The Best Jobs You Can Get With an Associate Degree
With just two years of higher education, you pursue a high-paying career. Faster, less expensive, and more targeted than a bachelor’s degree, an associate program can lead to higher-paying jobs than some four-year programs. Associate degrees can lead to skilled technical positions in medicine, engineering, or aerospace.
Science, computers, engineering, math, architecture, and healthcare offer some of the best-paying opportunities. Discover the best jobs you can land with an associate degree in this guide.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Is an Associate Degree Worth It?
Earning an associate degree can increase your employability and boost your income. In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that people with high school diplomas had a 3.9% unemployment rate and earned a median income of $899 weekly. By contrast, people with associate degrees had a 2.7% unemployment rate and earned a weekly median income of $1,058.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 76% of 25- to 34-year-olds with an associate degree worked full-time, while 73% of people in the same age group with only a high school diploma held full-time jobs.
Education-related employment and earning differentials become significant over a lifetime. The Georgetown University Center On Education And The Workforce stated that workers with an associate degree earned $2 million over their lifetime versus those with a high school diploma, who earned just $1.6 million.
Where Can I Work With an Associate Degree?
You can work in almost any industry with an associate degree.
In 2023, the Harvard Business Review identified a national trend called “the new-collar workforce.” New-collar workers possess valuable, market-ready skills but do not have—or need—a college degree. Gaining the skills or professional licensure needed for many of these roles does, however, often require an associate degree.
While some associate programs are stepping stones to a bachelor’s degree, many others can lead to employment immediately after graduation. These programs typically help you become a highly skilled technician or technologist.
For example, you could work as a nuclear technician, cardiovascular technologist, or aerospace engineering technician—roles that require you to work with an industry expert to implement, maintain, and repair valuable technology.
Highest-Paying Jobs That Require an Associate Degree
With an associate degree, you can secure a skilled technical job in medicine, engineering, or the aerospace industry. Graduates can serve as air traffic controllers, operate delicate sonography machines, or provide engineers with precise drawings. Many of these positions require precise technical skills and up-to-date knowledge of how the industry works.
Learn more about the top five highest-paying jobs for associate degree-holders below.
1. Air Traffic Controller
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $137,380
- Job Growth (2022-32): +1%
- Degree Options: AS in Aviation Management – Air Traffic Control
- Other Requirements: Post-hire training at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy
An air traffic controller directs aircraft traffic near airports to help ensure safe takeoffs, landings, and travel. Air traffic controllers also help minimize delays, using technology to manage many aircraft simultaneously.
Some specialized air traffic controllers direct the flow of non-aircraft traffic at the airport, while others manage airplanes’ entry or departure—a few controllers direct aircraft entering U.S. airspace.
2. Nuclear Technician
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $101,740
- Job Growth (2022-32): -1%
- Degree Options: AS in Nuclear Science or Nuclear Technology
- Other Requirements: Certification from the Nuclear Energy Institute or another agency
A nuclear technician assists physicists or other nuclear professionals by operating equipment for nuclear power generation and experiments. Most nuclear technicians work in power plants, ensuring safe and effective operations.
Operating technicians monitor system performance and safety and make adjustments and repairs as necessary. Radiation protection technicians monitor the level of radiation in a nuclear facility to help maintain safe facilities.
3. Radiation Therapist
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $98,300
- Job Growth (2022-32): +2%
- Degree Options: AS or AAS in radiation therapy or a related field
- Other Requirements: Some states require licensure
A radiation therapist administers therapeutic doses of radiation prescribed to patients who have cancer or another disease. These medical professionals explain procedures, protect patients from inappropriate radiation, calibrate machines, provide therapy, and keep records.
Radiation therapists typically work as part of an oncology team that includes radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, medical physicists, and medical dosimetrists.
4. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $92,500
- Job Growth (2022-32): -1%
- Degree Options: AAS or AS in Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Other Requirements: State licensure and certification with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
A nuclear medicine technologist treats patients with prescribed radioactive drugs called radiopharmaceuticals. These medications help physicians diagnose a patient’s condition. Some nuclear medicine technologists specialize in nuclear cardiology, while others may focus on computed tomography or positron emission tomography.
Although most technologists work in hospital settings, a few support nuclear medicine research or emergency response efforts after a radioactive disaster.
5. Dental Hygienist
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $87,530
- Job Growth (2023-33): +9%
- Degree Options: AS or AAS in Dental Hygiene
- Other Requirements: State Licensure
A dental hygienist examines dental patients, conducts their preventative care, and educates them about effective oral hygiene. Under the supervision of a dentist, they can take dental X-rays, polish teeth, and remove stains.
Some states and tribal governments authorize dental hygienists with additional training to become dental therapists. These advanced dental care providers can do basic dental work, such as placing temporary crowns. A dental hygienist degree usually takes three years.
Fastest-Growing Jobs That Require an Associate Degree
Some of the fastest-growing jobs in the country only require a two-year degree to get started. Many of these careers are in medicine or healthcare and require working under a licensed physician, physical therapist, or other healthcare provider. Consequently, states with older populations may experience exceptionally rapid growth in some of these careers.
Explore the top six fastest-growing jobs for associate degree-holders below.
