10 of the Best-Paying Associate Degree Jobs
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An associate degree is not as popular as a bachelor’s degree but offers plenty of job opportunities that students should explore. These programs apply to all fields, including healthcare, education, social services, science and technology. Many job opportunities in these industries offer lucrative salaries to employees with an associate degree.?
When most people finish high school, they consider three main options: going to college or trade school, joining the military or getting a job. Making the “right” choice is difficult, especially since making decisions that impact your life seems impossible without much life experience.
Higher education may not be the path for everyone but can help young professionals gain important skills and knowledge to further their career prospects .?
In 2020, 20% of high school graduates enrolled in a 2-year program right away. About 43% of this group enrolled in a 4-year program.?
If you’re interested in higher education but aren’t sure that a bachelor’s degree is the logical step, consider getting an associate degree instead.
Associate Degree vs. Bachelor Degree
Associate degree programs are usually two years long. Bachelor’s degree programs are generally four years for full-time students. Bachelor’s degrees are more in-depth in the area of study and require more coursework, which is why they take longer to complete.
Additionally, a bachelor’s degree program will cost students more than an associate program.?
An associate degree costs less than a bachelor’s degree because the program is shorter and less involved. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that bachelor’s degree holders make more money on average, which prospective students should consider.
Why Choose an Associate Degree?
Students that want to avoid significant debt should look at associate degree programs. Additionally, depending on the field, plenty of job opportunities for associate degree graduates exist.
Since associate degree programs also take less time, students can join the workforce faster.
Another benefit is that students have options when using an associate degree to plan for future goals. There are two types of associate degree programs.?
One option is specialized coursework that leads to specific skills or training for a new job. The other option is a program that doesn’t focus on a particular position or major but lets the student obtain course credits that can later apply to a bachelor’s degree program.
Many people use an associate degree to gain entry into their desired field. If a student decides to return to school to obtain a bachelor’s degree later, the associate degree will serve as a helpful foundation.
Can You Get a High-Paying Job With an Associate Degree?
Some believe an associate degree won’t lead to lucrative job opportunities, but this isn’t true. Associate degree programs prepare graduates for many roles in the workforce spanning almost every field.?
Part of landing a high-paying role comes down to interview skills. For instance, Emily Liou , a career coach and job search consultant, states, “Negotiating your salary is much like buying or selling a car. You as the buyer do the market research by seeing what other comparable cars are being sold for and maybe even pull up the KBB value to assess the low - median - high. And you always make the ask. It doesn't hurt to ask the seller (employer) if they can adjust the price (in job searching you want it to go up! wink*). Only until after you make the ask can you make an informed decision.”?
Essentially, negotiating your pay and benefits based on your experience (and degree) is part of finding a good job.
Many of the roles people obtain with their associate degrees are higher paying than positions that don’t require college coursework. Obtaining an associate degree ensures more job options, higher pay, better benefits, and advancement opportunities.
10 of the Best-Paying Associate Degree Jobs
A huge component in any job search is salary.?
Job seekers want to know how much jobs pay before they commit to applying and interviewing, but this isn’t always possible. Austin Belcak , the founder of Cultivated Culture, says, “Recruiters are typically given a budget for each role . It’s expensive for them to go through the entire process only to find out that salary wasn’t a match. Use that to your advantage! If they won’t share their range, you’re stuck giving a number. This is where your research comes in — you should have a good idea of what the industry avg. is for the role / what competitors pay.”?
Knowing how much money is standard for the industry and role helps job seekers advocate for themselves.?
If you’re considering what field to focus on before enrolling in an associate degree program, remember that you should also consider your:
While there are plenty of associate degree jobs with great salary rates, here are some of the highest-paying jobs with an associate degree to consider:
1. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are important. They help aircraft maintain distance from each other in the air. They typically work in control towers or route centers.
Concentration and focus are always crucial, making this a high-stress position. Shifts at any time of the day are standard.
The median annual salary for these professionals in 2021 was $129,750.
2. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists work with other health professionals to administer radiation treatments. They are in charge of keeping records, monitoring patient reactions to radiation and explaining protocols to patients before radiation treatment.
Radiation therapists need strong interpersonal skills. A technical understanding of the equipment and processes is also required.
The median annual wage for radiation therapists in 2021 was $82,790.
3. Nuclear Technician
A nuclear technician works in nuclear energy facilities (or research facilities) to test for radiation contamination and ensure safety guideline adherence. Many nuclear technicians also adjust nuclear equipment and reactors during nuclear experiments.
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An associate degree in nuclear technology or nuclear science will prepare a student interested in this field.?
In 2021, the median annual pay for this role was $99,340, but the job outlook likely will decline within the next 10 years.
4. Paralegal or Legal Assistant
If you’re interested in working with lawyers, preparing legal documents and gathering research and information, this might be the field to consider. Some of the other duties include:
Paralegals and legal assistants can work in law firms or corporate settings. Professionals need strong research and computer skills to succeed in these roles.?
The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants in 2021 was $56,230.
5. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists are the professionals someone would typically see before the dentist during an annual dental exam. They are mainly responsible for:
A dental hygienist will also help the dentist with treatments and procedures.?
In 2021, the median annual salary for a dental hygienist was $77,810. Those who worked in dental or physician offices had a slightly higher salary.
6. Web Developer
Web developers create websites using computer literacy skills and coding. They focus on ensuring websites are easy for users to navigate and visually appealing.
Successful web developers are creative and strategic. The ability to explain complex information is essential, as web developers will constantly work with other members of the team and clients to get the job done correctly.?
Publishing, advertising, consulting and computer systems are all industries that benefit from this type of professional. Many web developers are also self-employed.?
The median annual salary for web developers in 2020 was $77,200.
7. Registered Nurse
Though many registered nurses (RNs) have bachelor’s degrees, you can still earn this title with an associate degree in nursing.?
Registered nurses provide patient care and help educate patients about various health conditions. They mainly work in hospitals, nursing facilities, physician offices, or home healthcare services.?
In 2021, the median annual wage for an RN was $77,600.
8. Funeral Service Worker
A funeral service worker organizes and manages ceremonies that honor the deceased.?
Typically, this professional will work in a funeral home or crematory. The hours tend to be irregular and working on the weekends or in the evenings is common. Working with families and other staff members is also a big part of this role, so solid communication skills are necessary.
In addition to completing an associate degree, a funeral service worker will need a state license.
In 2021, funeral service workers made a median annual wage of $58,900. Funeral home managers have a median yearly salary of $74,000.
9. Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer designs, creates and manages electrical equipment or systems. Essentially, an electrical engineer developed anything that deals directly with electricity, electronics or electro-magnetism.
The main difference between an electrical engineer and the many sub-disciplines is that this professional deals with the entire system rather than individual parts.?
The median annual pay for electrical engineers in 2021 was $100,420.
10. Occupational Therapist Assistant
Occupational therapist assistants help patients complete required daily activities, including stretching, getting dressed or cooking a meal.
Occupational therapist assistants work with ill, injured or disabled patients. Whether they need help with fine or gross motor skills, these professionals will create and work from a treatment plan that focuses on improving and maintaining critical skills.
?In 2021, the median annual salary for occupational therapist assistants was $61,730.
Key Takeaways
(Reporting by NPD)