In today’s competitive job market, having more than just a high school diploma is often essential for securing a prosperous career. While an associate degree is an excellent option, not everyone has the time or financial means to dedicate four years to earning a bachelor’s degree. This article provides a list of high-paying (6-Month Online Certificate Programs) career certificate programs that you can complete in one year or less. You’ll also find information on online certificate programs that might interest you, along with average salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Highest Paying Trade School Careers Summary
Before we dive into the details of these fast-track certificate programs, here’s a quick summary of the careers that pay well in trade schools:
- Construction Managers
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
- Radiation Therapists
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Dental Hygienists
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians
- Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
- Boilermakers
Read also, Strategies for managing high workloads
Fast-Track Certificates – Trades You Can Learn in 6 Months or Less
1. Flight Attendant
- 2023 Median Salary: $63,760
- Quickest Program Length: 3-6 weeks
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 21% – much faster than average
If you’re seeking a career with travel benefits, consider becoming a flight attendant. This role involves serving passengers food and drinks and providing assistance during flights. The job offers a diverse schedule, potentially including nighttime, weekend, and holiday commitments. If you have a passion for travel, this certification is an excellent choice.
Certificate Opportunities:
- Inflight Institute
- The Travel Academy
2. Electrician
- 2023 Median Salary: $60,040
- Quickest Program Length: 8-9 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 1% – less than average
Electricians are responsible for handling electrical wiring issues in residential and commercial settings. They also install monitoring systems, smart devices, cameras, and more. This profession involves working in various locations and under different conditions, sometimes extreme temperatures. Despite the lower than average job growth, electricians earn a high income, making this certification a valuable investment.
Certificate Opportunities:
- Ashworth College
3. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (HVACR)
- 2023 Median Salary: $48,630
- Quickest Program Length: 6 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 5% – as fast as average
As an HVACR technician, you’ll install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems, as well as ventilation and refrigeration systems. This job takes place in various settings, including homes, offices, hospitals, and more. Due to the public nature of these places, you may need to work irregular hours to troubleshoot and fix system issues. Before pursuing this certification, be sure to check your state’s training requirements.
Certificate Opportunities:
- The Refrigeration School
- Ashworth College
4. Physical Therapy Assistant and Aide
- 2023 Median Salary: $61,180
- Quickest Program Length: 2-4 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 24% – much faster than average
Physical therapy assistants and aides work with physical therapists to help patients recover from illnesses or injuries. Their tasks include setting up equipment, assisting patients, and handling administrative duties. This profession requires a flexible schedule, potentially involving nighttime, weekends, and holidays. It’s a rewarding career with quick training. Before pursuing it, check your local state’s licensing requirements. The field is expected to see significant job growth in the next decade.
Certificate Opportunities:
- U.S. Career Institute
6. Commercial Truck Driver
- 2023 Median Salary: $48,310
- Quickest Program Length: 7 weeks
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase 4% – as fast as average
Commercial truck drivers are essential for transporting goods to stores. The job can involve long-haul trips with overnight stays or short-haul routes. While drivers spend most of their time behind the wheel, it’s an excellent way to see different places while getting paid to work. This career offers competitive compensation and is among the highest-paying trade school careers.
Certificate Opportunities:
- CDL Training
- Best Truck Driving Schools
8. Bookkeeper
- 2023 Median Salary: $45,860
- Quickest Program Length: 6 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to decrease by -5% – Decline
Bookkeepers manage an organization’s financial affairs, including auditing records, tracking receipts, and ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing. Additional responsibilities may include journal entries, closing books, and maintaining computerized financial records. This role is perfect for individuals with financial acumen, even though it faces a declining job outlook.
Certificate Opportunities:
- Penn Foster
- U.S. Career Institute
9. Travel Agent
- 2020 Median Salary: $43,810
- Quickest Program Length: 6 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 20% – faster than average
As a travel agent, you’ll assist people in planning and booking their trips. This role includes providing advice, planning itineraries, and coordinating travel details. Most travel agents work for travel companies, but some operate from home. This career is relatively easy to enter and offers opportunities for those who love learning about different places and helping others with their travel plans.
