10 Top-Paying 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