Certifications that pay well open the door to jobs with higher pay, but the credential alone does not set the paycheck. The job it leads to does. This page ranks 10 popular certifications by the median pay of the job each one supports, using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
All pay and outlook figures are the newest available: May 2025 median pay and 2025 to 2035 projections. No 2027 data exists yet. The BLS does not measure pay by certification, so these are job figures, not what certified workers earn.
AdvertisementFees and rules change, and states set their own licensing rules, so confirm details with the issuer before you pay. When you earn one, use the free builder below the list to add it to your resume.
10 Certifications That Pay Well
Quick jump: CybersecurityProject managementNetworkingSurgical techHVACCDLWeldingMedical billingPharmacy techPhlebotomyCompare all tenFree certifications resume builder
Information Security Credentials: CompTIA Security+ and CISSP
- Median pay (May 2025): $129,180 a year ($62.11 an hour)
- Typical entry education: Bachelor’s degree, usually in computer science or a related field
- Job outlook, 2025 to 2035: Grows 21% (much faster than average)
- Openings each year: About 14,100
How the credential fits: The BLS says many employers prefer candidates with information security certification, and that some certifications are for entry-level workers while others are for experienced professionals. Security+ is a common entry-level choice and CISSP is a common experienced-level choice. Some workers enter the field with a high school diploma plus relevant training and certifications.
Watch out: Most of these jobs ask for a degree or related IT experience, and the BLS lists less than 5 years of experience, often as a network and computer systems administrator.
Project Management Professional (PMP) and CAPM
- Median pay (May 2025): $102,320 a year ($49.19 an hour)
- Typical entry education: Bachelor’s degree, often in business or a technical field
- Job outlook, 2025 to 2035: Grows 7% (much faster than average)
- Openings each year: About 76,500
How the credential fits: The BLS says certification is not always required but can show clients and employers that you are competent. The PMP is the best-known project management credential, and the CAPM is the entry-level version.
Watch out: The BLS does not list specific credentials, and the PMP has experience requirements, so check the issuer’s current rules.
Network Certifications: Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Network+
- Median pay (May 2025): $99,130 a year ($47.66 an hour)
- Typical entry education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job outlook, 2025 to 2035: Declines 4%
- Openings each year: About 13,400
How the credential fits: The BLS says employers may require administrators to be certified in the products they use, and that vendors or vendor-neutral providers offer these certifications. CCNA and Network+ are common examples.
Watch out: Employment is projected to shrink, so job openings come mainly from workers who leave or change jobs, and competition can be strong.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Job it leads to: Surgical technologist and surgical assistant
- Median pay (May 2025): $64,700 a year ($31.10 an hour), for surgical assistants and technologists combined
- Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award (certificate or associate’s degree)
- Job outlook, 2025 to 2035: Grows 5% (faster than average)
- Openings each year: About 8,600
How the credential fits: The BLS says certification may help you find a job and that some employers require it. It typically means finishing an accredited program and passing an exam, and many jobs also ask for CPR or basic life support. The CST is the common surgical technologist credential.
Watch out: Some states regulate these workers, so check your state licensing agency. These jobs need a formal accredited program first.
EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Certification (HVAC)
Job it leads to: Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic and installer
- Median pay (May 2025): $61,010 a year ($29.33 an hour)
- Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Job outlook, 2025 to 2035: Grows 11% (much faster than average)
- Openings each year: About 40,600
How the credential fits: The BLS says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires nearly all HVAC technicians to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. The exam is typically part of a postsecondary HVACR program.
Watch out: Some states and localities also require an HVAC license, and the BLS lists long-term on-the-job training.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Job it leads to: Heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver
- Median pay (May 2025): $58,640 a year ($28.19 an hour)
- Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award; most drivers attend a truck driving school
- Job outlook, 2025 to 2035: Grows 4% (as fast as average)
- Openings each year: About 214,500
How the credential fits: The BLS says all long-haul truck drivers must have a CDL, and that requirements vary by state but generally include a knowledge test and a driving test. A CDL is a state license rather than a certification, and endorsements, such as hazardous materials, add tests.
Watch out: CDL holders must keep a clean driving record, pass a physical every two years and take random drug and alcohol tests.
Welding Certification
Job it leads to: Welder, cutter, solderer and brazer
- Median pay (May 2025): $53,750 a year ($25.84 an hour)
- Typical entry education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Job outlook, 2025 to 2035: Grows 2% (slower than average)
- Openings each year: About 40,300
How the credential fits: The BLS says professional organizations offer courses that lead to general certification, and that some employers require general or specific certification and may pay for it.
