How Much Can I Make With A Certificate?

Each year, thousands of students earn certificates in healthcare, business, and engineering technology.

A certificate offers short-term, focused training in a particular subject. Compared to an associate or bachelor's degree, which require general education courses, certificate programs take significantly less time.

Several career paths with a certificate offer higher earning potential than a degree. For example, aircraft mechanics typically hold a certificate and earn a median annual salary of over $64,000.

While higher educational attainment correlates with higher income, the relationship varies widely depending on the field and job title. If you are asking questions like, "How much can I make with a certificate? Should I earn an associate degree? Should I earn a bachelor's degree?" then this article will help answer your questions.

What Is the Difference Between a Certificate and a License?

A certificate program trains students in a particular subject, while a license verifies their knowledge or skills.

While schools grant certificates, government agencies typically manage the licensing process. For example, many teachers earn a teaching certificate from a college and also hold a teaching license issued by their state. In general, certificates offer educational training while licenses legally permit professionals to work in that field.

Some positions require a certificate and a license. For example, ship captains typically need a certificate and a license from the U.S. Coast Guard. Many healthcare positions also require a license, such as a registered nurse license or an emergency medical technician license. In these fields, professionals typically complete their certificate and then apply for a license.

The Most Popular Fields for Certificate-Holders

Professionals earn certificates in many different fields. According to a 2015 report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the most popular fields for certificates include business, healthcare, and mechanical or industrial technology.

Popular Fields for Certificate-Holders:

• Business, management, marketing, and support services
• Health professions and related programs (specifically, nursing)
• Liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities
• Mechanic and repair technologies/technicians
• Precision production

Within these broad fields, students pursue certificates in many specialties. For example, within the healthcare sector, students often train in nursing, emergency medical services, or medical assisting. Certificates also train healthcare professionals in dental assisting, medical lab science, and practical nursing. Short-term certificates, like a certificate in phlebotomy, help healthcare professionals specialize their skills.

Within the business field, professionals pursue certificates in business administration, business support and assistant services, and accounting. Many administrative assistants, bookkeepers, and office managers hold a business certificate. A liberal arts certificate prepares graduates for further education and helps professionals increase their earning potential.

Many mechanic and repair technicians in automotives, transportation, and aviation also pursue careers with a certificate. In the precision production field, students train in woodworking, boilermaker, and plastic machine working.

Other popular certificates include law enforcement and firefighting, legal services, the culinary arts, and computer and information sciences.

The Highest-Paying Occupations for Certificate-Holders

On average, men with a bachelor's degree earn $71,990 while women with a bachelor's degree earn $52,440 according to NCES. However, many professionals without a bachelor's degree earn above-average salaries with a certificate in a high-demand field.

Many of these jobs come in industrial and mechanical fields. For example, electrical repairers who specialize in substations and ship engineers both rank among the highest-paid certificate occupations.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Electrical and electronics repairers inspect and test electrical equipment. They also conduct routine maintenance and identify any malfunctions or problems that require repairs. They solve any equipment problems to keep stations running. Electrical and electronics repairers also keep detailed records on their tests and repairs.

Firefighting and prevention supervisors oversee firefights working to control and prevent municipal and forest fires. They communicate with dispatch centers and front-line firefighters to control fires. First-line supervisors also act as the lead for an engine or fire crew. They also lead rescue efforts and provide emergency medical services.

Ship engineers supervise crews that operate and maintain ship equipment, including engines, boilers, and electrical equipment. They regulate power transmissions and run the engines, maintain and repair ship equipment, and work with other crew members to keep the ship running. Ship engineers also work in ports.

Ship captains and pilots oversee operations on water vessels like tugboats and ferryboats. They steer the vessel using tools like depth finders and radars. Captains also dock vessels and adjust their operation based on weather conditions. Ship captains must hold a license from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Automobile appraisers evaluate vehicle damage to determine the total repair costs for insurance companies. They conduct examinations on damaged vehicles to determine whether to pay out an insurance claim or offer market value for the vehicle. Appraisers then complete insurance forms that include cost estimates and recommendations. Auto appraisers also work with repair shops to negotiate costs.

Aircraft mechanics examine and inspect aircraft parts to conduct maintenance and repairs. They ensure that hydraulic systems, landing gear, and aircraft engines meet safety regulations. Mechanics and service technicians keep records on repairs. They often specialize in helicopters or aircraft engines.

Electrical and electronics professionals who specialize in transportation equipment install, maintain, and repair mobile electronics communication equipment. This includes sonar equipment, navigation systems, and surveillance systems used on trains, watercraft, and other transportation equipment. They test and diagnose malfunctions, conduct repairs, and ensure the proper functioning of equipment.

How to Earn a Certificate

Many institutions offer certificate programs, including public community colleges, private trade and vocational schools, and even some four-year universities. Nearly all certificate-holders attend a public two-year school or a private for-profit according to the Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW).

Certificate programs often provide part-time or accelerated options to meet the schedule needs of students. Many schools design their programs for working professionals.

When choosing a school, always check if the program meets high standards for education. Look for accredited schools that hold endorsements from professional organizations in the field. Research graduation rates, professional exam pass rates, and employment information to find a reputable program.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Earning a Certificate

Earning a certificate helps professionals qualify for more jobs and increase their earning potential. But before enrolling in a certificate program, prospective students need to consider the costs and benefits of pursuing a certificate.

A certificate generally costs less than an associate or bachelor's degree. Completing a two-year associate degree at a community college costs $13,560 on average, while a one-year certificate at the same institution costs half that amount. The tuition and fees for a bachelor's degree range from $36,800 at a public university to $143,200 at a private university, according to NCES.

In addition to out-of-pocket costs, consider time away from the workforce. With most certificates taking less than one year, professionals enter their new field much faster than the four years required for a bachelor's degree.

Prospective students should also ask "how much can I make with a certificate in my field?" Examining salary data by degree offers a general picture of earnings with a certificate vs. an associate degree or bachelor's degree. Research data in your field to learn more about the earning potential with a certificate.

Consider job satisfaction, work-life balance, and benefits to find the right educational path to reach your goals.

Genevieve Carlton

Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University and earned tenure as a history professor at the University of Louisville. An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a freelance writer and consultant.

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