Top Paying Jobs You Can Get With An Online Certificate In 2024

An online certificate is a professional credential that can be obtained by taking an internet-based course. These certifications allow you to earn qualifications that will help you develop in your career while balancing your other personal and professional responsibilities. If you’re considering pursuing an online certificate, are now enrolled in an online certification program, or have already completed one, you might be curious about the job options accessible to you once you’ve earned this qualification.

High-paying jobs you can get with an online certificate

Individuals with a high school diploma but no college education earn a median of about $712 a week, while those with a bachelor’s degree earn a median of about $1,173. These come to about $37,024 and $60,996 each year, respectively. Given these facts, any salary above those levels may qualify as high-paying.

1. Bookkeeper

• National average salary: $43,407 per year

A bookkeeper is a finance specialist who manages the financial records of a customer or employer. They document every incoming and leaving money activities to ensure the organization’s financial health. They may also help to create or finalize a budget, manage payroll activities, generate financial reports, and notify their client or employer of any issues with the ledger.

A high school diploma is typically the minimal educational required to become a bookkeeper, and many individuals without a college degree can get practical experience in the industry by becoming certified. The Certified Bookkeeper Certification is a well-known industry qualification. The National Association of Certified Bookkeepers provides this qualification online, which comprises a foundations course and a test.

2. Massage therapist

• National average salary: $43,620 per year

A massage therapist manipulates or applies pressure to their customers’ muscles to help them feel better. Massage therapists frequently treat clients who are in pain, stressed, or have poor cardiovascular circulation. After examining a client’s symptoms and history, they determine the trouble regions on his or her body and undertake physical techniques to relieve discomfort. Additional responsibilities may include educating customers on at-home procedures, tracking improvement over numerous massage appointments, and utilizing materials that can improve results, such as heat, lotions, and oils.

Many states require massage therapists to have a license or certification, while others make it voluntary. In any scenario, completing a certification program can give information and training required for proper performance of activities. In deregulated states, it can also aid in attracting clients and establishing a reputation.

3. Medical records specialist

• National average salary: $45,240 per year

A medical records specialist is a practitioner who organizes and manages medical data. Medical coders, cancer registrars, and health information technicians are some of the most common medical records experts. Each sort of specialist examines patient records and enters information into a database using electronic health record tools. Understanding and using classification methods, as well as updating records as appropriate, are all part of the work.

While some businesses prefer college graduates, a professional certificate is usually enough to qualify an applicant for employment as a medical records specialist. Some well-known certifications in this sector include Certified Professional Coder and Registered Health Information Technician. Programs for either one are accessible as online courses, and both include an online proctored exam.

4. Paralegal

• National average salary: $52,920 per year

A paralegal is a legal worker who provides help to lawyers. The work requires a wide range of tasks. During a court matter, a paralegal may assist an attorney in gathering facts that will improve the case and summarizing results for the trial. At other times, they may conduct legal research, communicate with clients or other legal experts, create or proofread legal documents, take notes or transcribe recordings, keep the law office’s records, and plan meetings or interviews.

Certification is not normally required to become a paralegal, although it can significantly boost a candidate’s credibility and prospective earnings. Paralegals frequently seek certification after completing an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a similar field. Many national and local organizations provide online certification programs for paralegals.

5. Computer support specialist

• National average salary: $55,510 per year

A computer support expert is a professional that offers technical assistance to consumers and businesses that use computers. This occupation is often classified into two groups. The first category is network support professionals, who deal with larger-scale network difficulties, frequently at the enterprise level. These specialists frequently review and maintain an organization’s computer systems, as well as solve any difficulties that may emerge. The other category is user support experts, who help individual home computer users. When consumers contact a support center, a specialist assists them in identifying their computer problems and walks them through the resolution process.

A college degree is not usually required to become a computer support specialist, and professional certification frequently replaces formal schooling. The CompTIA A+ certification is a popular credential among entry-level candidates in this area. The CompTIA A+ exam is available in-person and online.

