Careers You Can Get With an Associate's Degree
Highest Paying Acquaintance Degrees
past TBS Staff
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Students looking for a quick-start career should consider an associate degree from a community higher, where they can earn a degree in 2 years.
An acquaintance degree prepares graduates for jobs in multiple industries. For example, paralegals and web developers often only need an associate caste. Many healthcare and engineering science technicians need an acquaintance caste to earn professional certification or licensure. An associate degree also meets the minimum education requirements for jobs like air traffic controller, ultrasound technician, avionics technician, and nuclear technician.
Readers should advisedly review each career's placement within the rankings, since pay varies and then much among professions. For instance, air traffic controllers earn a median annual salary of $122,990, while medical equipment repairers make a median salary under $50,000.
The post-obit list ranks the best associate degree jobs by salary. Some of the jobs on the list don't crave an acquaintance caste only the degree provides a competitive edge in the job market place. We used information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for job title and salary information.
Featured Online Acquaintance Degree Programs
The Highest-Paying Careers With an Associate Degree
| Industry | Transportation and Materials Moving |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $122,990 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 1% |
Air traffic controllers communicate with pilots, grounds crew, and fellow aviation personnel to coordinate the movement of aircraft. They remain in contact with pilots at all stages of flight, monitoring approaches, departures, and en route activities. They relay essential information about atmospheric condition, flight patterns, runway closures, and potential hazards.
Air traffic controllers need an associate degree approved by an Air Traffic Collegiate Preparation Initiative program. Overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration, these degrees emphasize aviation technology, air traffic control procedures, airport management, and aviation regulations. As a fast-paced and high-stress position, air traffic controllers demand acute concentration, decision-making, and advice skills.
| Industry | Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Median Almanac Salary (2020) | $85,560 |
| Projected Task Growth (2018-2028) | 9% |
Radiation therapists work with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals to administer radiation treatments. They explain methods and protocols to patients, go on detailed records, and monitor patient reactions during and after treatment. Radiation therapists operate machines that deliver focused radiation to tumors and other cancers. They almost often work in hospitals, spending long hours on their feet.
As members of radiation teams, radiation therapists need strong communication and interpersonal skills. They as well need a technical understanding of radiation equipment. An associate degree in radiations therapy prepares students for entry-level positions. These programs typically facilitate certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists by blending clinical requirements with coursework in science, anatomy and physiology, and figurer technology.
| Industry | Life, Physical, and Social Scientific discipline |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $82,080 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | -4% |
Nuclear technicians piece of work at nuclear energy facilities, nuclear research laboratories, and other locations where radiation and nuclear materials are present. They test for radiation contamination, monitor equipment used in nuclear experiments, and ensure adherence to condom guidelines and procedures. Nigh nuclear technicians piece of work in the power generation industry, making adjustments and repairs to reactors and other equipment.
An associate caste in nuclear science or nuclear technology prepares students for this career, making it one of the highest-paid acquaintance degrees. Students gain practical experience through internships. Nuclear technicians can advance their careers through certifications from organizations like the Nuclear Energy Institute, the American Society of Nondestructive Testing, and the National Registry of Radiations Protection Technologists.
| Manufacture | Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $77,950 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | vii% |
Nuclear medicine technologists ready and administer radioactive drugs for diagnostic and treatment purposes. They must explain medical procedures and treatments to patients, abide by safety procedures and regulations, and monitor patients for drug reactions. Well-nigh nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, just they may also serve as research assistants to nuclear scientists in laboratory settings.
Nuclear medical technologists demand an associate degree from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Students with an associate caste in a related bailiwick may enter the profession by completing a certificate program from an organization like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.
| Industry | Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $76,220 |
| Projected Chore Growth (2018-2028) | 11% |
Dental hygienists provide oral care to patients. They take dental 10-rays, clean teeth, inspect for oral diseases, and administer fluoride and sealant treatments. Dental hygienists work closely with dentists, reporting their findings and assisting in developing handling plans for patients. They keep detailed records and educate patients on the best practices in oral intendance.
Dental hygienists need knowledge of anatomy, medical ethics, safety protocols, and periodontics. 2-year college degrees in dental hygiene accredited by the Committee on Dental Accreditation tin can prepare students for licensure as a dental hygienist.
| Median Almanac Salary (2020) | $71,670 |
|---|
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists operate scanners that apply magnetic resonance technology to create diagnostic images of patients' organs and soft tissues. They inject contrast dye into patients to produce images. Some MRI technologists brainstorm their careers equally radiologic technologists before choosing this specialty.
| Manufacture | Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Median Almanac Bacon (2020) | $68,750 |
| Projected Task Growth (2018-2028) | xiv%% |
Diagnostic medical sonographers operate devices that employ soundwaves to create images used in medical tests and procedures. Sonographers perform sonograms and ultrasounds on all parts of the trunk, often specializing in areas such as the abdomen, middle, or muscles. They must gather essential data for physicians, frequently reviewing images and reporting on any abnormalities or anomalies.
