based training is more important than a generic college degree. Students who are trained in specific jobs are their answers to combat the acute shortage of trained workers. They are also willing to pay the top dollar for these skilled workers since they cannot run the business without them.

A lot of these jobs require only a high school diploma and specialized certificate. These are entry-level roles but offer great pay and great potential for growth. Students can complete these certifications online and within a few months, which will allow them to find jobs faster. They have to choose a program that aligns with their interests, skills, educational, and career backgrounds. They also have to keep in mind the cost of the program. They can stack more of these credentials as they start working and pave the way for a lucrative career.

Online certifications are also great for professionals with a college degree. It allows them to add specific skill sets to their resume and upgrade their skills as they continue to work.

What Kind Of Online Certifications Are In Demand And Pay Well

Many online certificate programs lead to well-paying jobs. The demand for these programs is growing, more so during the pandemic. With the economy badly affected, many people have lost jobs. They are looking for certificate programs to upgrade their skills or learn new ones to get back into the job scene. They can choose several career-advancement certificate programs that are affordable, easy to enroll in, and complete within a few months. These online programs offer skills-based training and the credentials needed for various jobs.

Many industries are looking for skills-based training instead of a college degree. They recognize and accept employees who hold a high school diploma and certifications instead of a college degree. These programs help students get jobs and start earning right after high school. They get the training and knowledge to proceed with specific careers that pay well.

Some even pursue advanced degrees later on to ensure career growth. These online certificate programs attract many young students and experienced professionals looking to grow in their careers. They are using these to upgrade their skills or learn something new, especially during the pandemic.

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Elevator Installers And Repairers

Median annual wage: $79,480Projected job growth through 2026: 12 percent

Keeping people moving with little personal effort is big business. Demand for elevator installers and repairers is expected to grow at 12 percent in the next seven years, much faster than the average rate for most U.S. jobs, according to the BLS. These workers install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, chairlifts and other lifts. Elevator repairers typically earn a little more as their job requires a greater knowledge of electronics, hydraulics and electricity than do installers, since a large part of maintenance and repair work is troubleshooting.

Becoming an elevator installer or repairer starts with a four-year apprenticeship program sponsored by a union, industry association or individual contractor. To enter such a program, you’ll need a high school diploma. Even after the program, on-going training is required and 35 states, currently, require an installer or repairer to be licensed.

Paralegal Or Legal Assistant

Supporting lawyers by taking care of responsibilities like legal research, administrative tasks, or document drafting is what these well-paid professionals are trained for. An associate degree in legal assisting or paralegal studiescan be completed in just two years.

• Median pay: $56,230
• Top pay: $88,640 or more

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Why Get A Certification

As many take less than a year to complete, getting quick certifications is a great way to increase your wages and stand out from the crowd. Gaining more skills and knowledge about your field and industry can set you apart when applying for a new job or promotion.

Whether you take them online, through the local community college, or in trade school, quick certifications that pay well are a great way to differentiate yourself, especially in a crowded industry.

Air Traffic Controller Certification Programs

Time to complete: up to 4 yearsAverage salary: $127,440

Air traffic controllers are required to have at least three years of progressive work experience, a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of both. An alternative solution is completing an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program, which is approved by the FAA.

The program teaches aviation administration and how to properly control air traffic. After graduating from the program, air traffic controllers can skip the Air Traffic Basics course that occurs during the first five weeks of FAA Academy training.

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Medical Billing And Coding Technician

Medical records and health information technicians specialize in medical billing and coding. They take information from patients medical records and assign codes for each diagnosis. They also assign codes for each procedure. The codes are then used for planning, research, and billing insurance providers.

Some people want to get into healthcare, but they do not want to work with patients. They would instead work with numbers and data. If this sounds like you, medical coding and billing may be your career. Similarly, there are also programs that train students to become a medical records technician.

The future employment prospects for those in medical coding certification and health information technology are bright. The growth rate will increase eight percent through 2029. Another 30,000 positions will open up nationwide. Best of all, medical coding is one of those great jobs you can get certified for online. Its another one of those high-paying jobs with online certificate options.

Average Annual Income: $42,630

Educational Requirements:

Education for this position often consists of hands-on training and certificate programs. It is possible to start in the field with no post-secondary education whatsoever. Many prospective billers and coders choose to get certificates or degrees. This can help them excel at their jobs and get an edge over the competition.

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Wholesale And Manufacturing Sales Representatives

Median salary: $65,420Education needed: varies, on-the-job trainingJob growth: 2%

Sales reps can work in a variety of products and industries. Many positions are available to people with a high school diploma, but if youre wanting to get into a more technical product, like medical instruments, you might need a bachelors degree.

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Media And Communication Equipment Workers

Median annual wage: $79,500Projected job growth through 2026: 8 percent

In-demand in the movie and film industry, these workers install, maintain and repair audio and visual systems in businesses and homes. They also typically train customers in how to use the equipment appropriately.

Breaking into this role requires only a high school diploma, though those with experience in electrical installation and repair or those with a certification or associate’s degree in a related field may find it easier to get hired. Workers will need short-term on-the-job training.

Does Your Current Or New Occupation Require A License

To obtain a license you must demonstrate that you meet state standards for that career. Steps include completing specified training, logging a designated amount of work experience, and taking a licensure exam. Most exams assess knowledge of work processes, codes, policies, standard practices, and more.

Most licenses are authorized by state government and give an individual the right to practice that field. Licensure requirements for some occupations vary by state, so be sure to check your state requirements.

Although you may have heard the term certification used interchangeably with licensure, a major difference is that certifications are not required, though still helpful in qualifying for a competitive job, while licensure is legally required to practice certain professions.

• Visit to find out which careers require a license and get contact information for the licensure process in your state.
• People who have had a criminal conviction may be unable to obtain a license for some fields. Visit to learn more.

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