The availability of better-paying jobs is correlated with the number of years of education and the degree earned. However, these courses tend to be expensive and time-consuming.
Instead of pursuing a degree, you may consider pursuing a certificate. Certifications that make good money are more focused and intensive forms of instruction that can be completed in a shorter amount of time than a traditional university degree.
What Is a Certificate Program?
Earning a certificate can help you stand out in the job market by providing you with the specialized training and expertise you need to succeed in your chosen field. Medical, business and IT careers are just a few examples of those that provide certification programs (IT).
People at all stages of their professional lives can benefit from these courses, from those just starting out to those in the middle of their careers and wishing to make a shift.
Best Certifications That Make Good Money
The following are the best certifications that can make good money and their average earning per year.
1. Google Certified Professional Data Engineer
Wages are an average of $171,749 per year.
Data engineering is one of the fastest-growing specializations in the workforce. The highest compensation in information technology is currently related with the Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer credential.
To better understand business outcomes, develop statistical models to aid in decision-making, and automate and streamline critical business operations, data engineers study data. The ability to collect, transform and visualize data is what makes data-driven decision-making possible, and that is what this certification provides.
Passing the Google Certified Professional – Data Engineer exam is required for anyone seeking this credential.
2. Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
Salary Statistics: $169,029 on Average
The capacity to design, implement, and maintain safe, scalable, and dependable cloud infrastructures is validated by the Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect credential.
After securing their networks, IT decision-makers report that obtaining competent personnel for cloud roles is one of their biggest challenges. By earning this credential, professionals may demonstrate to potential employers that they have the skills necessary to succeed in a Google Cloud environment, setting themselves apart from the competition.
Passing the Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect exam is required for anyone seeking this credential.
3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Compensation: $159,033 on average
The AWS Solutions Architect credential has been here for quite some time. This credential attests to the holder’s proficiency in designing and implementing scalable solutions on the AWS platform. It’s perfect for system and application deployers, architects, and people who develop cloud infrastructures.
Examinees must score a 70% or higher on the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C02) test in order to get this credential.
Prerequisite training in the form of the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner credential is strongly suggested. Before taking this exam, AWS suggests you have at least a year of practical experience in system design using its platform.
4. CRISC – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
Salaries are generally around $151,995 per year on average.
As the number of security breaches throughout the world continues to rise dramatically, employers are looking for employees with expertise in IT risk and its implications for the business. Professionals can demonstrate their mastery of these in-demand abilities by earning the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) credential from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
With the help of CRISC, IT workers may learn to recognize threats, assess their severity, and devise effective strategies for mitigating them. It also facilitates the development of a shared vocabulary for discussing security and system administration inside the IT department and outside.
The majority of CRISC-certified professionals work as security managers or directors, while many others engage in information security in jobs such as security engineers, analysts, or architects.
5. CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Pay scale: $151,853 on average
This (ISC)2 certification provides evidence of knowledge and experience in the field of cybersecurity. Professionals who demonstrate their ability to design, execute, and manage a cybersecurity program by receiving the CISSP certification are often likened to those who have earned a master’s degree in the field of information technology security.
The CISSP test covers eight different areas of expertise in the field of information security.
- Risk Analysis and Control
- Preservation of Values in Property
- Engineering and Design for Safer Infrastructures
- Safeguarding Connections and Networks
- Managing Identities and Permissions (IAM)
- Methods for Evaluating and Testing Security
- Maintaining Safety And Security
- Safety in Software Construction
It is also required that candidates have at least five years of paid, related job experience in two or more of the CISSP domains in order to be considered for this certification.
You can still become an Associate of (ISC) by passing the certification exam, even if you do not have the required work experience. You will then have up to six years to gain the necessary work experience to pass the CISSP exam.
6. CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
The average wage is $149,246.
Professionals who aspire to IT leadership roles should earn the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) credential from ISACA. It’s proof that you’re an exceptional leader and manager with a strong technical background.
In other words, a CISM certifies that the holder is competent in all aspects of information security management.
This certification is earned by taking and passing the CISM exam, which tests knowledge in four areas:
- Governance of Information Security
- Management of Informational Risk
- Designing and Managing Information Security Programs
- Controlling Incidents Involving Data Security
You need at least five years of paid work experience related to two or more of the CISSP domains to be eligible for certification. You can still take the certification exam if you don’t have the required experience, and you’ll have up to six years after passing to gain that experience.