These professionals must understand anatomy and physiology, sonographic technology, and medical terminology, which they can achieve through an associate in medical sonography or a related field. Professional person certifications through organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers enhance career opportunities.
| Manufacture | Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $68,750 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 14% |
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians get together diagnostic and treatment data about the circulatory and respiratory systems. They carry out tests and assist with procedures to assess heart and lung wellness. Duties for cardiovascular technologists and technicians include monitoring centre rates, profitable with catheterization, administering electrocardiograms, and measuring lung capacity.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians work in hospitals and private medical offices. Many schools offer acquaintance degrees or postsecondary certifications in cardiovascular engineering science. Although not required, certification through organizations like Cardiovascular Credentialing International demonstrates expertise to potential employers.
| Industry | Architecture and Engineering |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $66,020 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 4% |
Aerospace technology and operations technicians work with fellow technology personnel to operate, install, and maintain equipment and instruments used to monitor air and space vehicles. They collect data on parts, assembly, and machinery operation; ensure computer systems and devices see safety and industry standards; and inspect equipment to detect malfunctions and potential problems.
They also run computer simulations, automation programs, and quality balls tests on aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Aerospace technology and operations technicians need skills in mathematics, full general applied science, physics, and estimator engineering science. An associate caste in aerospace engineering or engineering science technology prepares students for careers with aerospace manufacturing companies, research and development agencies, and engineering services firms, making information technology one of the summit associate degrees that pay well.
| Industry | Architecture and Engineering |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Bacon (2020) | $65,260 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 0% |
Electric and electronics engineering technicians assist in the design, evolution, and production of computers, communication and navigation equipment, and comparable devices. They conduct diagnostic tests, monitor operation, and resolve problems related to design and function. Electrical engineering technicians often install and maintain electrical systems, while electronics engineering technicians focus on identifying and fixing malfunctions.
Both positions require noesis of engineering design principles and practices, circuitry, physics, and programming languages. A 2-yr degree in electric or electronics engineering blends didactic coursework with applied laboratory classes to hone mechanical, observational, and logical-thinking skills.
| Industry | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $64,310 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | three% |
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians deport out essential maintenance and repair on aircraft structures and systems. Shipping equipment mechanics and technicians focus on mechanical and electric components such as wings, brakes, and electric systems. Avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work on instruments like radios, radar systems, and navigational tools.
Both aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians regularly inspect aircraft, use specialized tools and diagnostic equipment, and keep detailed records well-nigh maintenance and repairs. They must adhere to guidelines established by the Federal Aviation Assistants (FAA). These professionals must earn an associate caste from a school approved past FAA. FAA also offers certifications for mechanics and technicians specializing in bodywork and engine piece of work.
| Industry | Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $62,280 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 9% |
Too called radiographers, radiologic technologists take x-rays and administrate mammograms. MRI technologists perform diagnostic tests using magnetic resonance imaging equipment. Both radiologic and MRI technologists carry out tests co-ordinate to orders issued by physicians. They must prepare patients for testing, adhere to safety guidelines and protocols, and provide input on paradigm evaluations.
An associate degree in radiologic and MRI technology prepares students for careers in the field through a combination of coursework and clinical requirements. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists accredits associate degree programs in radiology and certifies practitioners in the field. The American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology provides accreditation for MRI programs and certifications for MRI technicians.
| Industry | Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Bacon (2020) | $61,330 |
| Projected Chore Growth (2018-2028) | 21% |
Respiratory therapists assist patients who have difficulty breathing. They piece of work with physicians to carry out diagnostic tests, administer treatments, and monitor overall progress. Respiratory therapists may have claret, connect patients to respirators, remove mucus from a patient's lungs, or teach patients to use inhalers and nebulizers. They may piece of work in hospitals or as home health aides.
Respiratory therapists need at least an associate degree in the discipline, which combines coursework in beefcake, health sciences, pharmacology, and mathematics with clinical feel. Licensure requirements for respiratory therapists vary past state, but the National Lath of Respiratory Care is the main certifying trunk for the field.
| Industry | Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Median Almanac Salary (2020) | $59,200 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 31% |
Occupational therapy assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists. Occupational therapy assistants may perform therapeutic treatments, offering educational and socialization guidance to children with developmental needs, and teach patients to use equipment and devices appropriate to their needs. Occupational therapy aides oft tend to administrative tasks, setting up appointments, transporting patients, and overseeing billing and insurance tasks.
