It is crucial to ascertain future job opportunities when choosing an associate degree. In that way, you will be more motivated and confident that you have selected the best associate degree to get the best paying job. Moreover, you get to ensure that the time and money you have invested in earning the associate degree are worthwhile. In this article, we have listed ten high-paying jobs you can get with an associate degree.
However, do not let demand and salary be the only factors you consider when selecting an associate degree. Think about your interest, passion, and most importantly, if it is a good fit for you.
You may want to read our quick take on associate degrees and why you should consider them before moving on.
We have studied, researched, and compiled the list below based on projected demand (2019 to 2029) and actual annual median salary in 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Paralegal
Lawyers often rely on the support and assistance of paralegals and legal assistants. Paralegals typically work in law firms. However, they also find placements in the legal departments of corporations.
- Median pay in 2019 was $51,740 per annum
- Has a job growth rate of 10 percent
- Opportunities growing much faster than average
An associate degree in Paralegal Studies can be entirely online.
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Factories under development and those involved in processing and manufacturing hire mechanical engineering technicians to assist engineers design, develop, manufacture, test, and commission mechanical installations. Their other duties would also include analyzing and reporting various data required by engineers.
- The median pay in 2019 was $56,980 a year
- The job growth rate is at 3 percent
- Job opportunities are growing as fast as average
An Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology opens doors into the profession and can be obtained online in an online college.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
This job is for people who love assisting others to recover and maintain daily living skills. You will be working with the elderly and people recovering from stroke or injuries. Your workplace is most likely to be in hospitals, nursing care institutions, occupational therapy offices.
- Median pay was $59,200 per annum in 2019
- The job projected growth rate for occupational therapy assistants is 32 percent
- Opportunities are growing much faster than average
You can commence this career with an associate of science degree from an online college. Do note that all states regulate this practice.
Respiratory Therapist
Patients suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma, lung disease, or injuries need respiratory therapists’ help to breathe. You would most likely work full-time in a hospital on shifts and over weekends too.
- The median salary in 2019 was $61,330
- This job is forecasted to grow by 19 percent
- The job growth is much faster than average
You can become a respiratory therapist with an associate of science degree. Also, note that a license is required to practice in most states.
Avionics Technician
Aircraft and avionics technicians work in airfields, hangars, and airports. They repair and maintain aircraft to render them safe for passenger and cargo flights.
- Median pay in 2019 was $65,700 per year
- Job growth of 5 percent from 2019 to 2029
- Faster than average growth in job opportunities
Aviation technicians usually hold an associate degree from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved school and have passed the relevant FAA exams.
Aerospace Operations Technician
This job is right for you if you are into science, robotics, technical R&D of aircraft and spacecraft. Your workplace is likely to be in laboratories, test facilities, or manufacturing plants observing strict safety standards.
- The median pay was $66,020 per annum in 2019
- Job growth is at 7 percent
- Job growth is faster than average.
An associate of science degree can pave the way into this career.
Registered Nurse
Hospitals, nursing care facilities, and physicians’ offices hire registered nurses (RN) to provide patient care, coordinate and inform patients about various health conditions and issues.
- The median salary in 2019 was $73,300
- Job growth is at 7 percent
- Opportunities are growing faster than average
An online associate degree in nursing (ADN) can launch your career in nursing. However, as all registered nurses are licensed, your ADN will prepare you for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). In other words, becoming RN is the natural progression from the ADN.
Web Developer
As a web developer, you will be designing, creating, and maintaining websites for corporations or clients. Your employers could be publishers, marketers, management consultants, advertisement companies, and practically anyone with an active online presence.
- The median pay for web developers was $73,760 per annum in 2019
- This job is to grow by 8 percent
- Opportunities for web developers are to grow much faster than average
You can earn an associate of science in web programming entirely online from accredited online colleges to set you off in this career.
Dental Hygienist
You will most likely be working in a dentists’ office, helping dentists examine patients for oral diseases and providing preventive care. Many dental hygienists work part-time.
- The median salary in 2019 was $76,220 per year
- Job growth is at 6 percent
- Opportunities for dental hygienists is forecasted to grow faster than average
You will need an associate degree in dental hygiene to enter this profession. All states currently require dental hygienists to be licensed.
Radiation Therapist
A radiation therapist helps patients with cancer and other diseases by applying radiation treatment. You will most likely work in a hospital or physicians’ offices.
- The median salary for a radiation therapist was $85,560 in 2019
- This job is to grow by 7 percent
- The job outlook is forecasted to grow faster than average
You will need an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy to become one. Most states require licensure or certificate to practice as a radiation therapist.
The above list shows a wide array of choices of some of the best and high-paying associate degree jobs. The selection criteria applied are associate degree jobs with a median pay of more than $50,000 a year and growing at or faster than the average rate compared to all jobs.