Professional Certifications & Licenses in California
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths in CA
Healthcare Careers in California
| Career | License Required | Median Salary | Time to Complete | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Yes | $46,420 | 6-16 weeks | — |
| Dental Assistant | Yes | $48,910 | 9-18 months | — |
| EMT | No | $45,680 | Varies (EMT programs can range from a few weeks to several months, plus background check processing time) | — |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Yes | $77,170 | 1-2 years for education; application processing varies (4-12 weeks) | — |
| Medical Assistant | No | $48,050 | 6-24 months (program dependent) | — |
| Medical Coder | No | $59,700 | 4-24 months for training programs; exam duration varies (e.g., 4 hours for CPC) | — |
| Paramedic | Yes | $45,680 | 1-2 years | — |
| Pharmacy Technician | Yes | $49,640 | Varies (application processing approximately 45 days) | — |
| Phlebotomist | Yes | $55,460 | 2-4 months | $800 |
| Radiology Technologist | Yes | $107,670 | Approximately 2 years for education, plus 4-6 weeks for application processing and exam results. | — |
| Respiratory Therapist | Yes | $102,120 | Varies (initial license issued for 13-24 months) | — |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $81,120 | 12-24 months for education program; 6 weeks for NBSTSA application processing (rush processing available for $85 fee) | — |
| Dental Hygienist | Yes | $121,080 | 30-90 days for application processing | — |
Trades Careers in California
| Career | License Required | Median Salary | Time to Complete | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Yes | $59,950 | 3-8 weeks (minimum 14 days for CLP, plus training and testing time) | — |
| Electrician | Yes | $76,540 | 4-5 years | — |
| HVAC Technician | Yes | $65,290 | 6-12 weeks for application processing and exams, plus 15-90 days for license issuance after passing exams. | — |
| Plumber | Yes | $68,390 | 4 years (experience) + a few weeks to a couple of months (application/exam process) | $800 |
| Welder | No | $57,940 | Varies (weeks to years depending on certification and training) | — |
| Barber | Yes | $36,590 | Varies (e.g., 8-12 months for school, 2 years for apprenticeship) | — |
| Cosmetologist | Yes | $39,370 | 7-10 months | — |
| Massage Therapist | No | $48,430 | Approximately 90 days | — |
Professional Careers in California
| Career | License Required | Median Salary | Time to Complete | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Yes | $96,360 | 1-2 years post-bachelor's degree | $1,350 |
| Notary Public | Yes | — | Approximately 3-4 months (including course, exam, background check, and processing) | $250 |
| Paralegal | No | $72,960 | — | — |
| Personal Trainer | No | $56,600 | A few months to 9 months | — |
| Insurance Agent | Yes | $64,990 | Approximately 4-8 weeks (application processing typically takes about four weeks after passing the exam and submitting fingerprints) | — |
| Real Estate Agent | Yes | $62,420 | 4-6 months | — |
California Certifications Ranked by Salary
| # | Career | Category | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $121,080 |
| 2 | Radiology Technologist | Healthcare | $107,670 |
| 3 | Respiratory Therapist | Healthcare | $102,120 |
| 4 | CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Professional | $96,360 |
| 5 | Surgical Technologist | Healthcare | $81,120 |
| 6 | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Healthcare | $77,170 |
| 7 | Electrician | Trades | $76,540 |
| 8 | Paralegal | Professional | $72,960 |
| 9 | Plumber | Trades | $68,390 |
| 10 | HVAC Technician | Trades | $65,290 |
| 11 | Insurance Agent | Professional | $64,990 |
| 12 | Real Estate Agent | Professional | $62,420 |
| 13 | CDL Truck Driver | Trades | $59,950 |
| 14 | Medical Coder | Healthcare | $59,700 |
| 15 | Welder | Trades | $57,940 |
| 16 | Personal Trainer | Professional | $56,600 |
| 17 | Phlebotomist | Healthcare | $55,460 |
| 18 | Pharmacy Technician | Healthcare | $49,640 |
| 19 | Dental Assistant | Healthcare | $48,910 |
| 20 | Massage Therapist | Trades | $48,430 |
| 21 | Medical Assistant | Healthcare | $48,050 |
| 22 | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Healthcare | $46,420 |
| 23 | EMT | Healthcare | $45,680 |
| 24 | Paramedic | Healthcare | $45,680 |
| 25 | Cosmetologist | Trades | $39,370 |
| 26 | Barber | Trades | $36,590 |