Watch out: Some states and localities require welders to be licensed, and OSHA requires electrical safety training.
Medical Billing and Coding Certifications (CPB, CBCS, CCA)
Job it leads to: Medical records specialist
- Median pay (May 2025): $51,140 a year ($24.59 an hour)
- Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Job outlook, 2025 to 2035: Grows 8% (much faster than average)
- Openings each year: About 14,000
How the credential fits: The BLS says postsecondary certificate and associate’s programs typically include medical terminology and coding systems. Credentials such as the CPB, CBCS and CCA show you know those systems.
Watch out: Credentials differ in cost, eligibility and renewal, so compare them before you pay. See our medical billing certifications page for the details.
Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTCB CPhT)
Job it leads to: Pharmacy technician
- Median pay (May 2025): $45,750 a year ($22.00 an hour)
- Typical entry education: High school diploma or equivalent, with moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025 to 2035: Grows 6%
- Openings each year: About 44,700
How the credential fits: The BLS says some states and employers require certification, that it may improve job prospects even where it is not required, and that some employers pay for the exam. The CPhT from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is a widely known credential.
Watch out: Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, and requirements can include a training program, an exam, fees, a background check and continuing education, so check your state.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
Job it leads to: Phlebotomist
- Median pay (May 2025): $45,230 a year ($21.75 an hour)
- Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Job outlook, 2025 to 2035: Grows 7% (much faster than average)
- Openings each year: About 18,000
How the credential fits: The BLS says employers may prefer candidates with professional certification, and that requirements vary by certifying organization and may include education, clinical experience, an exam and a practical blood draw. Some employers also ask for Basic Life Support certification.
Watch out: Some states require an accredited program, a license or certification, so check your state agency.
Free Certifications Resume Section Builder
Earned a credential? Tap it below to add it to a resume with a summary, education, certifications and skills. Then edit the text, print it or copy it.
Step 1. Which describes you best?
Step 2. Which field do you want?
Step 3. Tap the certifications you have earned. They appear in your Certifications section.
Step 4. Click any text in the resume and type to make it yours.
Replace the sample name, school, dates and issuers with your own true information. List only credentials you have earned and that are still active, and use your real year.
JORDAN ELLIS
Columbus, OH | (555) 010-0642 | jordan.ellis@email.com
Summary
Reliable, hands-on professional with industry certifications and a record of showing up on time and working well on a team. Ready to bring careful, safe work to your team.
Dedicated professional with a certificate program, industry certifications and 2 years of customer-facing experience. Known for accurate work, clear communication and steady attendance.
Skilled professional with 6 years of experience and industry certifications. Brings proven results, safe habits and clear communication to every project.
Education
High School Diploma | 2024
Certificate Program, Brookhollow Technical College | 2026
Bachelor of Science, Westfield State University | 2020
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA | 2026
- CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA | 2026
- Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute | 2026
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) | Project Management Institute | 2026
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) | 2026
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) | 2026
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | Pharmacy Technician Certification Board | 2026
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) | National Healthcareer Association | 2026
- EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Certification | 2026
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class A | State DMV | 2026
- Welding certification | 2026
- CPR and Basic Life Support | American Heart Association | 2026
Skills
Network basics | Troubleshooting | Documentation | Customer support | Security awareness
Patient care basics | Infection control | Accurate documentation | Teamwork | CPR
Safety procedures | Equipment checks | Reading manuals | Route and schedule planning | Teamwork
To save your resume: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the resume prints. To copy it, select the text inside the resume and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
Certifications That Pay Well Side by Side
| Credential | Job it leads to | Median pay (2025) | Outlook, 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security+ or CISSP | Information security analyst | $129,180 | Grows 21% |
| PMP or CAPM | Project management specialist | $102,320 | Grows 7% |
| CCNA or Network+ | Network and computer systems administrator | $99,130 | Declines 4% |
| CST | Surgical technologist and assistant | $64,700 | Grows 5% |
| EPA Section 608 | HVAC mechanic and installer | $61,010 | Grows 11% |
| CDL | Heavy truck driver | $58,640 | Grows 4% |
| Welding certification | Welder | $53,750 | Grows 2% |
| CPB, CBCS or CCA | Medical records specialist | $51,140 | Grows 8% |
| PTCB CPhT | Pharmacy technician | $45,750 | Grows 6% |
| CPT | Phlebotomist | $45,230 | Grows 7% |
Which Certification Fits Your Situation?
