The future of work is here, and it doesn’t always require a formal degree to have a great job. There are numerous high paying careers that can be achieved with very little education. A simple certificate or certification can land you a high-demand position with a competitive payout; and many of these can be awarded in less than a year, putting you on the fast track to a better career.
According to a Business Insider study, at least 64% of jobs in 2026 will require no education beyond high school, compared with 25% of jobs that will likely require a four-year degree. Obtaining a certificate or certification increases your potential to get the job and make more money. And you won’t be crushed by heavy student debt.
Several certification careers come out on top. We’ve generated this list of some of the top paying careers requiring no formal degree:
Website developers design and create websites. Developers write code, use graphical user interface (GUI) authoring tools, work with images, create hyperlinks, add tables and forms, and add video and audio to Web pages. Job opportunities for Website Developers is expected to increase up to 13% by 2028. The median salary is $69,430*.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop electrical and electronic equipment. They work primarily in manufacturing settings, engineering services, the federal government, research-and-development laboratories, and the utilities industry. The median salary is $64,300*.
Certified Computer, Network and Cyber Security Technicians
Network and computer systems technicians are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. Technicians have the knowledge and skills needed to install, manage and troubleshoot a variety of networks on any platform. The median salary is $53,470*.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technicians (HVACR)
HVACR Technicians work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. HVACR Technicians are one of the most in demand jobs in the current job market, and the job opportunities are expected to continue growing over the next ten years. The median salary is $47,610*.
Certified Electronic Health Records Specialists
Certified Electronic Health Records (EHR) Specialists organize and manage health information data and typically work in doctor’s offices and hospitals. Some technicians may work from home. Job opportunities for Certified Electronic Health Records Specialists is expected to increase by 11% by 2026. The median salary is $40,350.
Why Get a Certificate or Certification instead of a degree?
There are many benefits to completing a certificate program and/or earning a certification.
Are you ready to start a new high paying career in less than a year? Visit https://protrain.theknowledgebase.org/ today to learn more about certificate and certification training that could have you in a new career and making a great salary within a year.
*data provided by BLS