24 Online Career Certifications That Can Boost Your Income

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.

Earning a career certification is one of the most effective ways to boost your income, qualify for new roles, or break into a different field without the time and cost of a full degree program.

From finance to IT to marketing, the right certification can make you a more competitive candidate and help you negotiate with employers for a higher salary.

You may be wondering, “What certification should I get?”

We answer that question in the following by highlighting online certifications that pay well across several major industries, offering practical tips for choosing the right certification for your career goals, and addressing common questions about how certifications fit into your career path.

1. Accounting and Finance Certifications

Earning professional certifications for jobs in accounting and finance can prove your expertise in areas like auditing, tax, and investment analysis, helping you qualify for higher-level and specialized roles.

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): CFA certification offered by the CFA Institute is one of the most respected credentials in investment management, demonstrating advanced knowledge of portfolio management, economics, and financial analysis. CFA certification holders often pursue careers as investment analysts, portfolio managers, and financial advisors and earn an average salary of $108,000.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), CMA certification validates expertise in areas such as cost management, corporate finance, and internal controls for professionals specializing in financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic management. Common job titles include financial analyst, corporate accountant, and financial controller, with salaries averaging $102,000.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): The CPA license offered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) is essential for accountants who work with financial reporting, tax preparation, and auditing. Job titles associated with this certification include tax accountant, forensic accountant, and auditing manager, with an average salary of $104,000.

2. Business Certifications

For business roles, certifications can strengthen leadership skills, build project management expertise, and improve decision-making, especially if you want to move into management, operations, or strategic planning roles.

• Certified Risk Manager (CRM): Offered by the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance, CRM certification is valuable for professionals who identify, assess, and mitigate business risks. Widely recognized in the insurance, financial, and corporate sectors, where risk management expertise is crucial, the CRM is often held by those who work as risk analysts, compliance managers, and corporate risk officers, earning an average salary of $107,000.
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): CSCP certification, offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), is designed for professionals looking to advance in logistics, procurement, and operations. This program covers key topics like supply chain design, planning, and risk management. Earning this certification can help you land roles such as supply chain analyst, procurement specialist, and logistics manager, with an average salary of $98,000.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): PMP certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is one of the most respected project management credentials. PMP certification demonstrates the ability to manage teams, oversee project timelines, and allocate resources efficiently. PMP-certified professionals often work as project managers, program directors, or operations managers, with salaries averaging $118,000.

3. Computer and IT Certifications

In tech, certifications prove you can keep pace with rapidly changing tools and systems. Whether you’re entering computer and IT jobs for the first time or aiming to specialize, these credentials help you validate technical skills and compete for high-demand roles.

• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP): CDMP certification, offered by DAMA International, establishes expertise in data governance, database design, and big data management. This credential is valuable for roles like data analyst, data architect, and IT manager, with an average salary of $112,000.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Cisco’s CCNA certification validates core networking skills, including routing, switching, security, and automation. It prepares professionals for roles such as network administrator, systems engineer, and IT support specialist, with certification holders earning $92,000 per year, on average.
• CompTIA A+ Certification: The CompTIA A+ certification, offered through CompTIA, is a widely recognized entry-level credential for IT professionals specializing in technical support and endpoint management. It covers hardware, networking, and security fundamentals and is commonly associated with roles like IT support specialist, help desk technician, and technical support analyst, with salaries averaging $74,000.

4. Cybersecurity Certifications

As cyberattacks increase in scale and complexity, cybersecurity job certifications have become some of the most valuable and highest-paying certifications. These credentials demonstrate your ability to protect organizations from threats, manage risk, and secure sensitive information.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): CEH certification, offered by the EC-Council, validates skills in penetration testing, ethical hacking, and vulnerability assessment. It’s ideal for professionals working as penetration testers, security consultants, and cybersecurity analysts, with salaries averaging $106,000.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): CISSP certification, offered by ISC2, is one of the most respected credentials in cybersecurity. It demonstrates expertise in risk management, network security, and cryptography. CISSP-certified professionals often work as security analysts, security consultants, or chief information security officers (CISOs), with an average salary of $129,000.
• CompTIA Security+: CompTIA’s Security+ certification is a widely recognized entry-level credential that covers network security, compliance, and risk management. It’s often the first step toward roles like IT security specialist, systems administrator, and cybersecurity analyst, with an average salary of $74,000.

