25 careers
Fastest Careers to Train For (6 Months or Less)
Need to start earning soon? These careers can usually be entered with six months of training or less, sometimes just a few weeks, through a short certificate, licensing course or on-the-job training.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stock Associate | $37,330 | +8.9% | Several days | No formal educational credential |
| 2 | Cashier | $32,880 | -6.5% | Several days | No formal educational credential |
| 3 | Forklift Operator | $46,420 | +1.5% | 1–5 days | No formal educational credential |
| 4 | Rental Agent | $41,300 | +3.0% | 1–2 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 5 | Warehouse Associate | $40,240 | +1.8% | Days (on the job) | No formal educational credential |
| 6 | Flagger | $38,100 | +3.5% | 1 day | No formal educational credential |
| 7 | Farmworker | $35,660 | -2.4% | Days to weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 8 | Hotel Housekeeper | $35,510 | +0.6% | 1–2 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 9 | Retail Sales Associate | $35,410 | -0.3% | 1–2 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 10 | Prep Cook | $35,320 | -3.0% | 1–4 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 11 | Server | $35,230 | +2.0% | 1–2 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 12 | Lifeguard | $33,580 | +5.5% | 1–2 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 13 | Barista | $31,200 | +5.8% | 1–2 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 14 | Shipping and Receiving Clerk | $45,260 | -7.6% | 1–4 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 15 | Psychiatric Aide | $44,910 | +1.9% | 1–4 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 16 | Delivery Driver | $44,860 | +6.3% | 1–2 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 17 | Production Assembler | $44,650 | +1.1% | 1 day to 1 month on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 18 | Occupational Therapy Aide | $39,160 | +3.6% | 1–4 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 19 | Landscaper | $39,150 | +4.7% | 1–4 weeks | No formal educational credential |
| 20 | Orderly | $38,290 | +4.0% | 1–4 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 21 | Security Guard | $38,020 | +0.9% | Days to 2 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 22 | Receptionist | $38,010 | -1.7% | 1–2 weeks on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 23 | Pharmacy Aide | $37,680 | -0.7% | 1–4 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 24 | Ranch Hand | $36,670 | -3.2% | Weeks to months | No formal educational credential |
| 25 | Recreation Worker | $36,560 | +4.3% | 1–4 weeks | High school diploma or equivalent |
1. Stock Associate
Stockers and order fillers receive merchandise, stock shelves, pick and pack orders, and keep inventory organized in stores and warehouses.
- Median pay: $37,330 ($17.95/hr)
- Training: Several days: no formal educational credential
- Growth: +8.9% (much faster than average), 430,700 openings/yr
Stock Associate career guide · Stock Associate training
2. Cashier
Cashiers process payments for purchases, scan items, handle cash and cards, apply discounts and coupons, and provide fast, friendly service at checkout.
- Median pay: $32,880 ($15.81/hr)
- Training: Several days: no formal educational credential
- Growth: -6.5% (a projected decline), 521,300 openings/yr
Cashier career guide · Cashier training
3. Forklift Operator
Forklift operators use forklifts, reach trucks and other powered industrial trucks to move, stack, load and unload materials in warehouses, distribution centers, factories, lumberyards and construction sites.
- Median pay: $46,420 ($22.32/hr)
- Training: 1–5 days: no formal educational credential
- Growth: +1.5% (slower than average), 64,700 openings/yr
Forklift Operator career guide · Forklift Operator training
4. Rental Agent
Counter and rental clerks take orders for rentals, explain options, process contracts and payments, inspect returned items and keep rental fleets ready.
- Median pay: $41,300 ($19.86/hr)
- Training: 1–2 weeks: no formal educational credential
- Growth: +3.0% (about as fast as average), 46,100 openings/yr
Rental Agent career guide · Rental Agent training
5. Warehouse Associate
Warehouse associates receive incoming freight, store inventory, pick and pack orders, and load shipments in warehouses and fulfillment centers, using scanners and warehouse systems to keep inventory accurate.
