High Paying Six Months Certificate Programs 2024

There are numerous professional paths you can take based on your financial situation, values, hobbies, talents, education, and training. Some vocations demand a college degree, while others may only require a high school education plus a specialized certificate. Many certificate programs allow you to gradually boost your earning potential as your career progresses.

High-paying six-month certificate programs

There are numerous certificate programs available based on the job you want to pursue. Some certificate programs last two or more years, while others are finished in six months or less.

While longer certificate programs can occasionally pay more, six-month programs allow you to discover and get jobs faster, allowing you to start earning money sooner. The following positions require a certificate from programs that can be completed within six months:

1. Emergency medical technician

• National average salary: $14.65 per hour

An emergency medical technician certificate program is one of the greatest options for obtaining prerequisite training for other certificate-required occupations. Emergency medical technicians normally have a high school diploma or equivalent, but they must also finish postsecondary education programs and some additional training programs, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

As the field expands and becomes more competitive, it might become one of the most lucrative certificate programs. More certifications and a 6-month EMT training program increase your chances of landing a coveted employment in emergency medical services.

An emergency medical technician’s job is both intellectually and physically demanding, requiring sensitivity and care. The majority of the workweek is spent responding to and caring for injured and unwell people in emergency situations, therefore crisis management skills are essential.

2. Funeral director

• National average salary: $18.90 per hour

A funeral director is a well-paying employment that requires little more than a high school diploma or equivalent, while some companies may require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in funeral service or another related field. Funeral directors can earn a high compensation with extensive expertise.

Funeral directors in the United jurisdictions must be licensed, and some jurisdictions require apprenticeships, job shadowing, or completion of a short-term certificate program. The National Funeral Directors Association provides a range of training and certification programs, but some colleges and universities also offer in-class or online funeral director certifications.

Funeral directors often offer to counsel mourning family members and assist with funeral preparations. This type of employment can be difficult for certain people, so it’s crucial to be comfortable assisting others during difficult times.

3. Brick mason

National average salary: $20.51 per hour

If you want to learn a trade in six months, being a brick mason is an excellent choice. Brick masons must first get a high school diploma or equivalent, while substantial apprenticeship programs and training may also be required. You can also obtain masonry certification from the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Candidates with prior building expertise are preferred because they need less instruction before starting work.

During an apprenticeship, you will learn masonry methods, construction basics, measuring calculations, safety procedures, and other techniques for building walls, fences, and structures with bricks. A typical workday may include examining blueprints, cleaning surfaces with power tools, acquiring materials, and lifting large objects.

Brick masons work long hours in a fast-paced, physically demanding job that has a high risk of injury. Physical strength, hand-eye coordination, and attention to precision are all necessary talents for this position.

4. Personal trainer

National average salary: $21 per hour

Personal training is a lucrative vocation with opportunities to make more by expanding your client base, working for a high-paying organization, or instructing higher-paying clients.

This profession necessitates the ability to teach clients physical fitness skills, and many personal trainers have expertise in exercise science, nutrition, and other relevant subjects. Personal trainer certification programs include three-month and six-month certificate programs, as well as various short certificate programs. There are several online certificate programs available that integrate print, online, and in-person instruction.

Generally, good personal trainers are physically fit, keep up with fitness and nutrition trends, and have the right mindset to motivate and encourage others. Personal trainers can earn money in a variety of settings, including public gyms, private training facilities, customers’ homes, and virtual coaching. They should also have a strong work ethic, as building a clientele takes time and attention.

5. Medical coder

• National average salary: $21.64 per hour

Medical coding is a popular credential that pays well for people seeking exciting educational options. Medical coders are in high demand as healthcare firms continue to seek trained professionals to translate and communicate medical content. To become a medical coder, you must have a high school graduation or equivalent and medical coding certification from the AAPC.

Medical coders create detailed documentation on operations and charge insurance companies for the amounts owed to medical offices. Specialized training programs are required to learn how to operate the software for this role. It is also beneficial to have a thorough understanding of health records, database management, and medical terminology.

