10 Best 6-Month Certificate Programs That Pay Well

Are you thinking about your career options like 6-Month Certificate Programs That Pay Well? There are loads of paths you can take, depending on what you need, like money, values, interests, skills, and education. Some jobs need a college degree, while others just need a high school diploma and some special training. 

You can find certificate programs in the US. Some of them last just six months. It can boost your earnings as you move up in your career. So, in this article we have covered some of these quick 6-month certificate programs that pay well. Let’s get started. 

Top 10 6-Month Certificate Programs That Pay Well

If you are thinking about different jobs, there are lots of certificate programs you can do to help you get there. Some of these programs can take a couple of years. But others are much quicker, like just six months or even less. 

Even though longer programs might sometimes mean higher pay, the shorter 3-month certificate options let you find jobs faster so you can start earning sooner. Here are some jobs that you can get with certificates you can finish in just six months.

1. Brick mason

If you are thinking about learning a trade in just six months, becoming a brick mason could be a smart move. To start, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent, but you may also need to complete apprenticeship programs or courses. You can even get certified through the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Having some construction experience can be helpful since it means you will need less training.

During your apprenticeship, you will pick up all sorts of skills like how to build walls and structures using bricks, how to read blueprints, and how to stay safe on the job. Your days will be busy, maybe reading plans, cleaning surfaces, or moving heavy stuff around.

Working as a brick mason means long hours and lots of physical work, so you will need to be strong and careful. Paying attention to detail and being good with your hands will come in handy too.

• Salary: $20.5 per hour 
• Degree required: No degree required, typically learn through apprenticeships.
• Who is hiring: Construction companies, masonry contractors.
• Best way to get the job: Complete a brick mason apprenticeship program, develop manual dexterity and problem-solving skills, gain experience working with hand and power tools, and obtain relevant safety certifications.

2. Medical coder

Are you interested in a career in medical coding? It is a popular certification that offers good pay and plenty of interesting opportunities to learn. Healthcare organizations are always looking for skilled individuals to handle medical content. To become a medical coder, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent, Also certification from the AAPC.

As a medical coder, you will be responsible for creating detailed reports on medical procedures and billing insurance companies. This job requires specific training to use the necessary software. It’s also important to have a solid understanding of health records, database management, and medical terminology.

• Salary: $21.65 per hour
• Degree required: An Associate’s degree in Medical Coding or a related field is preferred, some employers may accept on-the-job training or certifications.
• Who is hiring: Hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, medical billing companies.
• Best way to get the job: Earn a degree or certification in Medical Coding, develop strong attention to detail and computer skills, understand medical terminology and procedures, and gain experience through internships or entry-level coding positions.

3. Air traffic controller

If you are looking for a well-paying job without needing a formal education? You can become an air traffic controller. You can earn over $100,000, depending on where you work. But keep in mind, it’s a competitive field, so having previous work experience helps a lot.

Air traffic controllers go through tough training and testing by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They also need to pass health checks and mental stability tests before they turn 31.

The job can be stressful, with irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. You will be responsible for managing air traffic, guiding pilots during emergencies, and staying calm under pressure.

To succeed, you will need strong organizational and critical thinking skills, as well as great communication skills. Since it is competitive, having connections in the industry can give you an edge in getting hired.

• Salary per annum: $56,400
• Degree required: An Associate’s degree in Air Traffic Control or a related field is preferred by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Who is hiring: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or private air traffic control facilities at airports.
• Best way to get the job: Pass a series of aptitude and medical tests, complete an FAA-accredited training program, and develop strong decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills.

4. Emergency medical technician

If you want to become an emergency medical technician (EMT), it is a great choice. If you are looking for a certificate program, you are in the right place. You usually need a high school diploma or equivalent to start, but then you will need to finish some additional training like getting certified in CPR. 

As the field grows, it might even become one of the highest-paying certificate programs. To improve your chances of getting a good job in emergency medical services, you can take more certification courses and complete a 6-month EMT training program.

Being an EMT is tough both mentally and physically. You will spend most of your time responding to and helping injured or sick people in emergencies. So, it’s important to be able to stay calm and effective when things get tough.

• Salary: $14.65 per hour
• Degree required: No degree required, but some employers may prefer an Associate’s degree in Emergency Medical Services.
• Who is hiring: Ambulance services, fire departments, hospitals (emergency departments).
• Best way to get the job: Earn EMT certification (Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic depending on desired career path), gain CPR certification, develop strong communication and problem-solving skills, and obtain experience through volunteering with ambulance services.

5. Personal Trainer 

A personal trainer is a career that pays well, especially if you can build a good group of clients or work for a high-paying company. To get started, you will need to be certified to teach fitness routines. Many trainers have backgrounds in exercise science or nutrition, but you can also take certification programs that last three to six months. Some are even available online, mixing printed materials, online learning, and in-person classes.

Successful personal trainers are usually fit themselves and stay updated on the latest trends in fitness and nutrition. You will need to have the right attitude to inspire and support others too. Personal trainers work in different places like public gyms, private studios, clients’ homes, or online. It’s important to be hardworking and committed because it takes time and effort to build up your clientele.