7. PMP – Project Management Professional
Pay scale median: $148,906
Successful project management is crucial for any business, as the success or failure of a project depends on it. They aid in the outlining, planning, and overall management of projects.
Most professionals agree that the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI®) is the gold standard in the field.
Employers and clients may be assured that the project manager they’re working with has the skills they need thanks to this certification.
Candidates for the PMP certification must go through the Institute’s processes and standards. A four-year degree, three years of experience as a project manager, and either 35 hours of formal project management training or the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification are required of candidates. Candidates without the CAPM Certification but with a high school diploma, five years of relevant experience, and thirty-five hours of project management education/training will also be considered.
8. NCP-MCI – Nutanix Certified Professional – Multicloud Infrastructure
A common wage is $142,810.
A professional’s ability to deploy, administer, and troubleshoot Nutanix AOS in the Enterprise Cloud can be validated by earning the Nutanix Certified Professional – Multicloud Infrastructure (NCP-MCI) credential.
Gaining this credential demonstrates that you have the knowledge and expertise to lead an enterprise through the next steps of its cloud transformation. By studying for the NCP-MCI certification exam, IT pros may learn the fundamentals of deploying and managing a Nutanix environment.
Individuals need to show they can successfully navigate the Multicloud Infrastructure test to achieve this credential.
9. CISA – Nutanix Certified Professional – Multicloud Infrastructure
Income on average: $134,460
When it comes to the security of mission-critical assets, nothing provides more assurance than hiring a CISA-certified professional to put such rules into action.
It is one of the oldest and most prestigious certifications that make good money on this list, having been around since 1978. Certification in Information Systems Audit and Control Association (CISA) verifies knowledge in auditing, risk management, and computer security.
Candidates must score at least 70% on the CISA examination, which is broken down into the following five categories:
- Verifying the Integrity of Data Systems
- Control and Administration of Information Technology
- Acquiring, Creating and Deploying Information Systems
- Management of Services and Operations for Information Systems
- Safeguarding Valuable Data
10. VCP-DVC – Vmware Certified Professional
A professional’s ability to deploy, administer, and troubleshoot a vSphere environment can be verified with the VCP-DCV credential. In addition, adopting best practices can facilitate a speedier transition to the cloud by providing a robust, versatile, and secure basis for business agility.
VMware’s ability to aid businesses in making the move to digital environments, enhancing customer experiences, and streamlining business processes continues to boost the prestige of this certification.
VMware requires candidates to take at least one training course from an approved training provider or reseller in order to acquire this certification. Candidates should have a formal education and at least six months of hands-on experience with VMware’s vSphere, the server virtualization platform.
11. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Windows Server
Pay scale: $125,980 on average
As part of Microsoft’s continued transition to role-based certifications, the MCSA, MCSD, and MCSE credentials will be decommissioned on January 31, 2021. But Microsoft still acknowledges its market presence during the change.
Validating a professional’s proficiency in the cutting-edge data centers, identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking is the goal of the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Windows Server certification.
Role-based certifications in Azure’s Apps and Infrastructure and Data and AI solution categories contain the Windows Server replacement opportunities.
12. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
Income on average: $121,420
If you’re a cloud administrator, you should get the Azure Administrator Associate certification to prove that you know how to handle anything from data storage to network security. This certification is one of Microsoft’s role-based certifications, therefore it relates specifically to in-demand occupations.
Thorough familiarity with each service throughout the whole IT lifecycle is mandatory for this certification from Microsoft. Requests for infrastructure services, apps, and environments will be handled by administrative professionals.
Experts will have the knowledge and tools to provide guidance on the offering and sizing of services for maximum efficiency and scalability. They need to keep an eye on things and make adjustments to the budget as needed.
13. Cisco Certified Network Professional – Enterprise
Earnings on average: $118,911
In-depth familiarity with the Cisco technologies utilized in today’s sophisticated networks is required to pass the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise exam.
Achieving this credential is ideal for network engineers and administrators that work in tandem with specialists to implement cutting-edge security, phone, wireless, and video solutions.
Candidates must pass both the CCNP Enterprise Core Exam and the CCNP Enterprise Concentration Exam in their chosen technology area to be awarded the CCNP Enterprise credential.
14. Citrix Certified Associate – Virtualization
Salaries are generally at $115,308 per year on average.
