These 9 Upskilling Courses Can Make You the Most Money in 2025 — How Much Time They Take
Written by
Deborah Sabinus
Edited by
Amen Oyiboke
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
If you’re looking to earn more money this year, upskill with courses that are in high demand. There are good options in tech, trades and healthcare that you can complete within a few weeks to one year and start making more money.
You can use them as side jobs or even transition to them full-time if they pay more than your current job or business. Here are nine upskill courses that you should start now to get you more money this year.
Solar Installer
Average salary: $45,230Duration of training: A few days to a few months
Solar Installers set up solar panels and systems. This job also involves physical fitness for installations and may require travel to different job sites.
Bus Driver
Average salary: $50,890Duration of training: A few months
A bus driver moves people from one destination to another, usually, they work for certain bodies or organizations like school bus drivers or city bus drivers. The pay, requirements, and certification for this role vary by state. Usually, you’ll require a driver’s license and be physically fit and able to cope with varying schedules.
Insurances Sales Agent
Average salary: $57,860Duration of training: 20 hours of coursework
For this role, you can usually find required courses at your state’s Department of Insurance and they can last up to a few weeks depending on your schedule. This is because all states regulate insurance differently. In this job, you’ll sell all kinds of insurance.
Business Development Representative
Average salary: $58,590Duration of training: A few weeks
A business development representative is an entry-level sales position that generates leads and opportunities for tech businesses. This role has a large market as the demand is high and it usually requires little or no experience to start. You can take some courses online to familiarize yourself with the job requirements.
Project Manager
Average salary: $61,539Duration of training: A few weeks
This role is found in every industry and typically involves overseeing projects within an industry including budget, schedule, operations and staffing. Within the IT industry, the salaries are higher and may require technical skills or a bachelor’s degree.
Computer Programmer
Average salary: $97,800Duration of training: 4-12 months
A computer programmer works on coding languages for computer software across different industries. With specializations and expertise, salary is expected to increase. You could start with learning the basic programming languages at your own pace.
Medical Assistant
Average salary: $38,270Duration of training: 4 months – 1 year
A medical assistant should not be confused with a physician assistant. The former supports health providers with basic and administrative tasks while the latter treats patients. A medical assistant usually starts with training to become a certified medical assistant, this coursework can also be completed online from some schools.
Medical Records Technician
Average salary: $41,964 Duration of training: 1 year
In this job, you’ll create and manage electronic health information and medical records in a hospital or healthcare setting. The course which can be taken in-person or online will help you pass the Certified Electronic Health Records (CEHR) certification exam and be able to find entry-level jobs.
Nursing Aide
Average salary: $35,760Duration of training: 4-12 weeks
This is also known as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). It involves helping patients with medical duties and daily activities like bathing, feeding, movement, dressing and using the toilet. The length of training varies by location and you’ll have to pass a state-approved exam to be able to get a job.
More From GOBankingRates