• Salary: $21 per hour
• Degree required: No degree required, but a certification in Personal Training is mandatory.
• Who is hiring: Gyms, fitness centers, health clubs, freelance opportunities.
• Best way to get the job: Earn a Personal Trainer certification from a reputable organization, stay updated on fitness trends and exercise science, develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, and build a client base through networking and marketing.

6. Margin Department Supervisor

As a margin department supervisor, you will oversee the credit department of a company, managing customer credit accounts and deciding who gets credit.

You don’t need a finance or accounting degree for this job, but you should understand the basics. Usually, you will receive thorough training and shadowing to get ready for the role. Some colleges offer finance or accounting certifications online or in person.

As a margin department supervisor, you will need some technical skills, like doing simple math and analyzing debt. It’s also helpful to know about accounting and how credit departments work. If you have a degree in this field, you might earn more money.

You will also need soft skills, like communication and negotiation since not all customers will be happy with your credit decisions. Also, you will need to communicate well with your team and make sure everyone follows the rules and regulations.

• Salary per annum: $74,900
• Degree required: A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field is preferred, some employers may accept experience instead of a degree.
• Who is hiring: Investment banks, brokerage firms.
• Best way to get the job: Earn a relevant degree, gain experience working in the financial services industry, develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, understand financial markets and margin trading regulations, and obtain relevant industry certifications (e.g., Series 7 license).

7. Firefighter

Firefighting is one of the most rewarding careers. It requires certification and training, but it is worth it. If you have prior training in emergency medical services, that’s a Also.

To become a firefighter, you will need to go through a physically demanding training program and get certified. Some states require emergency medical services and paramedic certificates, along with fire science training. You can start with jobs that only need a certificate, like emergency medical services, and then move into firefighting.

Firefighters need to be strong and have stamina. You will also need to know how to use equipment like hoses and ladders. Understanding emergency medical care and handling hazardous materials is essential too. If you work with wildfires, you might earn more because of the added risk.

• Salary per annum: $53,800
• Degree required: No degree required, but some departments may prefer an Associate’s degree in Fire Science or a related field.
• Who is hiring: Fire departments.
• Best way to get the job: Meet physical fitness requirements, pass written and physical exams, complete firefighter academy training, obtain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification

8. Real estate broker

As a policy analyst, your job involves studying and shaping government rules, policies, and laws. You assess the impact of existing policies and propose new ones. Your goal is to enhance the efficiency of government agencies and contribute to building a better, more stable society.

• Salary per annum: $71,300 
• Degree required: No degree required, but a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, or a related field can be helpful. Most states require a real estate license.
• Who is hiring: Real estate agencies, independent brokerage firms.
• Best way to get the job: Complete pre-licensing courses and pass the state real estate licensing exam, develop strong communication, negotiation, and marketing skills, and network with potential clients and industry professionals

9. Funeral director

Becoming a funeral director can be a well-paying job that doesn’t require a lot of education. While some employers might want you to have a degree in funeral service, you can often start with just a high school diploma. With enough experience, you can earn a good salary.

To work as a funeral director in the U.S., you need to be licensed. Some states might also ask you to do an apprenticeship or complete a short certificate program. The National Funeral Directors Association offers various training options, and you can find classes at colleges or online.

As a funeral director, you will help families plan and organize funeral services. This job involves supporting grieving families, so it’s essential to be comfortable with helping people through tough times.

• Salary: $19 per hour
• Degree required: Associate’s degree in Mortuary Science is preferred, some states require a specific Funeral Director license.
• Who is hiring: Funeral homes.
• Best way to get the job: Earn a degree in Mortuary Science, complete an apprenticeship program under a licensed funeral director, pass state licensing exams, develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, and be compassionate and empathetic.

10. Automobile service station manager

If you are searching for a well-paying job that does not need a lot of education, you can become an automobile service station manager. While a high school diploma is enough, having a degree or certification might be preferred by some employers.

To prepare for this job, you can get certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). But for many, the best way to land this role is by gaining experience on the job and working your way up in the company.

As a service station manager, you will be in charge of many tasks like setting gas prices, creating employee schedules, training staff, managing inventory, and ensuring safety rules are followed.

Having good customer service, communication, and managerial skills will come in handy for this job. Also, having some knowledge of accounting can be useful for you.

• Salary: $23.6 per hour
• Degree required: No degree required, on-the-job training is common.
• Who is hiring: Gas stations, auto repair shops, tire dealerships.
• Best way to get the job: Develop mechanical aptitude and strong customer service skills, gain experience working on personal vehicles or through internships, and consider certifications specific to the service area (e.g., ASE certifications).

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

If you are not keen on spending years in college, there are quick certification programs that can pay well and suit your interests. You can explore various fields like healthcare, computers, sales, manufacturing, or repairs through these programs. 

Many of them prepare you with the skills needed for high-paying jobs. So, while looking for different 6-month certificate programs that pay well, please think about the career options that are best for you.

You can gain valuable skills without the long-term commitment of a college degree if you join a certificate program. This also helps you to remain free from student loans. These programs offer a fast track to entering the job market. So, you should do your research well before enrolling in any certification program.