Certificates and Certifications That Pay Well
May 8, 2025
Share this post:
This post was originally published in November 2023 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
Proof of proficiency for a skill or experience is often sought to demonstrate levels of expertise. Both certificates and certifications showcase various strengths desirable to potential employers, current managers, peers, and clients within your profession or industry.
While these credentials can be valuable assets while prepping for a career change, negotiating salaries, or making moves in your organization, the best part about investing in and pursuing professional development is that you’re actively taking steps toward achieving your career goals.
There are a lot of high-value skills in the workplace, and most of them go without saying. You can easily demonstrate interpersonal and technical skills in day-to-day responsibilities or interactions and even develop new skills with hands-on training. Needless to say, a certificate is not the only way you can display your professional capabilities.
However, certifications can say more than skills alone do on a resume; they are attention grabbers for promotions or on professional networking sites. And that’s because certificates mean more than time spent honing a skill and gaining knowledge.
Regardless of the subject a certificate or certification may focus on, actually making an effort and taking the time to enhance your professional repertoire shows dedication and commitment to growth. Where having skills on your resume or professional profile is important, certificates and certifications further express:
Although enrolling in a professional development course requires investing time and sometimes even money, getting specific certifications or licenses can unlock new benefits or grant access to better job opportunities.
If you’re doubtful about the cost-benefit of studying for a certificate, here are some convincing reasons why it might be the best decision for your career development:
Fortunately, professionals have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to gaining advanced lessons and certifications. But where should you start?
Well, the answer lies in what your goals are. Online certification programs are perfect for gaining a leg-up on your competition while browsing the job market. Other credentials can help solidify your foundation for long-term growth in your field and organization. And, of course, there are courses, certificates, and even on-the-job-training opportunities that can help you adapt to a related or entirely new skill set.
It’s all up to you. What are you aiming for? If you’re looking to move up in the ranks of your current company, ask yourself what the strengths and weaknesses are of those above you. Interested in rounding out or upgrading your skills? Then, begin with researching some complementary certificates that’ll help sharpen your abilities. But if you’re after a great job with a great salary, you can start here.
So, it’s settled. You have made up your mind about the importance of continuous education and are ready to invest in upskilling; now the question is whether you’ll start with a certificate, certification, or a license, but are they the same thing? If you’ve found yourself having this concern, here’s what each of these professional training modalities stands for:
A certification is supported by specific professional associations, companies or independent organizations related to certain sectors. They certify you have professional skills and knowledge that matches current industry standards, therefore they’re often required by companies for promotions or career growth.
Due to this nature, during the course of the certifications, you’ll deal with educational elements and exams; as well, they may even require you to renew them annually or every few years.
Certificates, on the other hand, only indicate you finished an educational program, therefore, they are not considered an educational asset nor certify your skills or expertise for specific roles and industries. A certificate’s worth relies on acknowledging you completed the coursework of a training program despite they don’t have a curricular value.
Similar to certifications, licenses give you the authority to work in a specific role or area, with the difference that they’re issued by state governments. In order to acquire them, the authority that grants the license will evaluate your education and experience, and even require you to present evidence of previous certifications and coursework.
As mentioned above, one of the main perks of earning a certification is having the opportunity to land a high-paying position in a variety of fields with no previous experience or college degree. Although you can find roles with better salaries in the same industries, these jobs offer good money with a lower entry barrier, have a higher demand for workers, and offer many career growth opportunities.
Here are the 10 best certifications for high-paying jobs.
Every workforce loves professionals who can help get their workload in order. Gaining a certificate in this area of work has a big payout with a $100.7 K median annual salary, especially since remote work is most likely here to stay, and third-party platforms aren’t always the solution to a well-maintained organization.
Jump online to get in line for this booming tech career path. These professionals earn an average annual salary of $95.3 K and have a faster-than-average job growth outlook. With close to 200 K jobs opened in 2020, by the end of 2030 an additional 16.5 K are expected to join the job market demand according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Finding the right coverage and managing risks pays well for these certificate seekers. Earning an average base salary of a whopping $91.8 K, professionals interested in this field can look forward to 47.1 K job openings each year.