Certificate Opportunities:
- Ashworth College
- The Travel Institute
10. Dental Assistant
- 2023 Median Salary: $44,820
- Quickest Program Length: 3 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 8% – as fast as average
Dental assistants play a versatile role, from patient check-ins to taking x-rays and assisting with various procedures. If you enjoy working with people and adding variety to your day, this career is a great fit. While it offers a competitive salary, ensure to check your state’s licensing requirements before enrolling in a program.
Certificate Opportunities:
- Stratford Career Institute
- Center Creek Dental
11. EMT and Paramedic
- 2023 Median Salary: $36,390
- Quickest Program Length: 1 week – 5 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 7% – faster than average
Becoming an EMT or paramedic is ideal for those who enjoy helping people in high-stress situations. You may go from stocking an ambulance to saving lives in an instant. In this field, you’ll learn to stabilize patients, deliver babies, manage fractures, insert IV lines, and provide critical care. EMTs and paramedics work in various settings, making it a dynamic and exciting career.
Certificate Opportunities:
- EMT & Fire Training Incorporated
- National Medical Education & Training Center
12. Phlebotomy Technician
- 2020 Median Salary: $37,380
- Quickest Program Length: 4-8 weeks
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 10% – faster than average
Phlebotomy technicians draw blood from patients for testing, research, or donations. They also educate patients about the blood-drawing process. This career offers diverse job opportunities in labs, donor centers, doctor’s offices, and hospitals. It’s a quick certification that pays well.
Certificate Opportunities:
- Contra Costa Medical Career College Online
- Phlebotomy Training Center
13. Medical Assistant
- 2020 Median Salary: $37,190
- Quickest Program Length: 6 weeks
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 16% – much faster than average
Medical assistants play a crucial role in healthcare, assisting patients and healthcare providers. They take patient histories, record vital signs, and perform administrative tasks. If you enjoy helping people stay well and having a dynamic work environment, this career is a perfect fit.
Certificate Opportunities:
- Online Medical Assistant Programs
- Become a Medical Assistant in 6 Weeks
14. Pharmacy Technician
- 2020 Median Salary: $36,740
- Quickest Program Length: 4 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 5% – as fast as average
Pharmacy technicians help people understand their medications, fill prescriptions, and provide information on medication interactions and side effects. They also assist customers in finding over-the-counter remedies. This profession offers various job opportunities, from hospitals and grocery stores to clinics and prisons. Before enrolling in a program, check your state’s licensing requirements.
Certificate Opportunities:
- Ashworth College
- US Career Institute
Short-Term Career Training Programs – 9-17 months
Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist
- 2023 Median Salary: $61,370
- Quickest Program Length: 12 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 6% – as fast as average
Electroneurodiagnostic technologists help doctors and patients by performing neurodiagnostic testing and explaining procedures. This career offers opportunities in clinics, labs, sleep centers, and hospitals. With versatile scheduling and work environments, it’s a rewarding choice for those who want to make a difference.
Certificate Opportunities:
- Concorde Career Colleges
- Mayo Clinic
Surgical Technologist
- 2023 Median Salary: $48,530
- Quickest Program Length: 12-24 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 6% – as fast as average
Surgical technologists support doctors, nurses, and patients by preparing operating rooms and sterilizing surgical equipment. They assist during surgeries, ensuring the necessary tools are available and transporting patients to recovery rooms. This role offers a varied and fast-paced work environment, making it ideal for those who thrive under pressure.
Certificate Opportunities:
- Cincinnati State
- Nashville State and Community College
Welder
- 2020 Median Salary: $47,540
- Quickest Program Length: 7 months
- Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 2% – slower than average
Welders work on assembling and repairing various structures and components. The welding field offers opportunities to move into different positions, such as senior welder or underwater welder. You can work in areas like sales, project management, and engineering. Shipyards provide jobs and housing for welders, given their busy schedules. Welding can involve working on pipelines, aircraft carriers, cruise ships, and more.