5. Human Resources Certifications

HR certifications are highly regarded markers of professional credibility. They show employers that you understand workforce planning, compliance, and employee relations, making them a strong asset for both early-career and senior-level HR jobs. Each certification below is offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI).

• Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR): aPHR certification is ideal for individuals beginning their HR careers. It covers recruitment, benefits administration, and compliance, leading to roles like HR coordinator, recruiter, and talent acquisition associate, with an average salary of $72,000.
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR): PHR certification is aimed at professionals with some HR experience. It validates knowledge of workforce planning, employee development, and labor relations. Job titles include HR manager, HR business partner, and employee relations specialist, with salaries averaging $85,000.
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR): SPHR certification is designed for senior HR leaders overseeing large-scale strategy, policymaking, and organizational development. This credential supports advancement into roles like HR director, VP of human resources, and chief HR officer, with an average salary of $111,000.

6. Marketing Certifications

Marketing certifications help you stay current with new platforms, data tools, and customer engagement strategies. They can sharpen your skills, build your credibility, and open doors to specialized marketing jobs.

• AMA Professional Certified Marketer: The American Marketing Association’s PCM certification validates advanced skills in marketing strategy, analytics, and brand management. Certified professionals may work as marketing managers, brand strategists, and digital marketing directors, with an average salary of $102,000.
• Google Analytics Certification: The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate demonstrates proficiency in tracking and analyzing web performance data. It helps professionals land roles such as web analyst, SEO specialist, and digital marketing strategist, earning an average salary of $68,000.
• HubSpot Inbound Certification: HubSpot’s Inbound Certification focuses on content marketing, lead generation, and customer relationship management. Professionals with this credential often work as digital marketing specialists, content strategists, or social media managers, with an average salary of $62,000.

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7. Medical and Health Certifications

Healthcare certifications allow professionals to specialize in areas like medical coding, health information management, and infection prevention. They’re often required to qualify for advanced medical and health jobs and can help you stand out in a highly regulated, in-demand industry.

• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC): CIC certification offered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) validates expertise in infection prevention and epidemiology. Certified professionals often work as infection preventionists, public health specialists, or healthcare administrators, with an average salary of $87,000.
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC): CPC certification, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is the gold standard for medical coding professionals. It demonstrates expertise in assigning accurate codes for diagnoses and procedures. Roles include medical coder, billing specialist, and compliance analyst, with salaries averaging $67,000.
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT): RHIT certification, offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), is ideal for professionals managing and securing medical records. Certified individuals often work as health information managers, medical records supervisors, or compliance officers, with an average salary of $64,000.

8. Nursing Certifications

Certifications for nursing jobs can open doors to higher pay, advanced practice roles, and leadership positions. Many certifications also allow nurses to specialize in specific areas of care.

• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): CCRN certification offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses validates expertise in caring for critically ill patients. Nurses with this credential often work in intensive care units, cardiac care, and emergency transport teams, with an average salary of $108,000.
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC): FNP certification offered by the American Nurses Association (ANA) certifies advanced practice nurses providing comprehensive healthcare to families and individuals. FNPs often work in clinics, private practices, and telehealth roles, earning an average salary of $109,000.
• Certified Nurse Educator (CNE): CNE certification offered by the National League for Nursing is designed for nurses transitioning into education. It demonstrates expertise in teaching and allows professionals to become nurse educators in academic and healthcare settings, with salaries averaging $101,000.