Professional Certifications & Licenses in Pennsylvania
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths in PA
Healthcare Careers in Pennsylvania
| Career |
License Required |
Median Salary |
Time to Complete |
Est. Cost |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) |
Yes
|
$41,110 |
4-15 weeks |
— |
| Dental Assistant |
Yes
|
$48,290 |
9-12 months |
— |
| EMT |
Yes
|
$38,580 |
3-6 months |
— |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) |
Yes
|
$62,010 |
1-2 years |
— |
| Medical Assistant |
No
|
$42,810 |
4-24 months (program dependent) |
— |
| Medical Coder |
No
|
$46,730 |
Varies depending on program length and individual study habits (e.g., certificate programs can be completed in under a year) |
— |
| Paramedic |
Yes
|
$38,580 |
1-2 years |
— |
| Pharmacy Technician |
Yes
|
$37,560 |
Not specified |
— |
| Phlebotomist |
No
|
$40,140 |
Varies by program (e.g., 7 weeks to 9 months) |
— |
| Radiology Technologist |
No
|
$68,010 |
2 years (minimum for ARRT eligibility) |
— |
| Respiratory Therapist |
Yes
|
$76,160 |
2-4 years (Associate degree) |
— |
| Surgical Technologist |
Yes
|
$61,770 |
12-24 months for education, plus application processing time |
— |
| Dental Hygienist |
Yes
|
$81,510 |
2-4 years |
— |
Trades Careers in Pennsylvania
| Career |
License Required |
Median Salary |
Time to Complete |
Est. Cost |
| CDL Truck Driver |
Yes
|
$58,540 |
5-11 weeks |
— |
| Electrician |
No
|
$65,400 |
Varies by municipality; typically 3-5 years for experience/apprenticeship. |
— |
| HVAC Technician |
No
|
$61,120 |
— |
— |
| Plumber |
No
|
$66,650 |
Varies by jurisdiction; typically 4 years for apprenticeship, plus 1-2 years as a journeyman for master license |
— |
| Welder |
No
|
$50,860 |
6 months to 2 years for training programs; certification test duration varies |
— |
| Barber |
Yes
|
$42,570 |
at least 9 months |
— |
| Cosmetologist |
Yes
|
$29,680 |
8-15 months (school) or 21 months (apprenticeship) |
— |
| Massage Therapist |
Yes
|
$57,660 |
6-12 months |
— |
Professional Careers in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Certifications Ranked by Salary
| # |
Career |
Category |
Median Salary |
| 1 |
Dental Hygienist |
Healthcare |
$81,510 |
| 2 |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) |
Professional |
$77,330 |
| 3 |
Respiratory Therapist |
Healthcare |
$76,160 |
| 4 |
Radiology Technologist |
Healthcare |
$68,010 |
| 5 |
Plumber |
Trades |
$66,650 |
| 6 |
Electrician |
Trades |
$65,400 |
| 7 |
Insurance Agent |
Professional |
$62,230 |
| 8 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) |
Healthcare |
$62,010 |
| 9 |
Surgical Technologist |
Healthcare |
$61,770 |
| 10 |
HVAC Technician |
Trades |
$61,120 |
| 11 |
Paralegal |
Professional |
$60,950 |
| 12 |
CDL Truck Driver |
Trades |
$58,540 |
| 13 |
Massage Therapist |
Trades |
$57,660 |
| 14 |
Real Estate Agent |
Professional |
$53,590 |
| 15 |
Welder |
Trades |
$50,860 |
| 16 |
Dental Assistant |
Healthcare |
$48,290 |
| 17 |
Medical Coder |
Healthcare |
$46,730 |
| 18 |
Medical Assistant |
Healthcare |
$42,810 |
| 19 |
Barber |
Trades |
$42,570 |
| 20 |
Personal Trainer |
Professional |
$42,010 |
| 21 |
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) |
Healthcare |
$41,110 |
| 22 |
Phlebotomist |
Healthcare |
$40,140 |
| 23 |
EMT |
Healthcare |
$38,580 |
| 24 |
Paramedic |
Healthcare |
$38,580 |
| 25 |
Pharmacy Technician |
Healthcare |
$37,560 |
| 26 |
Cosmetologist |
Trades |
$29,680 |