Installation, configuration, and management of highly available environments are all skills that IT operators and administrators need to have, and the CCA-V from Citrix verifies that you have them.
Both on-premises and in the Citrix Cloud, these settings involve the use of virtual applications and desktop delivery controllers, cloud connectors, StoreFront, the Citrix Workspace app, and more.
Candidates must score at least 70% on the 1Y0-204: Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 Administration test in order to earn this credential.
15. Comptia Security
Income on average: $110,974
You can’t watch the news without hearing about yet another cyberattack. It is not enough for those who do not work in security to just be aware of the importance of cybersecurity in the IT industry.
CompTIA’s vendor-neutral Security+ certification is a necessary step for those seeking employment in the cybersecurity industry.
Professionals in the field of information technology must be able to demonstrate competence in:
- Safeguarding Network Connections
- Safety in operations and regulatory conformity
- Potential dangers and weak spots
- Safety for the application, data, and server
- Handling of identities and permissions
- Cryptography
IT professionals that work in fields adjacent to cybersecurity should have a thorough understanding of this topic.
The need for qualified individuals with cybersecurity expertise is considerable. IT personnel outside of traditional security roles who can explain cybersecurity threats and know what to look out for can boost their earning potential due to the ever-changing nature of an organization’s attack surface.
16. Cloud Engineer
With an AWS, Azure, or GCP (Google) certification under your belt, you should be able to command a respectable income. There is a high demand for workers in this region. There are a lot of entry-level to upper-level positions open. These are currently the most valuable IT qualifications available.
17. Court Reporter
Court reporters will always be needed so long as there is a crime in society. What you need to know to do well in this position can be learned in a short certificate program.
A court reporter’s typing skills are in high demand not only in the country’s judicial system but also in the media. Annual salaries typically hover around $40,000.
19. Insurance Appraiser For Cars
A certificate program in insurance appraisal can help you transition into a new field where you can spend your time between the office and the field while still enjoying a relatively stress-free career.
Whether you want to work for an insurance company or on your own, we’ll provide you with all the training you need to accurately assess the cost of repairing a damaged vehicle. Salary ranges between $50,000 and $60,000 on average.
20. Massage Therapist
It’s common knowledge that getting a massage can help ease the stresses of daily life. You can acquire the knowledge and experience necessary for successful practice by enrolling in a certificate program.
Finding work is simple, and the average annual compensation is roughly $38,000 because to the growing demand for massage. One additional perk of becoming a masseuse is that you can choose to be your own boss.
21. Installing Alarm and Fire Systems
Every structure in the country requires fire alarms, and many are installing additional security measures like cameras and alarms. If you have a passion for electricity and gadgets, a certificate program can help you turn that interest into a career.
All aspects of working with the many systems you’ll be using, from setup to upkeep to troubleshooting, will be covered in depth. The average salary in this sector is between $42,000 and $50,000 per year, yet unlike many other professions, you won’t be stuck behind a desk all day.
22. Personal Fitness Trainer
Getting certified as a fitness trainer is a great way to make a lot of money and help people at the same time if you enjoy working out and are passionate about helping others.
Those who are passionate about fitness would benefit greatly from taking this course, since the fitness industry is predicted to grow by 25-30% over the next two years, with incomes ranging from $30 per hour to $300 (if you strike it big).
23. Language Interpreters
Thanks to international trade and travel, the United States is home to a growing multiethnic population. Because of the limited number of persons who are fluent in English, skilled interpreters are essential.
There will always be a need for those who have completed a certificate program in a widely spoken language (Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, etc.) in settings as diverse as hospitals, social services, and courts. The only need for working in this field is to earn a license.
Numerous schools provide accredited language instruction leading to official certification. If you’re fluent in the language, all you have to do to become certified is take a short test. The median annual salary is between $45,000 and $55,000.
24. Engineering Soft Skills
Engineers will always be needed, but if you want to stand out from the crowd, a certificate program in engineering soft skills is the way to go.
The goal of these classes is to produce engineers with a firm grasp of business, management, and financial concepts. As a result, people who complete the course will have a significant advantage over their peers in the engineering profession. The median income ranges from $30,000.
Conclusion
There are a plethora of certifications that make good money from which to choose, so choosing one that’s a good fit shouldn’t be too tough.
After putting in the time and money required to complete the course, you will be well-equipped to accomplish anything you set your mind to.