Occupational therapy administration need an associate degree from a program accredited past the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Occupational therapy aides typically only demand a high school diploma. A two-year caste in occupational therapy blends coursework in wellness sciences, education, and social scientific discipline with fieldwork requirements. About states require occupational therapist administration to concord a license from the National Lath for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
| Manufacture | Life, Physical, and Social Scientific discipline |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Bacon (2020) | $58,350 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 1% |
Electro-mechanical technicians exam, maintain, and operate electromechanical devices and equipment. They perform diagnostics on automated, robotic, and other unmanned equipment used on worksites. They read schematics and verify measurements to ensure proper associates and production. Electro-mechanical technicians may work in industrial settings, on free energy projects, or in oil drilling operations.
These professionals demand an associate degree in electrical engineering and/or mechanical technology. They likewise need strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Electro-mechanical technicians can advance their careers through certifications from the International Social club of Automation or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
| Industry | Personal Care and Service |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $58,310 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 4% |
Funeral service professionals work with clients to determine the location, time, and date of a visitation, funeral, or burial, providing counsel and condolement during the planning. They coordinate movement and care of the deceased private's body, handle administrative paperwork, and answer questions about the funeral process. Morticians and funeral directors may too embalm bodies, help write obituaries, and arrange viewings.
Nearly states crave funeral service workers to complete a funeral service or mortuary science programme accredited past the American Board of Funeral Service Education and maintain land licensure. Funeral service and mortuary scientific discipline programs integrate coursework with practical experience, allowing students to amateur under a licensed funeral professional.
| Manufacture | Architecture and Engineering |
|---|---|
| Median Almanac Salary (2020) | $56,980 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 3% |
Mechanical engineering technicians assist in designing, testing, and manufacturing mechanical equipment and devices. They prepare sketches and models, build prototypes, collect and assess performance information, and suit specifications during the product process. They may also inspect manufacturing machines and equipment, repair and replace parts, and perform routine maintenance assessments.
They typically work in engineering services, machinery manufacturing, or transportation. Mechanical engineering technicians demand an acquaintance degree, document, or diploma in mechanical engineering. They can advance their careers through certifications from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
| Manufacture | Architecture and Engineering |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $56,830 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 0% |
Trained to use specialized figurer-aided design (CAD) software, drafters take designs produced by architects and engineers and convert them into technical plans and drawings. After putting specifications, measurements, and dimensions into CAD software, drafters put plans and drawings into building information modeling systems for conversion into three-dimensional models.
Drafters oft focus on a type of drafting, such as electrical, mechanical, or architectural. Electrical drafters prepare drawings and diagrams for energy-producing facilities and distribution systems, while mechanical drafters produce plans for diverse types of devices, tools, and equipment. Architectural drafters focus on residential and commercial structures. Drafters demand an associate caste, certificate, or diploma in drafting. They tin can besides earn certification through the American Blueprint Drafting Association.
| Industry | Architecture and Engineering |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $56,550 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | -1% |
Industrial technology technicians assist in designing efficient industrial systems. They work with industrial engineers to optimize workflow and product, studying the time, money, and energy it takes to industry a product or provide a service. They prepare floor layouts, collect data on worker and machine capabilities, and help develop work schedules and assignments.
An acquaintance caste, diploma, or certificate in industrial engineering prepares individuals for roles as industrial engineering science technicians. Students tin can too earn ii-year degrees in applied science, engineering technology, or another subset of technology, depending on their professional goals.
| Industry | Figurer and Data Technology |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $54,760 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 10% |
Figurer support specialists offer solutions to computer-related issues. They may work inside companies or organizations, serving as technical support specialists. Technical support specialists perform routine maintenance, back up files, and troubleshoot computer and network bug. Computer support specialists may also piece of work as help desk technicians. Aid desk technicians respond to phone calls, emails, or chats, answering questions from consumers and providing solutions to routine problems.
Computer support specialists need knowledge and skills in reckoner science, it, and customer service. These professionals benefit from an associate degree in data scientific discipline, technology, or computer science. A caste in business or communications with coursework in computer-related topics also prepares students for the role.
| Manufacture | Architecture and Applied science |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Bacon (2020) | $53,410 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | % |
Civil engineering technicians work with ceremonious engineers to design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects and structures. They likewise provide assist on building and development projects for residential, commercial, and industrial use. Trained to use computer-aided pattern software, many civil engineering technicians are charged with taking the ideas of civil engineers and transfering them into plans and drawings.
