Getting a college-level degree is not only expensive but time-consuming. But, there are many high-paying careers available without a college degree . Instead, these types of jobs require short certificate programs.
If you want a job that requires additional education but not a four-year degree, consider completing a short-term certificate program.
10 Careers You Can Get With the Right Certification
A short-term certification program not only offers you the higher education you prefer but pays well. Below is an overview of ten different short certifications that pay well.
1. Phlebotomist
Time to complete certificate: Between 4-8 months.
Salary estimate: Roughly $36.3K per year .
Job description and responsibilities: A phlebotomist must be okay with bodily fluids, especially blood. A phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood for a variety of purposes.
To be a phlebotomist, you must complete a postsecondary certification program. Usually, phlebotomists are notably knowledgeable about anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. They have experience with hands-on clinical work that is offered as part of the certification program.
2. Plumber
Time to complete certificate: 2 years
Salary estimate: Roughly $56.3K per year .
Job description and responsibilities: Plumbers install plumbing systems, which include pipelines and piping systems. They respond to and fix any maintenance issues. A plumber needs to have a high school diploma and some form of higher education, whether it be a certificate or a license. They are knowledgeable in the fields of science and math, in particular.
3. Electrician
Time to complete certificate: About 2 years, but specifics depend on the state’s licensing requirements.
Salary estimate: Roughly $56.9K per year .
Job description and responsibilities: Electricians install electrical power. If anything goes awry with electrical power, lighting, and other control systems, an electrician is responsible for the maintenance and repair.
An electrician must be handy and knowledgeable. Licensing is typically required to become an electrician, which is obtained through an apprenticeship. Much hands-on work is crucial to performing job duties safely and legally.
4. HVAC Technician
Time to complete certificate: 9 months, on average.
Salary estimate: Roughly $50.5K per year .
Job description and responsibilities: HVAC technicians service and perform maintenance on any part of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems within residential or commercial structures.
The education needed to become an HVAC technician is a high school diploma and an HVAC certificate. HVAC technicians are timely, responsible, and quick to learn.
5. Dental Hygienists
Time to complete certificate: 2 years.
Salary estimate: Roughly $77K per year .
Job description and responsibilities: A dental hygienist focuses on oral hygiene. They prevent and treat any abnormalities regarding patient oral health and are knowledgeable about oral anatomy and physiology. They are also kind and have good communication skills.
6. Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA)
Time to complete certificate: A few months to a year.
Salary estimate: Roughly $30.8K per year .
Job description and responsibilities: As per the title, a certified nurse’s assistant must obtain a certification and is responsible for assisting the nurse on duty with whatever the nurse needs. Assisting nurses can range from aiding with patient transport, measuring vital signs, and helping patients with day-to-day activities.
7. IT Support
Time to complete certificate: There are multiple IT certificates available. On average, an IT certificate takes between 1 to 2 years to obtain.
Salary estimate: Roughly $55.5K per year .
Job description and responsibilities: An IT support specialist helps anyone with an IT issue, be it an organization or an individual. IT specialists are good communicators who are technically savvy. Either an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate is required.
8. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Time to complete certificate: 6 months.
Salary estimate: Roughly $36.6K per year .
Job description and responsibilities: An EMT is responsible for answering and responding to emergency 911 calls. When dispatched, they arrive at the place of the emergency and determine which steps to take next to address the critical situation.
EMTs have a certification in performing CPR. Apart from having a high school diploma, EMTs must complete a postsecondary certification program focusing on providing emergency care and require a passing score on the certification exams.
Because of the nature of the job, an EMT must be physically and emotionally strong. Having compassion and a will to serve others is necessary for this job.
9. Firefighter
Time to complete certificate: Between 3 months to several years .
Salary estimate: Roughly $52.5K per year .
Job description and responsibilities: Firefighters put out fires and aid other first response personnel in emergencies. Firefighters are compassionate and have the heart to serve others. There is a required physical test and written tests in addition to fire academy training to become a firefighter.
10. Real Estate Broker
Time to complete certificate: Typically less than a year.
Salary estimate: Roughly $51.2K per year .
Job description and responsibilities: A real estate broker aids buyers in purchasing a house and completes all of the necessary paperwork. An excellent real estate broker is friendly and supportive. Pre-licensure education and a license are necessary to becoming a real estate broker.
People Also Ask
What is the quickest certification to get?
A personal trainer certificate is obtained in as little as 8 weeks. Following closely behind is a web developer at 9 weeks in program length.
What are some quick certification programs?
Each of the 10 certificate programs listed above is relatively quick to complete. Additional short certification programs include personal trainer, web developer, massage therapist, and nail technician.
How can I make 100,000 a year without a degree?
Experience makes all the difference in terms of salary. Certificate programs provide a foundation upon which to build your career. Entry-level jobs earn entry-level pay, but with more experience comes higher pay.
What is the highest paying job with little schooling?
A user interface designer is amongst the top-paying jobs that do not require much schooling.
High Pay, Little Schooling
A degree is not necessary to land a high-paying job. Certifications pay well and do not come with as much financial burden as a four-year degree does.