A role in healthcare that remains in the shadows, but is still essential to guarantee patients’ well-being, is Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). As an assisting figure for physicians and registered nurses, LVNs earn approximately $79.7 K annually for nursing tasks such as dressing patient wounds, monitoring patients, cleaning medical equipment, etc.
On top of the pay, the BLS projects 54 K openings for this position each year for the rest of the decade, making it one with a highly promising outlook in the healthcare industry.
The pipe cleaning business pays really well, and even if you have to take apprenticeship programs, earning a plumbing certification will get you in the front door of the industry and a median yearly salary of $74.2 K. On top of competitive salary, construction trades positions, such as plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, have a growth expectation of 6%, a faster rate than the average.
The sun shines brightly on professionals who invest in this career path. Solar Installers in the US earn an average base salary of $74 K for their advanced handiwork installing and maintaining solar panel systems. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a job outlook growth of 48% from 2020-2030, so it’s an excellent time to get studying!
A $72.1 K median annual wage seems a fair reward for those responsible for evaluating building structures’ compliance with industry regulations and codes. Other obligations for this role include maintaining inspection records, distributing violation notices, assisting with public or client inquiries, and attending project close-out meetings.
The mastermind behind the order in the skies and on the ground for aircrafts deserves good money. Air traffic controllers are in charge of organizing airports’ takeoffs and landings, as well as ensuring there’s a safe distance between planes. Such a responsibility has an average yearly salary of $59.2 K and a projected growth rate of 3% per year until 20233.
A multibillion-dollar industry fast-tracked for digital domination makes recruitment an extremely attractive career opportunity. An annual salary for even the newest recruiters can be around $62.2 K depending on their work ethic and performance. Becoming a recruiter with some leading companies in the industry, such as gpac, has online training courses that certify you as a recruiter.
The best thing is that this course has no extra cost for you, as it’s part of your onboarding and on-the-job training. Visit gogpac.com and learn more about our services and employment options.
If you’re always working to be in your best shape, have a driven mindset, and have strong physical conditions, you’re set up to succeed as a certified personal trainer. Being in charge of your clients’ fitness plans, nutrition, and other aspects of their health will earn you an annual wage of $60.2 K. On top of the pay, the job outlook for this position is promising, with 2,700 job openings per year.
Being the first responders to 911 calls and providing critical care in emergency situations may sound like a high-pressure role, but it’s a well-rewarded position. With an average salary of $49.1 K per year and over 19,000 projected openings per year, this is a well-paying job for those who are proficient at problem-solving and have strong physical qualities.
Here are some frequently asked questions on certifications that will give access to jobs that pay well.
Several certifications are meant for beginners and require no previous background. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or HVAC Technician Certification are just a few examples of certificates that open doors to high-paying entry-level roles without prior experience.
Healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and logistics consistently offer the best return on investment for certification holders. These sectors value hands-on skills and industry certifications over formal degrees, which creates high-paying opportunities for certified professionals.
Look for accredited certifications that are widely recognized within the industry and often listed in job postings. You can also review labor statistics, employer surveys, and job platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed to see which certifications are frequently mentioned or required in high-paying job descriptions.
Jobs like cybersecurity analyst, wind turbine technician, solar photovoltaic installer, and data analyst are among the fastest-growing roles that require only certifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of these roles are projected to grow between 25% and 60% during the next decade.
Absolutely. Many professionals use certifications as a fast track to change industries or roles since they offer strong earning potential and long-term job stability without needing a four-year degree. The key is to choose a certification aligned with current job market demands and your transferable skills.
Some certifications, especially in fast-evolving fields like IT, healthcare, and construction, require renewals annually or every 2 or 3 years. Recertifications usually involve continuing education or re-testing, but the effort is worth it to maintain job eligibility and salary competitiveness.
Contributed by Mary Dominguez and Luis Arellano
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO FIND?
