Author: Tom Panter / Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson / First covered: January 2021 / Updates: 4
Key Takeaways:
- The benefits of an online certification include skill enhancement, career advancement, employment opportunities, networking opportunities, enhanced professional credibility, and a higher earning potential.
- Some things to consider include time and financial investment, the certificate’s relevance to career goals, accreditation and reputation of the certificate program, how the certification will fit into your plan for career enhancement or academic goals.
An online college certificate is convenient for those who want to boost their career. Compared to an actual degree, the option of an online certificate takes less time and money. The convenience of online classes simply adds to the benefits of this option. Moreover, certain online college certificates can greatly increase the earning potential of the students who earn them. This includes quick certifications that pay well in 2024 and beyond.
Featured Programs
Within the years 2021 and 2022, about 1 million certificates below the baccalaureate level were awarded, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Of these, about 70% were awarded by public institutions, 3% by private nonprofit institutions, and 28% by private for-profit schools.
Our list of the top ten highest-paying online certificates is based on the salaries reported on payscale.com com and other salary rating websites. The number of certificate programs offered was the secondary piece of information used in our ranking. We required a minimum of at least 25 online programs available for a given field.
The top ten highest-paying college certificates are:
| Type of Certification | Program Duration | Average Annual Salary | Potential Jobs |
| Medical Billing and Coding | 4-5 months | $59,835 | Medical coder, medical biller, and health information technician |
| Paralegal | 2-12 months | $73,295 | Paralegals, legal assistants, court clerks, and paralegals with specializations in family law, real estate law, and intellectual property |
| Website Design | 10-12 months | $61,550 | Programmers, web architects, and web developers |
| Bookkeeper/Accounting Technology | 4-12 months | $54,413 | Bookkeepers, accounting clerks, accounts payable/ receivable specialists, and payroll specialists |
| Business Administration | 12 months or less | $69,117 | Human resources assistants, administrative assistants, and sales representatives |
| Human Resources | 12 months or less | $67,650 | Recruiters, human resources assistants, and human resources generalists |
| Information Technology | 5-18 months | $68,000 | Web developers, computer support consultants, help desk analysts, and media technicians |
| Project Management | 2-12 months | $98,580 | Program coordinators, project managers, and program manager |
| Computer Science | 12 months or more | $83,109 | Software developers, business analysts, and operations managers |
| Information Security/Cybersecurity | 6-12 months | $124,534 | Network security engineers, penetration testers, and security analysts |
Many of these are easy certifications to get online that pay well.
Highest Paying Online Certificates Reviewed
10. Bookkeeper/Accounting Technology
Bookkeeping/Accounting Technology is a great career option. It’s easy to enter a certification program with only a high school diploma. Most certification programs in the field are available 100% online. Program requirements generally range from 14 to 30 credits. Programs can be completed anywhere from 4 months to a year. Online certification programs that pay well will teach the skills needed to succeed, including:
- Accounting equations
- Accounts receivable and accounts payable
- Payroll accounting
- Revenue and expenses
Popular jobs include bookkeepers, accounting clerks, accounts payable/ receivable specialists, and payroll specialists.
Average Yearly Income: $54,413
9. Medical Billing and Coding
Certification in Medical Billing and Coding is the cheapest way to get the necessary training to enter the field. The certificate program ranges from 4 to 15 months. Some accelerated programs take just four weeks. Most online Medical Billing and Coding programs allow students to work independently. This adds extra flexibility. Programs offer training in:
- Medical sciences
- Health information management
Graduates can immediately enter the field with various job options. Medical coder, medical biller, and health information technician are popular jobs. This is among the best-paying online certificate programs.