| Your situation | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| No college degree and you want to start fast | CDL, EPA Section 608, welding or CPT | The BLS lists a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award for these jobs |
| You like healthcare but not a long degree | Surgical technologist, medical billing and coding, pharmacy technician or phlebotomy | Short programs and certification-based hiring |
| You work in IT or want to | Security+, CCNA or Network+ | Employers prefer certified IT staff; the BLS says some enter security with training and certifications |
| You have a degree or work experience | PMP, CISSP | These credentials build on experience and tie to the top-paying jobs |
| You want the fastest job growth | Information security, HVAC, medical records | The BLS projects 21%, 11% and 8% growth |
How to Choose a Certification That Pays Well
- Start with the job. Check the median pay, the outlook and the training the job needs.
- Check if it is required. Some credentials are a legal requirement, like EPA refrigerant certification and a CDL.
- Add up the cost. Include training, exam fees, study materials and renewal.
- Read local job postings. Look for the credential names employers ask for.
- Plan for renewal. Most credentials need continuing education.
How to List a Certification on Your Resume
List only credentials you have earned, with the full name, the issuer and the year.
| Where to list it | Example line |
|---|---|
| Certifications | CompTIA Security+, CompTIA, 2026 |
| Certifications | EPA Section 608 Universal Certification, 2026 |
| Certifications | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), 2026 |
| Skills | Network security, refrigerant handling, sterile technique, project scheduling |
| Summary | Certified HVAC technician skilled in refrigerant handling, system diagnostics and safe installation |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing pay alone. Choose a job you can do well and want to keep.
- Skipping state rules. Licensing and certification requirements vary by state.
- Ignoring the job outlook. Growth varies from a 4% decline to 21% growth.
- Paying before checking postings. Make sure local employers ask for the credential.
- Listing unfinished credentials. Add a certification to your resume only after you earn it.
Certification Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are ready to enroll when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications pay well?
Using BLS pay for the jobs they lead to, the top groups are information security (median $129,180), project management ($102,320) and network administration ($99,130). Healthcare and skilled trades credentials, such as surgical technologist, HVAC and CDL, lead to medians of about $58,000 to $65,000.
Do certifications actually raise your pay?
The BLS does not measure pay by certification, so no BLS figure shows a raise from a credential alone. Certifications can help you qualify for better jobs or meet an employer’s requirement. The pay figures on this page are for the job, not for certified workers.
What are the best certifications without a college degree?
The BLS lists a high school diploma or a postsecondary nondegree award for HVAC (median $61,010), CDL truck driving ($58,640), welding ($53,750), medical records ($51,140) and phlebotomy ($45,230). The BLS also says some information security workers enter with a high school diploma plus training and certifications.
What is the difference between a certificate, a certification and a license?
A certificate usually shows you finished a course. A certification shows you passed an exam from a certifying body. A license is permission from a government agency to do the work, like a CDL.
Which certification is the fastest to get?
It depends on the credential and your training. The BLS says truck driving programs typically last 3 to 6 months, and HVAC and healthcare programs often include the exam. Check each provider’s rules.
Which certifications are growing fastest?
The BLS projects 21% growth for information security analysts, 11% for HVAC mechanics and installers, 8% for medical records specialists, 7% for project management specialists and phlebotomists and 6% for pharmacy technicians from 2025 to 2035.
Are any of these jobs shrinking?
The BLS projects network and computer systems administrators to decline 4%, though it still expects about 13,400 openings a year from workers who leave. Welding is projected to grow only 2%.
Are certifications worth the cost?
Compare the exam and training cost with the pay of the job and with real job postings in your area. Some employers pay for certification, as the BLS notes for welders.
Do I need to renew my certification?
Most do. Many require continuing education and a fee, and some licenses need regular tests or exams, so check the issuer’s rules before you commit.
How do I list a certification on my resume?
Put the full name, the issuer and the year in a Certifications section, and add the matching skills in your Skills section. List only credentials you have earned and that are still active.
Conclusion
The best certification is the one that leads to a job you want, in a field that is hiring near you. Compare the median pay, the training and the renewal rules, then choose a credential you can finish and keep current.
Related Reading
- Medical billing specialist certifications
- PMP resume sample
- HVAC technician skills for resume
- Medical billing and coding resume samples
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information Security Analysts; Project Management Specialists; Network and Computer Systems Administrators; Surgical Technologists; HVAC Mechanics and Installers; Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers; Welders; Medical Records Specialists; Pharmacy Technicians; Phlebotomists. May 2025 pay and 2025 to 2035 projections.