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Are you looking for ways to increase your paycheck but want to avoid returning to school for years?
Certifications can be a great way to increase your income and take your career to the next level.
Whether you’re just beginning or already a seasoned pro, getting the right certification can open doors and boost your income.
Employers are always looking for employees who have taken the initiative to stay current in their field and better understand the industry.
In this article, we have compiled 24 easy certifications that can help you increase your paycheck the most, from technical skills to project management and even soft skills.
You can earn many of these certifications online in just a few months, making them easy to access and super convenient.
Why not start today by investing in your future by choosing the right certification to increase your paycheck and open doors to new opportunities?
#1. Personal Trainer
If you are a fitness enthusiast and enjoy motivating people, getting a personal trainer certification is a great way to increase your paycheck.
Depending on their experience and client base, personal trainers can earn between $30,000 and over $80,000 annually.
#2. Phlebotomist
If you are interested in the healthcare industry, getting a phlebotomist certification is a quick way to increase your paycheck.
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients and prepare it for medical testing, so if you are squeamish, this might not be for you, but with a possible income of $40,000 a year, it’s definitely worth considering.
#3. Dental Assistant
Dental assistants work with dentists, performing various tasks such as sterilizing instruments and taking X-rays.
With a certification, you can earn up to $25 dollars an hour, and it only requires a training program of 9 to 12 months.
#4. ScrumMaster
If you have a project management or software development background, consider becoming a certified ScrumMaster.
With an average income of $75 an hour, this certification can greatly increase your earning potential.
#5. Medical Coder
Do you have an eye for detail, and do you like working in healthcare?
As a certified medical coder, you translate written descriptions of diagnoses, procedures, and services into numeric or alphanumeric codes, earning an average of $50,000 per year.
#6. CNA
Becoming a certified nursing assistant is a great way to increase your paycheck and enter a field where you help people.
Completing the required training and certification takes only a few months, and you can earn an average of $30,000 annually.
#7. CompTIA A+
Becoming a certified Comp IT can open up many job opportunities in the tech industry.
You can receive your certification in just a few months and earn an average salary of $52,000 annually.
#8. Real Estate Broker
Getting a real estate broker certification could be the way to go if you have a passion for sales and an interest in the housing market.
Your salary will depend on your commissions, but brokers earn over $50,000 per year on average.
#9. Bookkeeper
Do you enjoy working with numbers and have a knack for organization? Consider becoming a certified bookkeeper.
With just 6 to 12 months of training, you can start earning an average salary of $40,000 per year.
#10. Event Planner
Event planners are in high demand, especially as more companies and individuals seek help organizing events.
With a certification in event planning, you can earn an average salary of $45,000 per year while creating memorable experiences for clients.
#11. CDL Driver
If you prefer a more hands-on job, becoming a CDL driver may be the perfect fit if you enjoy driving and want to see the country.
With the demand for truck drivers rising, getting your CDL certification can lead to a steady salary of over $50,000 annually.
#12. EMT/Paramedic
Becoming a certified EMT or paramedic is a great way to earn more money if you can work in high-pressure situations and want to help others.
With the average salary for EMTs and paramedics at $35,000 per year, this career path is financially and personally rewarding.
#13. Data Science
Data science is a rapidly growing field and a great certification to pursue if you have a strong aptitude for math and coding.
Data science salaries can reach upwards of $100,000 per year, making it a great career choice.
#14. Paralegal
Becoming a certified paralegal or legal assistant can open up many job opportunities if you want to enter the legal field.
With an average salary of $50,000 per year and a certification taking less than a year to obtain, this is an excellent option for anyone wanting a stable and well-paying job.
#15. Pharmacy Technician
Certification to become a pharmacy technician can take less than a year, and you can bring in a salary of $30,000 to $45,000 annually.
It’s a great job for anyone interested in the medical field who doesn’t want to spend the time or money to become a doctor or nurse.
#16. Sign Language Interpreter
Becoming a certified sign language interpreter can be a great choice for those interested in language and communication.
With an average salary of $65,000 per year and a certification that takes about two years to obtain, this is a fulfilling and well-paying career option.
#17. UX Designer
A UX designer creates user-friendly and visually appealing designs for websites, apps, and other digital products, and they are in high demand.
If you have a creative and technical mindset, you could earn an average of around $94,000 in this career. It’s definitely a field with solid earning potential.
#18. Diesel Tech
If you prefer the trade route, enjoy working with your hands, and are interested in mechanics, becoming a diesel technician could be a great career option.
Certification can take less than a year, and you can earn an average salary of $50,000 annually.
#19. LPN
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse is a great way to enter the healthcare field without completing a long four-year degree.
With only about one year of certification, LPNs can earn an average salary of $50,000 per year.
#20. AWS Cloud Computing
Companies constantly want to hire professionals skilled in cloud computing, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most in-demand cloud computing platforms.
Certification in AWS can take anywhere from a few months to a year, and professionals with this certification can earn an average salary of $100,000 per year.
#21. Welding Inspector
Welding inspectors are responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of welded materials in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
While certification programs typically take only a few months to complete, welding inspectors can earn an average salary of $65,000 per year.
#22. Financial Planner
If you are good with money and enjoy helping others manage their finances, consider becoming a financial planner.
Becoming a certified financial planner may take a bit longer, with some programs taking up to two years to complete.
However, it can increase earnings by 16%, with an average salary of over $100,000 per year.
#23. Interior Designer
Do you love design and have a keen eye for aesthetics? Then, you may want to pursue an interior designer certification.
You can earn your certification in under a year and be ready to start creating beautiful spaces for clients.
#24. Digital Marketing Manager
If you understand social media platforms and online advertising, why not become a digital marketing manager?
Some marketing certifications you might look into are Google AdWords, Facebook Blueprint, and Hootsuite Social Media Marketing.
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I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.