- Median pay: $40,240 ($19.35/hr)
- Training: Days (on the job): no formal educational credential
- Growth: +1.8% (slower than average), 340,500 openings/yr
Warehouse Associate career guide · Warehouse Associate training
6. Flagger
Flaggers control traffic through highway, street and utility work zones, using STOP/SLOW paddles and hand signals to keep drivers, pedestrians and workers safe.
- Median pay: $38,100 ($18.32/hr)
- Training: 1 day: no formal educational credential
- Growth: +3.5% (about as fast as average), 17,300 openings/yr
Flagger career guide · Flagger training
7. Farmworker
Farmworkers and laborers in crops, nurseries and greenhouses plant, cultivate, irrigate and harvest crops and plants, and pack products for market.
- Median pay: $35,660 ($17.15/hr)
- Training: Days to weeks: no formal educational credential
- Growth: -2.4% (a projected decline), 72,500 openings/yr
Farmworker career guide · Farmworker training
8. Hotel Housekeeper
Maids and housekeeping cleaners clean hotel rooms and other buildings, making beds, cleaning bathrooms, restocking supplies and reporting maintenance issues.
- Median pay: $35,510 ($17.07/hr)
- Training: 1–2 weeks: no formal educational credential
- Growth: +0.6% (little or no change), 175,500 openings/yr
Hotel Housekeeper career guide · Hotel Housekeeper training
9. Retail Sales Associate
Retail salespersons help customers find products, answer questions, process sales and returns, and keep merchandise stocked and organized.
- Median pay: $35,410 ($17.03/hr)
- Training: 1–2 weeks: no formal educational credential
- Growth: -0.3% (little or no change), 520,600 openings/yr
Retail Sales Associate career guide · Retail Sales Associate training
10. Prep Cook
Food preparation workers wash, cut, measure and prepare ingredients, follow recipes, label and store food, and keep the kitchen clean and organized.
- Median pay: $35,320 ($16.98/hr)
- Training: 1–4 weeks: no formal educational credential
- Growth: -3.0% (a projected decline), 135,700 openings/yr
Prep Cook career guide · Prep Cook training
11. Server
Waiters and waitresses greet guests, explain menus, take orders, serve food and drinks, handle payments and make sure guests enjoy their dining experience.
- Median pay: $35,230 ($16.94/hr)
- Training: 1–2 weeks: no formal educational credential
- Growth: +2.0% (slower than average), 423,100 openings/yr
Server career guide · Server training
12. Lifeguard
Lifeguards, ski patrol and other recreational protective service workers monitor swimmers and visitors, enforce safety rules, perform rescues and give first aid at pools, beaches, waterparks and ski areas.
- Median pay: $33,580 ($16.14/hr)
- Training: 1–2 weeks: no formal educational credential
- Growth: +5.5% (faster than average), 45,400 openings/yr
Lifeguard career guide · Lifeguard training
13. Barista
Baristas and counter workers prepare coffee, espresso and other drinks, take orders, handle payments and keep cafes clean and welcoming.
- Median pay: $31,200 ($15.00/hr)
- Training: 1–2 weeks: no formal educational credential
- Growth: +5.8% (faster than average), 827,400 openings/yr
Barista career guide · Barista training
14. Shipping and Receiving Clerk
Shipping, receiving and inventory clerks verify incoming and outgoing shipments, keep records, track inventory and prepare paperwork and labels so goods arrive where they should.
- Median pay: $45,260 ($21.76/hr)
- Training: 1–4 weeks: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -7.6% (a projected decline), 61,300 openings/yr
Shipping and Receiving Clerk career guide · Shipping and Receiving Clerk training
15. Psychiatric Aide
Psychiatric aides help patients with mental illness or developmental disabilities with daily living, safety and activities in hospitals and treatment facilities.
