10 High-Paying Jobs that Require a Certificate

Web developers create and design websites. They create the look of the site and handle the website’s performance, speed, and capacity. Web developers might work for computer systems design companies, or for marketing firms or departments, or be self-employed. While some web developers have an associate’s degree in web design, others have a certificate in web development instead.

Salary and Employment Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers earn a median income of $69,430 per year and will see much-faster-than-average job growth of 13% through 2028.

Construction and building inspectors inspect construction sites and buildings to make sure that the structures meet all required codes and regulations. Many construction and building inspectors have a certificate from a local or community college, although others have a two-year associate’s degree instead.

Salary and Employment Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction and building inspectors earn a median income of $59,700 per year and will see faster-than-average job growth of 7% through 2028.

An architectural and civil drafter creates drawings of the structural features of buildings, or creates maps of civil engineering projects (including public works, bridges, and roads). Most drafters have training in computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), engineering, mechanical drawing, and other design and engineering skills. This training can be from a certificate program, a two-year program, or even a four-year program.

Salary and Employment Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, drafters earn a median income of $55,550 per year and will see little or no job growth through 2028.

Industrial engineering technicians assist industrial engineers with revising methods of operation at manufacturing plants and other industrial sites. They help revise methods of operation, equipment layout, and more, to make a factory run more smoothly. Most industrial engineering technicians have either an associate’s degree or a certificate from a vocational-technical school.

Salary and Employment Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial engineering technicians earn a median income of $55,460 per year and will see little or no job growth through 2028.

Plumbers and pipefitters install and repair pipes at offices, homes, factories, and other buildings. Many plumbers learn their work through a certificate program and/or a four- to five-year apprenticeship. Some states also require that plumbers and pipefitters be licensed.

Salary and Employment Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pipefitters and plumbers earn a median income of $53,920 per year and will see much-faster-than-average job growth of 14% through 2028.

A court reporter transcribes, word for word, various legal proceedings such as depositions and trials. Most court reporters work in courts or legislatures. Many court reporters have at least a postsecondary certificate in court reporting from a community college or technical institute.

Salary and Employment Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters earn a median income of $57,150 per year and will see faster-than-average job growth of 7% through 2028.

Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics (also known as service technicians) inspect and repair vehicles and machinery used for transportation (including rail transportation), farming, construction, and more. More and more, employers want to hire mechanics that have completed a one- to two-year certificate program in diesel technology or heavy equipment mechanics, since some of the latest machinery is very complex.

Salary and Employment Outlook: Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics earn a median income of $50,320 per year and will see job growth of 4% through 2028––about as fast as average.

A sheet metal worker constructs and/or installs products made of thin sheet metal. This work might involve measuring and marking dimensions on sheets, drilling holes in sheets, carrying large sheets, or welding, bolting, riveting, and soldering sheets. Many sheet metal workers learn their work through an apprenticeship or a certificate program from a technical school.

Salary and Employment Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sheet metal workers earn a median income of $48,460 per year and will see faster-than-average job growth of 8% through 2028.

 These mechanics and installers, also known as HVACR technicians, work on heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems in homes, offices, and other buildings. HVACR technicians usually complete a degree or certificate program from a trade or technical school or a community college. These programs can last from six months to one year.

Salary and Employment Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVACR technicians earn a median income of $47,610 per year and will see much-faster-than-average job growth of 13% through 2028.

Surgical technologists assist in operating rooms in hospitals. They help prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, sterilize patients, and help doctors during surgeries. They often complete a certificate program in surgical technology, which can last from a few months to two years.

 Healthcare Jobs

• Dental Assistant
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Hospital Transcriptionist
• Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse
• Medical Assistant
• Medical and Clinical Lab Technician
• Medical Coder
• Medical Transcriptionist
• Pharmacy Technician
• Radiologic Technologist
• Veterinary Assistant

Industrial Jobs

• Automotive Mechanic
• Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operator
• Machinists
• Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
• Tool and Die Makers
• Welder and Welder Fitter

Other Jobs

• Computer Support Specialist
• Cosmetologist
• Firefighter
• Fitness Trainer and Instructor
• Hairdresser
• Manicurist
• Massage Therapist
• Network and Computer Systems Administrator
• Pedicurist
• Procurement Clerk
• Real Estate Agent

There are also other high-paying jobs available that don’t require a four-year degree. For some of these career options, vocational training or a two-year degree can qualify you to get started.

Apprenticeships are one of the best alternatives to consider since they combine training with pay and result in a credential or certificate upon completion. #10 High-Paying Jobs that Require a Certificate

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10 High-Paying Jobs that Require a Certificate.