Average Yearly Income: $59,835
8. Website Design
Website Design certification programs combine art and technology. It opens the doors to various well-paying careers, such as:
- Programmer
- Web Architect
- Web Developer
Certificate programs are mostly designed for working professionals desiring to boost their careers and earn a higher salary. Online certificate programs average 30-35 credits, taking as little as 10-12 months to complete. Certification programs teach skills such as:
- Coding languages
- Web page graphics
- Mobile application designs
- Scripting technologies
- Web design concepts
Average Yearly Income: $61,550
7. Human Resources
An online certification in Human Resources can be completed within 12 months or less depending on the program. It is a perfect option for those looking for advanced development in the field. Certified HR professionals earn considerably more than their uncertified counterparts. Certification aids in achieving career success in little time. There are many kinds of online HR certifications offered for those with varying levels of experience in Human Resources. Although certificate programs are often expensive, they quickly pay off, leading to well paying employment in a wide array of fields.
Check out jobs as recruiters, human resources assistants, and human resources generalists with the certification.
Average Yearly Income: $67,650
6. Information Technology
Certification in Information Technology is a great option for those who want to stand out to prospective employers. Many IT certification programs are offered 100% online. A college degree is not necessary to pursue an online IT certificate. Certification programs work as a great starting place for entry-level and mid-level jobs. Program lengths vary, ranging from 5 months to 18 months. Career options include:
- Web Developer
- Computer Support Consultant
- Help Desk Analyst
- Media Technician
Average Yearly Income: $68,000
5. Business Administration
Certification in Business Administration is growing in appeal. It’s ideal for those entering the field for the first time and seasoned professionals looking to boost their resume and earn a higher wage. Online certificate programs offer flexibility both in scheduling and completion time. Most online certificate programs in Business Administration can be completed in a year or less. Certificate programs are sometimes better options than degree programs. They only focus on the relevant subject areas, such as:
- Organization
- Management skills
- Problem solving
- Customer service
- Business law
Potential jobs include human resources assistants, administrative assistants, and sales representatives.
Average Yearly Income: $69,117
4. Paralegal
Earning an online Paralegal certificate is a good career choice. It helps enhance credibility and salary potential. The field is projected to keep growing. Paralegal certification is most commonly pursued by those already in the field. Other potential jobs are legal assistants, court clerks, and paralegals with specializations in family law, real estate law, and intellectual property. It is perfect for those wishing to boost their career or those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another area and desire to change careers. Certification demonstrates to employers a commitment to the profession. Many can be conveniently completed entirely online. Some programs can be completed in less than two months, while many are completed in about a year.
Average Yearly Income: $73,295
3. Computer Science
An online certificate in Computer Science is a beneficial stepping stone for those just entering the field of computer science. It’s also a good option for those with a degree in an unrelated area who wish to enter the field and build relevant skills. This is one of the best online certifications that pay well. Certification programs teach:
- Basic theory
- Programming
- Technical skills of computer science
- Specific software skills
Most online programs range from 15 to 17 credits. Job options include:
- Software Developer
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
Average Yearly Income: $83,109
2. Project Management
Certificate programs in Project Management are becoming more and more popular. As the need for certified Project Management Professionals) grows, and many programs are offered online. A certificate shows potential employers a commitment to the industry. It almost always guarantees a considerable salary advantage. If you want to know more about project management degrees check out our article on the topic. Online certification programs help students learn to effectively plan, orchestrate effectively, and control projects. You will learn how to:
- Estimate costs
- Build timelines
- Use the appropriate software
Programs range from 8 weeks to a year. It depends on the depth of material and previous experience upon entrance. After completion, popular jobs include program coordinators, project managers, and program managers.
Average Yearly Income: $98,580
1. Information Security/Cybersecurity
Certification in Cybersecurity is a sure way to a successful, high-earning career. This is especially true for those with previous experience or training. Earning an online certificate, along with some related work experience, is all that is needed for most entry-level jobs in the field. Additionally, other certification programs are offered online for experienced professionals. Many certificates are only 13-15 credits, taking just one semester to one year to complete. It can often be used to supplement other qualifications on a job resume. This comes in at #1 on our list of online certifications that pay well.
Popular jobs include network security engineers, penetration testers, and security analysts.
Average Yearly Income: $124,534
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