Civil technology technicians need observational, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Most civil engineering technicians concur an associate caste in civil engineering technology, and they can earn this degree in two years. They likewise benefit from earning certification through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering science Technologies.
| Industry | Legal |
|---|---|
| Median Almanac Salary (2020) | $51,740 |
| Projected Chore Growth (2018-2028) | 12% |
Paralegals and legal administration piece of work with lawyers. Their duties vary depending on the size of the firm for which they work, but they typically fix legal documents, assemble information, deport out legal enquiry, and maintain records. They may too interview clients, assistance lawyers during trials and hearings, and file official documents with courts. In corporate settings, paralegals and legal assistants may focus on contracts, financial documents, and regulatory matters.
An associate degree in legal or paralegal studies prepares individuals for careers in the field. These professionals can also earn a available's degree with an accompanying paralegal certificate from a program approved by the American Bar Association. Paralegals and legal assistants need strong research, writing, and computer skills.
| Industry | Architecture and Engineering science |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $51,130 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 7% |
Geological and petroleum technicians assist scientists and engineers in the extraction of natural resources. They collect and assess data related to the availability and bear upon of oil, natural gas, metals, and other materials; apply estimator databases, seismic instruments, and laboratory equipment; and set up reports based on sample analyses and other tests. They may work in laboratories, at extraction sites, or in office settings.
Geological and petroleum technicians need an associate of engineering science in geosciences, physics, or mining. Grooming in geographic data systems, mapping software, and modeling programs are essential for geological and petroleum technicians.
| Industry | |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $50,620 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | xix% |
Environmental engineering technicians provide support to environmental engineers. They set up experiments and tests; keep records; and collect samples related to environmental cleanup, protection, and quality. They must follow rubber guidelines and government regulations to dispose of hazardous materials and understand environmental issues and concerns.
Ecology technology technicians need at least an associate degree in environmental engineering technology, environmental science, or a related field. They may need additional preparation to work with hazardous materials, which they tin can obtain from programs offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
| Industry | |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Bacon (2020) | $49,280 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 4% |
Medical equipment repairers tend to machines, devices, and tools in medical settings. They fix and supervene upon parts, upgrade and update software, and perform tests to ensure proper function. Medical equipment repairers may repair equipment similar life-supporting devices, diagnostic equipment, and beds and wheelchairs.
Most medical equipment repairers have an associate degree in biomedical technology, mechanical engineering, or a related bailiwick. They demand strong trouble-solving, mechanical, and troubleshooting skills. They typically undergo additional on-the-chore training and work under supervision for a menses before taking on repair assignments of their own.
Featured Associate Caste Programs
What is an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is a ii-twelvemonth caste that provides training for a variety of careers, many of which offer competitive salaries. For example, air traffic controllers, nuclear medicine technologists, and occupational therapy assistants encounter the education requirements for their jobs with an acquaintance degree. An acquaintance degree also meets the education requirement for prospective dental hygienists and radiation therapists to earn professional licensure or certification.
Associate degree students tin can also study fields like business organisation, communications, political science, or biological science. In these fields, an associate degree prepares graduates to pursue a bachelor's degree. At many colleges and universities, transfer students with an associate degree can complete a four-year bachelor'south caste in ii years.
Why Go an Associate Caste?
An associate caste prepares graduates for careers in a variety of fields, such equally healthcare, technology, and engineering. Some associate degrees lead to entry-level roles, like diagnostic medical sonographer, engineering technician, or concrete therapy assistant. These associate degree jobs offer higher up-average salaries.
Completing an associate caste takes less time and coin than a bachelor's degree, with public customs colleges offering lower tuition rates than public or private four-yr colleges. Graduates with an associate degree can too transfer into a available's programme, often completing the four-year degree with just two boosted years of study.
Featured Online Acquaintance Degree Programs/p>
Common Questions about Associate Level Jobs
An associate caste prepares graduates for a diversity of roles, like air traffic controller, radiation therapist, and dental hygienist. Many of the best-paying associate caste jobs offering salaries to a higher place the national average.
A two-twelvemonth degree costs $3,440, on average, for students attending an in-land, public institution. The 30 best acquaintance degrees by salary all exceed the national average bacon of $51,960, making an associate degree a skillful investment.
The best-paying acquaintance degree is an air traffic controller degree, leading to an boilerplate salary of nearly $125,000 a yr.
MRI technologists, nuclear technicians, funeral service managers, and dental hygienists all earn over $70,000 a year, on boilerplate, making their respective degrees amongst the best acquaintance degrees by salary.
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