Did you know that, in 2021, 68% of jobs needed post-secondary education or training? By 2031, it will increase to 72% (Georgetown University’s CEW). Suffice it to say that you must aspire beyond a high school diploma to land well-paying jobs.
What’s a cost- and time-efficient way to gain post-secondary education or training? Consider our featured highest paying online certificate programs. We chose a wide range of programs from different providers, too.
These programs have short completion times and reasonable fees. Their flexible schedules, accessible platforms, and self-paced study are also notable features.
Once you’ve earned your certificate, you can look forward to six-figure salaries. You’ll recoup your costs sooner and enjoy a higher return on investment. Think of them as fast-track routes toward lucrative careers.
Read on and explore these highest paying online certificate programs.
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Why Choose Online Certificate Programs?
Flexibility
Their online learning formats provide maximum flexibility for students with busy schedules. If you’re a working professional, you’ll love their flexible features, such as:
- Asynchronous courses with 24/7 accessibility to course materials
- Synchronous classes you can attend anywhere with a computer connected to the Internet
- Convenient access to an online learning management system (e.g., Canvas or Blackboard)
You can learn while meeting your personal and professional responsibilities. There’s no opportunity cost since you don’t have to stop working.
Cost-Effective
You don’t have to spend $10,950/year on an associate’s degree or $38,270/year on a bachelor’s degree. There’s little to no risk of taking out student loans, either.
Online certificate programs are more affordable than undergraduate degrees. Several of these programs also offer financial aid opportunities to defray costs.
High Return on Investment
You’ll enjoy a high return on investment, too, for these reasons:
- More affordable fees with financial aid opportunities in many programs
- Shorter completion times, usually a few months, resulting in reduced costs
- Faster entry into a specialized field or more competitiveness for leadership positions
- Higher salary and benefits package
Plus, you can immediately apply lessons learned in the program in your workplace.
Top 10 Highest Paying Online Certificate Programs
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Average Salary: $120,000/year
The CISSP credential is among the best online certifications for high salaries. High-ranking executives with the CISSP credential can earn over $245,500/year (e.g., CIO and CISO).
This is a valuable certification in cybersecurity that IT professionals should consider. You’ll learn advanced competencies in cybersecurity risk management, among other skills. With more emphasis on cybersecurity, more organizations seek CISSPs in their ranks.
2. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Average Salary: $110,000/year
The Project Management Institute offers among the top-paying certificate programs. The PMP certification is a versatile credential with a high ROI. Project management principles and practices are adaptable in every industry. These include construction, engineering, business and finance, technology, and healthcare.
As a PMP, you’ll oversee the entire project cycle, from initiation to completion. In more complex projects, you may be in charge of certain phases only. Your knowledge and skills in budgeting, finance management, and team management are sought after.
3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $113,000/year
This is among the best online certificates for career advancement for IT professionals. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect program trains them in cloud computing and system design.
You’ll learn how to design reliable, scalable, and innovative cloud computing systems. More organizations are using AWS cloud products and services. You can then look forward to high demand for your expertise.
4. Google Data Analytics Certificate
Average Salary: $80,000/year
The Google Data Analytics Certificate program consists of high-demand certificate courses. You’ll gain foundational knowledge and skills in data analysis and tools. These include SQL, Excel, and Tableau, which are popular in the IT industry.
Indeed, it’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to enter the data analytics field. Data analysts are in high demand, too, thanks to the growing focus on data-driven decisions.
5. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Average Salary: $89,000/year
The CFP Board offers many online certification programs for high-paying jobs. Foremost among them is the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program. This is the gold standard for professionals engaged in financial planning and management.
As a CFP, you can create tailored financial plans for your clients. These cover diverse areas, including investments, retirement, estate, and insurance and risk management. You should pass a certification exam and meet eligibility requirements.
6. Digital Marketing Specialist Certificate
Average Salary: $70,000/year
This is among the best short-term certifications with big earnings. You can earn a digital marketing specialist certificate in 8-12 weeks (accelerated program). But if you want a slower pace, find part-time programs with 3-6 months completion time.
The typical digital marketing specialist certificate program focuses on the fundamentals. These include social media marketing, SEO, and other online advertising strategies. With the increasing popularity of e-commerce, it’s an in-demand certificate.
7. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Average Salary: $95,000/year
Scrum Alliance offers many lucrative online certificate programs. The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification program is among the most popular. You don’t need prior experience. But you should ideally be familiar with software development or project management concepts.
You’ll learn the Agile project management methodologies, Scrum framework, and servant leadership. The program consists of a two-day CSM course and a certification exam. You’ll find lucrative employment in diverse industries, from healthcare to technology.
8. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Average Salary: $65,000/year
The NHA and PTCH offer separate certificate programs for Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT). The certificate validates its holder’s knowledge and skills for pharmaceutical support roles. These include the preparation, dispensing, and administration of drugs and other medications.
Usually, the eligibility requirements are a high school diploma and completion of the training program. You must also pass a certification exam. With an expanding healthcare industry, CPhTs are in high demand.
9. Lean Six Sigma Certification
Average Salary: $100,000/year
This is among the best fast-track certifications for career growth. You can complete the entry-level White Belt program in 1-2 days. The Yellow Belt program can be completed in 2-5 days. As you advance in the certification levels, the program length increases.
The Lean Six Sigma certification focuses on process improvement and operational efficiency. It’s a highly sought-after certificate in the IT, finance, and manufacturing industries, among others.
10. Health Information Technician Certificate
Average Salary: $60,000/year
AHIMA, AAPC, and NHA offer separate health information technician certificate programs. These require applicants to complete a training program and pass a certification exam. The training program features intensive courses in medical coding, billing, and electronic health record management.
More healthcare facilities are switching to digital records. You’ll then find a high demand for health information technicians.
Benefits of Pursuing High-Paying Online Certificates
These featured highest paying online certificate programs have challenging courses and exams. You’ll push yourself to your intellectual limits to complete them. But once you do, you’ll enjoy these benefits.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Earning a certificate means gaining specialized knowledge and skills. Employers value professional certificates as tangible evidence of your expertise in specific areas. You have a competitive edge for leadership roles, whether in your current workplace or a new one.
Job Security
These certificates are in high-demand fields, such as healthcare, information technology, and business. You’ll enjoy better job stability and security because of your in-demand skills.
Skill Development
You have the skills for the effective use of relevant tools and technologies. But you won’t stop with your current skills. You’ll agree that continuous skills development is a must for career advancement.
Tips for Choosing the Right Certificate Program
You’ll be overwhelmed by the dozens of online certificate programs available. Let’s make it easier by keeping these tips in mind when making your choice.
Industry Relevance
Research the industries with strong demand and high earning potential. Healthcare, finance, and technology are notable examples. Focus on sectors where your current knowledge and skills can prove useful. Ask for insights from practicing professionals, too.
Accreditation
Only choose from accredited online certification programs. Always check the programs’ accreditation and industry affiliations. Consider positive student reviews and industry endorsements, too.
Cost vs. ROI
You want to earn a certificate to earn higher salaries. So, it makes sense to compare the cost with the ROI – or salary potential – in every program. Consider the financial aid opportunities available, too.
Flexibility
You should choose an online program with a schedule that fits your preferences. Flexibility comes in the form of self-paced and asynchronous courses, among others.
Conclusion
To recap, the highest paying online certificate programs provide flexibility, quality, and high ROI. You must then explore these programs and enjoy these benefits. But it’s also crucial to choose certificates that align with your career goals and boost your career.
Do you want more information and resources about online certificate programs? Explore our Accredited Online Colleges website now!