6. Firefighter

National average salary: $44,505 per year

Firefighting is one of several rewarding careers that require certification and training. Prior training and experience with emergency medical services are advantageous.

This work requires a physically intensive training program, as well as certain certification and short-term career development programs. Most states require you to obtain emergency medical services and paramedic certifications, as well as complete fire science training. You can also start with emergency medical services or other similar careers that merely require a certificate. After earning your certificate, you can pursue a career in firefighting. This will provide you with numerous opportunities for high-paying professions that merely demand a certificate in the future.

Firefighters must have great strength and stamina, as well as knowledge of common field equipment like hoses and ladders. You must also be proficient in emergency medical care and hazardous material management procedures. Firefighters who work on wildfires may earn extra because of the heightened risk.

7. Air traffic controller

• National average salary: $47,202 per year

Air traffic controllers are another high-paying, non-certified position. This career can quickly earn over $100,000 without a degree, depending on region. The field is competitive, so employment experience is preferred. Top applicants usually have relevant education and experience.

FAA air traffic controllers undertake intensive training and testing, including health and wellness and mental stability exams. This testing must begin before 31.

Air traffic controllers work nights, weekends, and holidays in high-stress situations. Regular tasks include monitoring and managing air traffic, including arrivals and departures, and advising pilots in emergencies. This often causes job stress.

Strong organizational, critical thinking, and communication abilities are essential. In stressful situations, air traffic controllers must stay calm and avoid panicking. In such a competitive field, knowing someone in the industry helps get the job.

8. Automobile service station manager

• National average salary: $23.59 per hour

An automobile service station manager is a well-paying position with minimal academic requirements. Though a high school diploma or equivalent is all that is formally required, certain companies may prefer a degree or certificate. You can also obtain a certificate from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

For the majority of people, the best method to get this position is to work their way up through the firm and gain on-the-job experience, as this gives the skill set required to successfully handle a service station’s day-to-day operations. The work entails setting daily gas prices, creating employee schedules, training personnel, managing inventories, adhering to safety requirements, and managing employees.

This role requires customer service, interpersonal, and managerial skills, as well as accounting experience.

9. Real estate broker

• National average salary: $71,287 per year

Real estate brokers can earn six figures with the correct expertise and skill set. To become a real estate broker, you simply need a high school diploma or equivalent, while a college degree in a relevant profession may be advantageous. Earning your real estate certification requires a few classes and some exams.

The courses and tests are significantly less expensive and time-consuming than a standard four-year institution. Certification requirements vary by jurisdiction, but many universities offer real estate certificate programs, both online and in person.

Real estate brokers make money by selling homes, completing paperwork for transactions, and advising homeowners through the process. To be successful in this profession, you must be flexible with your hours and have strong interpersonal skills.

10. Margin department supervisor

• National average salary: $74,845

A margin department supervisor is an excellent example of a high-paying career that requires only on-the-job training and minimum schooling. Margin department supervisors supervise a company’s credit department, which manages client credit accounts and approves or denies credit to customers.

Though a finance or accounting degree is not essential for this profession, becoming a margin department supervisor does require a fundamental awareness of the processes involved. Generally, this profession requires substantial training and shadowing to prepare for it. Many colleges and universities offer in-class or online finance and accounting certification programs.

This profession involves some technical abilities, such as completing basic mathematical computations and debt analysis. You should also be familiar with fundamental accounting principles and credit department procedures. If you have a degree in this field, you may earn a better pay.

This position also requires a strong set of soft skills. Customers are not always satisfied with credit decisions, thus excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills are essential. You must also be able to properly communicate with your personnel and guarantee that they follow federal policies and regulations.

As you can see, there are various opportunities for exciting, gratifying job in a range of areas, with low educational requirements and good pay. Many of these positions place a high importance on skills you may already have, such as interpersonal and organizational abilities. You can also boost your earning potential by gaining additional job experience and training.