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Highest-Paying Associate Degree Jobs
Earning a bachelor’s degree isn’t the only path toward a lucrative career. There’s also a variety of associate degrees that pay well. In fact, some jobs offer better pay than ones that require a bachelor’s degree. If you’re considering an associate degree, check out our list of the top 15 highest-paying associate degree jobs.
See also: What is an Associate Degree?
1. Air traffic controller
Air traffic controllers direct the flow of traffic through airports to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel. They work in control towers, using radar technology to guide aircraft in and out of the airport. Key responsibilities include monitoring plane movements, issuing takeoff and landing instructions to pilots, and alerting the airport response staff in the case of an emergency. Candidates must have either an associate or bachelor’s degree.
2020 Median Pay: $130,420 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 1% (Slower than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. Radiation therapist
Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases by administering radiation treatments. They mostly work in hospitals, but sometimes in physicians’ offices and outpatient care centers. Key responsibilities include explaining treatment plans to patients, protecting patients from improper radiation exposure, and operating the machine used to treat patients. Candidates typically need either an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy.
2020 Median Pay: $86,850 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 7% (Faster than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Nuclear technician
Nuclear technicians operate special equipment to assist in nuclear research and energy production. They typically work in nuclear power plants, waste management and treatment facilities, or laboratories. Responsibilities include monitoring radiation levels produced by nuclear experiments and power generation, operating equipment, and testing air, water, and soil for radioactive contamination. Although nuclear technicians are paid well, they will likely have fewer job opportunities as alternative power sources become more popular.
2020 Median Pay: $84,190 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): -19% (Decline)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
4. Nuclear medicine technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists work with radioactive drugs (radiopharmaceuticals) to help diagnose conditions in patients. They give small doses of radiopharmaceuticals to patients and use equipment to record images of the radioactive material in the body. Physicians then interpret the images to study and diagnose an infection or disorder. They typically work in hospitals, but sometimes in physicians’ offices, medical laboratories, and outpatient care centers.
2020 Median Pay: $79,590 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 5% (Faster than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
5. Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists clean teeth, educate patients about proper dental hygiene, and assist dentists. They also use X-ray machines to check for tooth and jaw issues in patients. Candidates typically need an associate degree in dental hygiene. Programs usually take 2-3 years to complete. In some states, hygienists can receive additional training and become dental therapists. Dental therapists perform more advanced procedures such as replacing crowns and extracting teeth.
2020 Median Pay: $77,090 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 6% (Faster than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Related: Top dental school scholarships
6. Diagnostic medical sonographer
Medical sonographers use special imaging equipment to help physicians assess and diagnose patients. They’re specially trained to operate ultrasonic imaging devices, which use sound waves and vibrations to create internal images of the body. They typically work in hospitals, but sometimes in physicians’ offices, medical laboratories, and outpatient care centers. Jobs in this field are expected to grow significantly due to the aging of the Baby Boom population.
2020 Median Pay: $70,380 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 12% (Much faster than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
7. Aerospace technician
Aerospace technicians control the equipment used to develop and test aircraft and spacecraft. They work alongside aerospace engineers to discuss how aircraft and spacecraft should be tested. They also use computer-based modeling, robotics, and automation to make sure that testing goes smoothly. Aerospace technicians typically need an associate degree in engineering technology or a related field. Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than average throughout the coming years.
2020 Median Pay: $68,570 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 7% (Faster than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
8. Aircraft technician
Put simply, aircraft technicians repair and maintain aircraft. They diagnose problems, repair wings, brakes, and electrical systems, and inspect completed work to ensure that it meets performance standards. Many technicians are generalists and work on different types of aircraft such as jets, piston-driven airplanes, and helicopters. Others specialize in a particular type of aircraft or a specific component such as the engine, hydraulic system, or electrical system.
2020 Median Pay: $66,680 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 5% (Faster than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
9. Radiologic and MRI technologists
Both radiologic and MRI technologists use medical imaging to create diagnostic images for patients. Radiologic technologists are trained to use various types of medical diagnostic equipment such as X-ray, mammography, and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Meanwhile, MRI technologists specialize in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. This field should experience healthy growth in the coming years, making it a stable career path.
2020 Median Pay: $63,710 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 7% (Faster than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
10. Respiratory therapist
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have difficulty breathing. They work with a variety of patients, ranging from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients with diseased lungs. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. The majority of respiratory therapists work in hospitals, while some work in nursing homes and physicians’ offices. Respiratory therapists need at least an associate degree, but some employers prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree.
2020 Median Pay: $62,810 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 19% (Much faster than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
11. Occupational therapy assistant
Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop and recover the skills required for daily living. They work with all ages, from children to senior citizens. Responsibilities include helping patients do therapeutic activities (like stretching and other exercises), teaching patients how to use special equipment, and encouraging patients to complete activities. Occupational therapy is one of the fastest growing fields, due to the health needs of the aging Baby Boom generation.
2020 Median Pay: $60,950 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 32% (Much faster than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
12. Electro-mechanical technician
Electro-mechanical technicians test and operate a variety of equipment including automated, robotic, and electromechanical devices. Projects range from manufacturing motor vehicle parts to maintaining unmanned submarines and aircraft. They are employed in many industries such as manufacturing, engineering services, and transportation. Employment is projected to grow slightly throughout the coming years.
2020 Median Pay: $59,800 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 3% (As fast as average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
13. Funeral service worker
Funeral service workers organize ceremonies honoring deceased individuals. They handle important details such as the dates and locations of wakes, memorial services, burials, and cremations. They also offer counsel and comfort to friends and family of the deceased. An associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science is usually required to enter this field. Demand for funeral service workers is expected to decrease as consumers increasingly favor cremation, which costs less than regular funeral arrangements.
2020 Median Pay: $58,170 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): -4% (Decline)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
14. Drafter
Drafters create technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers. They work from rough sketches created by engineers and architects, then use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a detailed plan. Most drafters specialize in a specific field such as architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical design. Drafters typically need an associate of applied science in drafting, or an equivalent certificate or diploma.
2020 Median Pay: $57,960 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): -4% (Decline)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
15. Computer support specialist
Also known as technical support specialists, these professionals analyze and troubleshoot computer network problems. They assist customers via phone, email, and in-person visits. Key responsibilities include asking customers questions to diagnose the computer issue and walking customers through the recommended problem solving steps. Employment of computer specialists is expected to grow as organizations upgrade their computer equipment.
2020 Median Pay: $55,510 per year
Projected Growth (2019-2029): 8% (Much faster than average)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Next steps…
As you can see, there’s a variety of associate degrees that pay well. But our list is just the start. Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupation Finder to see what other jobs you can get with an associate degree. Once you settle on a field of study, you’ll likely go to community college or trade school to obtain your associate degree or certificate. From there, you’ll be ready to enter the workforce. Good luck!
Also see: How to pay for a certificate program