1. Physical Therapist Assistant
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $64,080
- Job Growth (2023-33): +25%
- Degree Options: AAS or AS in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Other Requirements: State Licensure
A physical therapist assistant helps patients recovering from a physical injury or illness. Typically, they are involved in the direct care of patients under the supervision of a physical therapist. Their work can include doing exercises with patients, giving massages, or educating clients as part of a plan of care.
2. Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $67,010
- Job Growth (2023-33): +22%
- Degree Options: AAS in Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Other Requirements: State Licensure and Certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
An occupational therapy assistant works under an occupational therapist’s supervision to help clients develop, improve, and maintain everyday skills. For example, an occupational therapy assistant might engage in play activities with children with disabilities to help them meet developmental milestones or teach a client with Parkinson’s disease to use adaptive cooking tools.
3. Veterinary Technician
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $43,740
- Job Growth (2023-33): +19%
- Degree Options: AAS in Veterinary Technology
- Other Requirements: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination
A veterinary technician conducts diagnostic tests on animals under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. For example, these professionals might perform a urinalysis on a pet, explain the results to the owner, and educate the owner on the veterinarian’s plan of care.
4. Medical Equipment Repairer
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $60,670
- Job Growth (2023-33): +18%
- Degree Options: Associate in Biomedical Equipment Technology or Engineering
A medical equipment repairer installs, maintains, and repairs the tools and devices used for patient care. They might work with hydraulic equipment, patient monitors, medical imaging equipment, or life-support devices. Sometimes, a medical equipment repairer may need to work on a machine while it is in use.
5. Health Information Technologist / Medical Registrar
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $62,990
- Job Growth (2023-33): +16%
- Degree Options: Associate in Information Management
- Other Requirements: Certification from the American Health Information Management Association
A health information technologist stores, secures, maintains, and retrieves healthcare records. These documents may include patient data or epidemiological information used for research studies.
A medical registrar maintains a database of information about a particular disease, such as heart failure or cancer. They might assign classification codes and track survival rates among a sample population.
6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Median Annual Wage (2023): $84,470
- Job Growth (2023-33): +15%
- Degree Options: AS or AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Other Requirements: Certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
A diagnostic medical sonographer uses a sonogram or ultrasound machine to create images of organs and tissues. They may look for a disease, explore a pregnancy, or identify vascular flow patterns. Sonographers who specialize in imaging the heart and lungs are called cardiovascular technologists.
The high median wage and high job growth make this one of the best jobs for people with an associate degree.
Explore related programs:
Ways to Earn an Associate Degree
Associate degrees that lead to high-paying jobs can be earned in many ways and at many different times throughout life. High school students can take college courses toward an associate degree.
People who’ve been in the workforce for many years often earn an associate degree to improve their current career or prepare them to transfer to another field. Degrees can be completed in the traditional college setting and also online. Take a look at a few of the options below.
Earn an associate degree on campus (traditional route).
Earning an on-campus degree may be the only option some schools offer for technology or health-related associate programs. Night classes, weekend courses, and two-week intensives can make these on-campus degrees more accessible, and learning in an in-person environment brings additional benefits.
Benefits:
- On-campus learning provides opportunities for networking with peers and professors, helping kickstart your career even before you graduate.
- You have easy access to laboratories, libraries, and other learning resources.
- Hands-on learning opportunities can sharpen your skills, particularly in technological or medical fields.
Earn an associate degree online.
The flexibility and accessibility of online learning allow new high school grads, working professionals, and those who want to go back to school to complete a degree and advance their careers.
Benefits:
- The individual and flexible pace allows those with other commitments to take classes.
- In-person graduation is available at many institutions that awardonline degrees.
- Normal financial aid packages and opportunities still apply to online courses.
Earn an associate degree while still in high school.
Students with an idea of their areas of interest might get a running start at a career by beginning college courses while still in high school. It’s not an easy path to take, as students often make time and lifestyle sacrifices, but it can be a great option for someone wanting a fast track to a high-paying career or more advanced degree.
Benefits:
- Students get a jump on starting their career or completing a bachelor’s program.
- Graduates can earn an entry-level salary at a younger age than many competitors.
- College courses for high school students are often more affordable than traditional classes.
Interested in earning an associate degree?
Facts From the Field: Expert Interview
Dr. William Carroll is the vice president of academic affairs at Bay State College in Boston. He has a Ph.D. from Syracuse and is responsible for helping Bay State College students choose the appropriate degree program.
Q: Is getting an associate degree worthwhile for students? In which fields might it pay off more than others?
A: There are many fields where an associate degree is worthwhile. The best choices are those where the associate of science degree is the terminal degree in the field. Physical therapist assistant and registered nurse degrees are good examples of this.
It’s also useful to research the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and determine what level of education employers seek. For example, audio visual employers who manage the sounds and other technology at convention centers look for graduates with associate degrees, and these jobs can turn into good long-term careers.
Q: What might students need to be aware of before committing to an associate degree program?
A: Since these are “degree programs,” students should expect to have some amount of general education courses like English, math, and social science courses, for example. A typical Associate of Science degree program is 60 credits, depending on the system the college uses. As most courses are worth three credits, students will need to complete approximately 20 courses. This can take up to two full years or perhaps 20 months if the students attend year-round.
Q: What strengths do the students possess that see them succeed in completing a degree?
A: I think the biggest strength is the ability to work interdependently and manage your time — this is especially true for online courses. Reading comprehension and writing skills are also important. Since you have less opportunity to express yourself verbally, good writing skills are definitely beneficial.