6. Plumber

• National average salary: $59,209 per year

A plumber is a tradesperson who inspects and fixes pipe systems in residential and commercial structures. The key responsibilities of this position include installing new pipe systems, assessing existing systems, fixing system issues such as blockages, and ensuring that such systems conform with applicable rules. To perform out these obligations, they visit clients’ homes or businesses, make cost estimates for maintenance or repair, and assess what tools or materials are required to meet specifications.

In addition to licensure, which is required in most states, aspiring or experienced plumbers can seek certification to prove their skills or progress their careers. Certain certification programs allow plumbers to enhance their knowledge in specific areas, which can help them find more possibilities. Plumbing certification programs may be available online through vocational schools, community colleges, or professional associations.

7. Court reporter

• National average salary: $61,660 per year

A court reporter is a type of transcriptionist trained to create verbatim records of legal proceedings, such as depositions and trials. These records are useful for posterity, allowing legal professionals to refer back to details revealed during a proceeding. The job typically involves using specialized technology, such as stenotype machines or steno masks, to capture dialogue quickly and accurately. The job may also involve reading back parts of the transcript during a legal proceeding and reviewing notes for accuracy.

In many states, licensure or certification is a requirement to become a court reporter. A commonly accepted certification is the Registered Professional Reporter designation, offered by the National Court Reporters Association. There are numerous programs approved by this organization, through which you can become a Registered Professional Reporter.

8. Human resources specialist

• National average salary: $63,490 per year

A human resources specialist works in the field of personnel management. The key responsibilities of this role include seeking individuals for employment, screening their applications, interviewing them, and finalizing their hire. Additional responsibilities may include compiling their employer’s hiring criteria, submitting job descriptions to job boards and comparable channels, researching candidates’ backgrounds and references, supervising new employee onboarding, and monitoring an organization’s personnel records.

Human resource positions often demand a college degree. Earning a professional HR designation can boost an individual’s candidacy or career advancement opportunities. Organizations such as the HR Certification Institute provide a variety of certificates for differing levels of experience and enable online exam proctoring.

9. Project manager

• National average salary: $76,850 per year

A project manager is a professional who controls the entire project life cycle, from start to finish. A project manager must do a variety of tasks. They assist in developing the basic idea of a project, developing a project scope that includes the resources and budget required to finish the project, supervising activities, receiving updates, and communicating progress to stakeholders.

If stakeholders request changes to the project plan, the project manager is responsible for conveying the change to the team and taking actions for its implementation. There are several certifications available for experienced or aspiring project managers. The Project Management Institute offers two well-known credentials that are available online: Certified Associate in Project Management and Project Management Professional.

10. Web designer

• National average salary: $77,200 per year

A web designer is a technology expert who creates the visible parts of a website, such as its colors, images, fonts, and layout. The fundamental goal of a web designer is to develop a look that is visually appealing, functional, and meets the client’s criteria. The job entails meeting with clients to understand their needs, working with other digital experts such as programmers, and developing code to create designs.

A wide range of in-person and online web design certification programs are accessible to both beginners and experts looking to enhance their professions. Some organizations, such as the International Web Association, provide many levels of certification to suit varying degrees of experience.

11. Information security analyst

• National average salary: $103,590 per year

An information security analyst is a cybersecurity specialist tasked with safeguarding an organization’s data. Their primary role is to plan and implement methods to keep the organization’s computer systems secure. Specific job duties include examining computer systems for potential vulnerabilities, protecting sensitive data with software, and monitoring networks for suspicious or risky activity. Information security analysts may also educate people of the organization on safe network habits, provide recommendations to improve security, and assist with the installation of cybersecurity technologies.

Employers looking for information security analysts typically prefer certified applicants. Entry-level candidates should seek the Security+ certification, which verifies the core skills needed to perform cybersecurity responsibilities. Experienced professionals can progress their careers by earning a credential such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional. Both are available online.