10 Top-Paying Careers Requiring an Associate Degree
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Pursuing an associate degree could be a great career move, opening up positions that might not be available to those with only a high school diploma or GED. In addition to a broader range of career opportunities, earning an associate degree could also boost your earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2023, the median usual weekly earnings for those who hold an associate degree was $1,058 more than that of those who had only earned their high school diploma.
In this article, we list 10 top-paying careers that typically require an associate degree at the entry level, as specified by the BLS.
Also make sure to check out our article “10 Top In-Demand Careers Requiring an Associate Degree.”
1 Air Traffic Controller
What they do
Air traffic controllers monitor and coordinate the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air. They direct pilots through takeoff and landing and provide them with updates about weather and other critical information. They use radio equipment, radar, and computers in their work.
Typical entry-level education
Associate or bachelor’s degree through a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative
Median annual salary, 2023:
$137,380
Projected employment, 2032
23,000
2 Radiation Therapist
What they do
Radiation therapists administer radiation to cancer patients. They need to calibrate and operate machines such as linear accelerators and make sure they position the machine correctly. They also educate and explain the procedure to patients.
Typical entry-level education
Associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy
Median annual salary, 2023:
$98,300
Projected employment, 2032
15,900
3 Dental Hygienist
What they do
Dental hygienists clean and polish teeth, removing plaque and tartar. They conduct an examination, looking for any signs of dental disease. They might take X-rays or apply sealants to protect the teeth. They discuss oral health with patients and the importance of diet.
Typical entry-level education
Associate degree in dental hygiene
Median annual salary, 2023:
$87,530
Projected employment, 2032
219,400
4 Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
What they do
Diagnostic medical sonographers use a special instrument called a transducer to create images of a patient’s organs and tissues. Physicians use the images, referred to as ultrasounds or sonograms, to diagnose disease. There are a number of types of sonographers, including cardiac sonographer, abdominal sonographer, and pediatric sonographer.
Typical entry-level education
Associate degree in sonography
Median annual salary, 2023:
$80,850
Projected employment, 2032
142,800
5 Avionics Technician
What they do
Avionics technicians repair electric instruments in aircraft. They use using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, and voltmeters to test the instruments and repair any defective components. They also assemble components, install instrument panels, and keep records of maintenance and repairs.
Typical entry-level education
Associate degree in avionics
Median annual salary, 2023:
$75,400
Projected employment, 2032
161,000
6 Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist/ Technician
What they do
These professionals work with equipment used to develop, test, produce, and sustain aircraft and spacecraft. They are responsible for installing, running, and maintaining the equipment, and often meet with aerospace engineers to discuss test results. One type of equipment they might work on is wind tunnels.
Typical entry-level education
Associate degree in engineering technology or a related field
Median annual salary, 2023:
$75,400
Projected employment, 2032
10,200
7 Respiratory Therapist
What they do
Respiratory therapists work with patients who have breathing issues, ranging from an infant with a collapsed lung to an older patient who has a breathing condition such as asthma or COPD. They examine patients, conduct diagnostic tests, and treat patients to improve their breathing.
Typical entry-level education
Associate degree in respiratory therapy
Median annual salary, 2023:
$77,960
Projected employment, 2032
133,100
8 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist/Technician
What they do
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians work with engineers to help design and develop electrical and electronic equipment such as computers. They assemble, calibrate, and repair electrical equipment, draw design diagrams, and monitor the design process for technical issues. They test electronic equipment and analyze the information from the test.
Typical entry-level education
Associate degree in electrical or electronic engineering technology
Median annual salary, 2023:
$72,800
Projected employment, 2032
102,500
9 Radiologic Technologist/Technician
What they do
Radiologic techs, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic tests using equipment such as X-ray machines and CT (computed tomography) scanners. They set up the equipment, position patients, and take images. They typically work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to review and evaluate the images.
Typical entry-level education
Associate degree in radiography
Median annual salary, 2023:
$76,020
Projected employment, 2031
264,100
10 Occupational Therapy Assistant
What they do
Occupational therapy involves helping people who have been ill, injured, or have conditions such as Parkinson’s disease recover the physical skills needed for daily life. Occupational therapy assistants work with under the supervision of occupational therapists to help patients in a variety of ways. They assist them with exercises, teach them how to use special equipment, and record their progress. They might also collaborate with the therapist to develop and carry out treatment plans.
Typical entry-level education
Associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program
Median annual salary, 2023:
$65,450
Projected employment, 2032
$49,000
Source: https://www.bls.gov/
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Accessed 8/9/2023.
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