Consider a certificate program if you want to advance your career without earning a college degree. In the short time it takes to complete a certificate program, you can significantly boost your earning potential. Workers with a postsecondary certificate (the typical level of education for those with some college experience but no degree) earn a median weekly salary of $935. Those with only a high school diploma make $853. Over a year, that amounts to a difference of over $4,000.
Remember, however, that not all certificate programs pay equally. To help you maximize your certificate’s value, we ranked the highest-paying occupations that typically require a postsecondary certificate for entry-level jobs below. We also provided additional information on factors like licensure requirements and projected job growth.
Our Ranking Criteria
To compile our list of the highest-paying certificate programs, we consulted the Bureau of Labor Statistics and CareerOneStop. We ranked certificate programs based on the median annual salary of typical jobs associated with that degree. From there, we researched the best schools to pursue these certificates and collected data on their cost and number of credits required to graduate. We handled the research to save you time and streamline your process.
The Highest-Paying Jobs You Can Get With a Certificate
1. Commercial Pilot
Median Annual Salary: $103,910
What They Do: Pilots are responsible for flying airplanes and helicopters. Their daily responsibilities often include inspecting the condition of aircraft before and after each flight, preparing and submitting flight plans to air traffic control, and using cockpit instruments and visual references to navigate aircraft to their destinations. While airline pilots typically transport passengers and cargo on a fixed schedule, commercial pilots are involved in unscheduled flight activities, such as charter flights, firefighting, and crop dusting.
How to Become One: Even entry-level airline pilot jobs tend to require a bachelor’s degree, but that’s not the case for commercial pilots. This particular occupation typically only requires flight training and a commercial pilot certificate. You’ll need to complete at least 250 hours of flight time before you can earn your commercial pilot license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, any given employer may have higher standards for minimum experience.
- Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: 4% (as fast as average)
- Highest-Paying States: Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Georgia, Nevada
Top Certificate Programs for Commercial Pilots:
| School | Tuition | # Credits to Graduate |
| Community College of Baltimore County | In-county: $122 per credit
In-state: $241 per credit Out-of-State: $372 per credit |
24 |
| Miami Dade College | $2,837.28 | 24 |
| Cypress College | In-state: $46 per credit
Out-of-state: $331 per credit |
34 |
2. Makeup Artist (Theatrical and Performance)
Median Annual Salary: $96,370
What They Do: Theatrical and performance makeup artists alter the appearance of actors to reflect the setting and situation of their roles. Before applying makeup, these artists typically review scripts and conduct research to determine makeup requirements. Their responsibilities may also include ordering supplies and managing the makeup services budget for productions. This occupation requires a high level of technical skill and attention to detail, as makeup artists are often required to duplicate the exact appearance of characters day after day to avoid continuity errors.
How to Become One: Compared to most other occupations, there are limited job opportunities in this field. In addition to earning a makeup artist certificate from a well-respected program, you should also look for internships that would allow you to refine your skills and expand your professional network. It’s also worth noting that most theatrical and performance makeup artists are employed in the motion picture industry, so you may need to relocate to Los Angeles or New York City if you live elsewhere.
- Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: 9%
- Highest-Paying States: California, New York, District of Columbia
Top Certificate Programs for Makeup Artists (Theatrical and Performance):
| School | Tuition | # Credits to Graduate |
| Santa Rosa Junior College | $46 per credit | 30 |
| Mesa Community College | Maricopa County resident: $97 per credit
Out-of-state, residing in Arizona: $372 per credit |
10 – 11 |
| Berkshire Community College | New England or New York resident: $241 per credit
Out-of-state: $462 per credit |
26 |
3. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Median Annual Salary: $95,210
What They Do: This occupation involves supervising the operations of water vessels such as tugboats and ferryboats (the salary and job growth statistics listed here do not include motorboat operators). Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels spend much of their time on navigation-related activities, including reading maps, determining geographic coordinates, and planning routes. They are often responsible for diagnosing mechanical issues, performing repairs, and scheduling maintenance.
How to Become One: There are many certificate programs available that can teach you the skills needed to succeed in this occupation, and you should consider seeking an apprenticeship for additional hands-on training. You will also need to obtain a license from the U.S. Coast Guard to operate a water vessel.
- Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: 2%
- Highest-Paying States: Arkansas, Louisiana, Washington, New York, Iowa
Top Certificate Programs for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels:
| School | Tuition | # Credits to Graduate |
| Orange Coast College | $458 per credit | 19 – 21 |
| Community College of Baltimore County | In-county: $122 per credit
In-state: $241 per credit Out-of-state: $372 per credit |
21 |
| San Jacinto College | In-district: $83 per credit
Out-of-district: $144 per credit Out-of-state: $223 per credit |
26 |
4. Ship Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $87,300
What They Do: Ship engineers operate and maintain equipment on water vessels, such as engines, boilers, pumps, and refrigeration systems. They often work in a supervisory role, directing crews to perform maintenance tasks and repairs when needed. Their other day-to-day responsibilities often include ordering supplies, fabricating custom parts with machine tools, and assisting with navigation.
How to Become One: As with becoming a captain of a water vessel, to become a ship engineer you’ll need to complete a postsecondary certificate program or apprenticeship and then obtain a license from the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: 1%
- Highest-Paying States: California, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, Florida
Top Certificate Programs for Ship Engineers:
| School | Tuition | # Credits to Graduate |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | Resident: $186 per credit
Non-resident: $250 per credit |
22 |
| Seattle Central College | Resident: $123.58 per credit
Non-resident: $317.95 per credit |
72.5 |
| Florida Atlantic University | In-state: $203.29 per credit
Out-of-state: $721.84 per credit |
15 |
5. First-line Supervisor of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Median Annual Salary: $80,150
What They Do: First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers are responsible for coordinating the activities of firefighters. They design training programs, prepare work schedules, and evaluate employee performance. They may also help respond to fires — this can involve directing firefighters on-site during emergencies, operating firefighting equipment, rescuing people from dangerous situations, and performing first aid.
How to Become One: In addition to completing a postsecondary certificate program that covers the personnel management aspects of firefighting operations, you will likely need extensive experience as a firefighter to get hired for this job.
- Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: 4%
- Highest-Paying States: California, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, District of Columbia
Top Certificate Programs for First-line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers:
| School | Tuition | # Credits to Graduate |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | In-state: $104.88 per credit
Out-of-state: $401.27 per credit |
12 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $2,253 | 12 |
| Bakersfield College | $46 per credit | 42 |
6. Aircraft Mechanic/Service Technician
Median Annual Salary: $70,010
What They Do: Aircraft mechanics and service technicians maintain and repair airplanes, helicopters, and other flying vehicles. This work may include diagnosing mechanical problems, repairing or replacing components as needed, and inspecting completed work to ensure it was done correctly. Some professionals work as generalists, while others specialize in a particular aspect of aircraft maintenance, such as repairing engines or performing inspections.
How to Become One: You’ll need to earn an Aviation Mechanic Technician certification from the FAA to advance in this field (otherwise, you would only be allowed to work under the supervision of an FAA-certified technician). In addition to gaining at least 18 months of practical experience or going to an FAA-approved aircraft maintenance technician school, you must pass a series of knowledge tests to become an FAA-certified technician. You can earn this certificate with an Airframe (A) rating, Powerplant (P) rating, or both (A&P).
- Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: 4%
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Nevada, Illinois
Top Certificate Programs for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians:
| School | Tuition | # Credits to Graduate |
| University of the District of Columbia | Resident: $754 per credit
Non-resident: $1,110 per credit |
48 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Resident: $289 per credit
Non-resident: $855 per credit |
49 |
| Pima Community College | Resident: $197.50 per credit
Non-resident: $640.50 per credit |
48 |
7. Fire Inspector/Investigator
Median Annual Salary: $69,450
What They Do: The responsibilities of a fire inspector or investigator may include reviewing blueprints with developers to ensure there are no fire hazards, inspecting buildings for fire code violations, managing fire safety education programs, and collecting and analyzing evidence from the scenes of fires and explosions. Fire investigators often testify in court; some even carry a weapon and work with law enforcement officers to conduct searches and arrests.
How to Become One: Many technical colleges offer programs for learning how to prevent fires and inspect the causes of fires, and you will likely also need to have previous experience as a firefighter to get hired as a fire inspector. You may also need to be a U.S. citizen for positions within law enforcement agencies.
- Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: 4%
- Highest-Paying States: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Illinois
Top Certificate Programs for Fire Inspectors and Investigators:
| School | Tuition | # Credits to Graduate |
| Bucks County Community College | In-county: $165 per credit
In-state: $330 per credit Out-of-state: $495 per credit |
34 |
| Dallas College | In-district: $79 per credit
Out-of-district: $135 per credit Out-of-state: $200 per credit |
18 |
| Johnson Community College | In-state: $171.67 per credit
Out-of-state: $599.25 per credit |
18 |
8. Insurance Appraiser (Auto Damage)
Median Annual Salary: $69,380
What They Do: Auto damage insurance appraisers inspect vehicles after accidents to estimate the cost of repairs. They prepare reports for insurance adjusters, who use the estimated cost of repairs to help determine how much an insurance company will pay out to their clients to cover claimed losses. Auto damage insurance appraisers may collaborate with insurance investigators to deal with suspected fraudulent claims.
How to Become One: If you don’t have experience working at an auto shop, you’ll need to complete a postsecondary certificate program that teaches you how to assess auto damage and estimate the cost of repairs to become qualified for this role.
- Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: -3%
- Highest-Paying States: New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Connecticut
Top Certificate Programs for Auto Damage Insurance Appraisers:
| School | Tuition | # Credits to Graduate |
| Aims Community College | In-district: $77 per credit
In-state: $122 per credit Out-of-state: $461 per credit |
10 |
| Cypress College | In-state: $46 per credit
Out-of-state: $331 per credit |
19 |
| Cerritos College | In-state: $46 per credit
Out-of-state: $320 per credit |
18.5 |
9. Commercial Diver
Median Annual Salary: $68,300
What They Do: Commercial divers are typically responsible for using surface-supplied air or scuba gear to inspect, install, repair, or remove underwater equipment and structures, involving surveying, welding, or rigging explosives. Also, some commercial divers work as photographers tasked with taking pictures of underwater structures or marine life.
How to Become One: There are several certifications that you can earn to learn the skills needed to become a commercial diver and show potential employers that you’re qualified for this role — certification from the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) is particularly well-regarded in this industry.
- Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: 6%
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, New York, California, Alaska, New Jersey
Top Certificate Programs for Commercial Divers:
| School | Tuition | # Credits to Graduate |
| South Louisiana Community College | $228.96 per credit | 18 |
| The College of the Florida Keys | Resident: $82.78 per credit
Non-resident: $331.11 per credit |
17 |
| Santa Barbara City College | In-state: $46 per credit
Out-of-state: $319 per credit |
25.5 |
10. Electrical and electronics repairers
Median Annual Salary: $64,190
What They Do: This occupation involves testing and repairing electrical equipment. The day-to-day responsibilities of electrical and electronics repairers may include diagnosing issues, disassembling and reassembling equipment as needed, and repairing or replacing defective components. Electrical and electronics repairs tend to specialize in one of the following areas: powerhouse, substation, and relay; transportation equipment; commercial and industrial equipment; motor vehicles; or electric motors and power tools.
How to Become One: While a college degree isn’t necessary, most employers in this industry prefer to hire candidates who have at least completed a postsecondary program that covers topics such as soldering technique, the fundamentals of DC and AC circuits, microcontrollers, and programmable controllers.
- Projected Job Growth, 2022-2032: -2%
- Highest-Paying States: Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, California
Top Certificate Programs for Electrical and Electronics Repairers:
| School | Tuition | # Credits to Graduate |
| Salt Lake Community College | $2,980.74 | 21 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | In-state: $159.61 per credit
Out-of-state: $336.21 per credit |
21 |
| Monroe Community College | In-state: $204.17 per credit
Out-of-state: $408.33 per credit |
31 – 33 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a certificate program?
Certificate programs are relatively short-term (lasting several months to a year), low-cost programs designed to train students in a specific area. The specialized education and training usually prepare students to immediately get an entry-level position in that field after completing the certificate. Trade schools are also another degree alternative, offering specialized training to start directly in a field.
Who should pursue a certificate program?
Certificate programs are an excellent match for students who want to spend a relatively short time and a relatively small amount of money learning skills that translate directly into a specific profession. These certificates can be a quick and easy way to differentiate yourself from other applicants.
What certificate program pays the most?
With an average salary in the six figures, commercial pilot is the highest-paying occupation that usually only requires a postsecondary certificate for entry-level jobs. There are also multiple occupations within the maritime and fire safety industries that offer exceptionally high salaries for this level of education.
How much does a certificate program cost?
Generally, completing a certificate program costs between $1,000 to $5,000. This cost can depend on several factors, such as what subject you study and whether you pay resident or non-resident tuition rates. The certificate programs included in this guide cost between $770 on the low end and $53,280 on the high end.
Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.