Earning an associate degree can pave the way to various rewarding careers that offer competitive salaries and growth opportunities. Here’s a list of top-paying jobs you can pursue with an associate degree:
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Median Annual Salary: Around $75,330 (May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – BLS)
Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2020 to 2030
Description: RNs provide patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.
2. Dental Hygienist
Median Annual Salary: About $77,090 (May 2020, BLS)
Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2020 to 2030
Description: Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care.
3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $75,920 (May 2020, BLS)
Job Outlook: 17% growth from 2020 to 2030
Description: Sonographers operate special imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests that help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions.
4. Radiation Therapist
Median Annual Salary: Around $86,850 (May 2020, BLS)
Job Outlook: 6% growth from 2020 to 2030
Description: Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments.
5. Respiratory Therapist
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $62,810 (May 2020, BLS)
Job Outlook: 21% growth from 2020 to 2030
Description: Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing, often from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or emphysema.
6. Web Developer
Median Annual Salary: About $77,200 (May 2020, BLS)
Job Outlook: 13% growth from 2020 to 2030
Description: Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site as well as its technical aspects, such as performance and capacity.
7. Paralegal and Legal Assistant
Median Annual Salary: Around $52,920 (May 2020, BLS)
Job Outlook: 12% growth from 2020 to 2030
Description: Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.
8. Computer Support Specialist
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $56,270 (May 2020, BLS)
Job Outlook: 10% growth from 2020 to 2030
Description: Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. They may troubleshoot problems, install hardware and software, and maintain systems.
9. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician
Median Annual Salary: About $67,550 (May 2020, BLS)
Job Outlook: 2% growth from 2020 to 2030
Description: Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop electrical and electronic equipment.
10. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician
Median Annual Salary: Approximately $69,230 (May 2020, BLS)
Job Outlook: 3% growth from 2020 to 2030
Description: Aerospace engineering and operations technicians operate and maintain equipment used in developing, testing, and producing new aircraft and spacecraft.
Conclusion
An associate degree can provide a solid foundation for entering these high-paying fields. With opportunities for growth and advancement, these careers offer competitive salaries and the potential to make a significant impact in various industries.