- Median pay: $44,910 ($21.59/hr)
- Training: 1–4 weeks: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +1.9% (slower than average), 4,900 openings/yr
Psychiatric Aide career guide · Psychiatric Aide training
16. Delivery Driver
Light truck and delivery drivers pick up, transport and deliver packages and goods in vans and small trucks, usually within a local area, using scanners and route apps.
- Median pay: $44,860 ($21.57/hr)
- Training: 1–2 weeks: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +6.3% (faster than average), 107,200 openings/yr
Delivery Driver career guide · Delivery Driver training
17. Production Assembler
Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and parts, from appliances and vehicles to electronics and machinery, using hand tools, power tools and work instructions.
- Median pay: $44,650 ($21.47/hr)
- Training: 1 day to 1 month on the job: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +1.1% (slower than average), 138,700 openings/yr
Production Assembler career guide · Production Assembler training
18. Occupational Therapy Aide
Occupational therapy aides prepare treatment areas, transport patients and help with clerical tasks, supporting occupational therapists and assistants.
- Median pay: $39,160 ($18.83/hr)
- Training: 1–4 weeks: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +3.6% (about as fast as average), 600 openings/yr
Occupational Therapy Aide career guide · Occupational Therapy Aide training
19. Landscaper
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers maintain and install lawns, gardens, trees and outdoor spaces at homes, businesses, parks, campuses and golf courses.
- Median pay: $39,150 ($18.82/hr)
- Training: 1–4 weeks: no formal educational credential
- Growth: +4.7% (about as fast as average), 149,500 openings/yr
Landscaper career guide · Landscaper training
20. Orderly
Orderlies transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or X-ray rooms, help move and position patients, and keep patient areas clean and stocked.
- Median pay: $38,290 ($18.41/hr)
- Training: 1–4 weeks: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +4.0% (about as fast as average), 7,200 openings/yr
Orderly career guide · Orderly training
21. Security Guard
Security guards protect people, property and information by patrolling, monitoring cameras and alarms, controlling access, enforcing site rules, responding to incidents and writing reports.
- Median pay: $38,020 ($18.28/hr)
- Training: Days to 2 weeks: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +0.9% (little or no change), 156,000 openings/yr
Security Guard career guide · Security Guard training
22. Receptionist
Receptionists greet visitors, answer and route calls, schedule appointments, handle mail and provide information, serving as the first point of contact for an organization.
- Median pay: $38,010 ($18.27/hr)
- Training: 1–2 weeks on the job: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -1.7% (a projected decline), 105,100 openings/yr
Receptionist career guide · Receptionist training
23. Pharmacy Aide
Pharmacy aides help licensed pharmacists and technicians with tasks such as answering phones, stocking shelves, operating cash registers and handling customer questions.
- Median pay: $37,680 ($18.12/hr)
- Training: 1–4 weeks: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -0.7% (little or no change), 5,100 openings/yr
Pharmacy Aide career guide · Pharmacy Aide training
24. Ranch Hand
Farmworkers for farm, ranch and aquacultural animals feed, water, herd and care for livestock, maintain facilities and help with breeding and health care.
- Median pay: $36,670 ($17.63/hr)
- Training: Weeks to months: no formal educational credential
- Growth: -3.2% (a projected decline), 26,600 openings/yr
Ranch Hand career guide · Ranch Hand training
25. Recreation Worker
Recreation workers design and lead leisure activities for groups in parks, camps, community centers, senior living and other settings.
- Median pay: $36,560 ($17.58/hr)
- Training: 1–4 weeks: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +4.3% (about as fast as average), 67,000 openings/yr
Recreation Worker career guide · Recreation Worker training
Methodology
Rankings use national data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35)) for the 709 careers profiled on Career Education Institute. Lists are not exhaustive of all U.S. occupations. Data checked October 15, 2026.
About this list
What is #1 on the list of fastest careers to train for?
Stock Associate, with a median wage of $37,330 per year and about Several days of training.
How was this list made?
We ranked careers from our 709 profiles using BLS May 2025 wage data and 2025–35 employment projections, applying the criteria described on this page.