High-Paying Careers That Only Require an Online Certificate

It’s 2023, and we’re hearing it more often than not that parents and families aren’t forcing their kids into college following high school graduation. After taking on student loans with the promise of yielding degrees that demand high-paying salaries, these Gen X’ers are now in their 40s or older and still paying on those loans. This is why many parents refuse to let their kids go into the same type of debt.

Right now, the average federal student loan debt in America is $37,574 per borrower, and the average taken out via private student loans is around $55,000. Once a student either drops out of or graduates from college, and whether or not they’ve landed their first job, they are legally responsible to start repaying these loans per the loan terms. This can set young adults up for financial failure even before they’ve started a career.

So how can young adults, or older adults seeking a career change, secure a high-paying job without paying a lot to learn that job? We’ve found the highest-paying careers that require only an online certificate to get started. In no particular order, read on to learn about opportunities to get certified and earn a great living while keeping out of debt.

High-Paying Careers That Require Just an Online Certificate

Personal Trainer

Professional trainers work with a variety of client types, from individuals who seek to gain muscle to those wishing to lose weight. Personal trainers may also help clients regain strength after they’ve been injured or gone through surgery. Personal trainers may work as sole proprietors or as part of a fitness center or gym. Depending on the size of their client base and years of experience, personal trainers can plan to earn between $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Learn more about becoming a personal trainer at NASM.

Massage Therapist

While massage therapy programs may require some in-person training, many of these certification programs can ultimately be achieved online. Massage therapy programs are fairly flexible in terms of the pace at which you take courses and apply your learnings to earn hours. Most providers require around 600 hours, some of which do have to be earned in person, applying the techniques you learn. Students study both physiology and kinesiology in conjunction with massage therapy techniques. Upon graduation, therapists may choose to work out of their homes or find employment at a spa, resort, cruise line, hotel, or sports team. Massage therapists earn between $40,000 to $50,000 annually. Learn more about the US Career Institute’s online massage therapy school.

Medical Biller and Coder

Medical billers and coders help medical facilities manage everything associated with insurance claims, invoices, and payments. These professionals learn coding services, procedures, diagnoses, and treatments provided by physicians in order to properly evaluate, prepare, and send invoices or claims for payment. As one gains experience, their salary may increase. Starting salaries average $50,000 to $65,000 annually. Go here to find out how much you can earn when you become a professional medical coder and biller.

Physician Practice Manager

Certified physician practice managers (CPPMs) help physicians run their practices, so the doctors can focus on caring for patients. These individuals oversee aspects of the office associated with the office environment, some clerical staff, and the management of patient scheduling, documents, and insurance or payment communications. Most CPPMs make between $70,000 to $85,000 annually. Go to the world’s largest training provider for healthcare credentials to learn more.

Web Developer

We live in a digital age where the internet and online content are society’s go-to for almost everything from learning and working to ordering holiday gifts and groceries. The demand for web content isn’t going anywhere, nor is the demand for those with the brains to keep building it. You can become a web developer through online courses offered by technical schools like Devry in a matter of months. The programs require around ten courses wherein students learn the technical and aesthetic sides of web development. Plan on earning from $50,000 a year all the way up to $100,000 plus. Start your web developer career by connecting with Devry.

Graphic Designer

Like web developers, the demand for creatives to design well remains high as design applies to both print collateral and digital communications. A certificate in graphic design can be earned in about 18 months, after which designers can start working right away. Graphic designers may decide to add to their portfolio and credentials by pursuing special certifications focused on specific aspects of design like typography, color theory, UX/UI design, and promotional communications. Graphic designers earn an average of anywhere from $37,000 to $80,000 annually. Here’s more from Indeed on what it takes to develop your career as a graphic designer.

As we said, it’s 2023, and college may not be the only route for getting the education and certifications you need to have a profession that provides you with a good living. From careers in the medical field to creative and technical roles, there are professions you can learn that don’t require you to go into debt to achieve the credentials. For a full list of professional certificate and trade programs offered online, check out Education Connection.