There are a variety of reasons why students may pursue a college degree, including increased earning potential, job security, expanding career options, or learning valuable skills. For those seeking a higher-paying career, attending a community college may not be the obvious choice, as the first thing that comes to mind with the term ‘college’ is a four-year university. The good news: there are plenty of two-year associate degrees that have a high return on investment. Associate degrees cost less, have a short completion time, and still afford high-paying job opportunities.
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are 10 high-paying jobs that require only an associate degree.
Radiation therapists operate machines and administer radiation treatments to treat cancer and other diseases in patients.
- Median annual wage (2021): $82,790 per year or $39.80 per hour
- Work experience: None
- Job outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology
Dental hygienists educate patients about oral health and examine them for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis.
- Median annual wage (2021): $77,810 per year or $37.41 per hour
- Work experience: None
- Job outlook: 9% (Much faster than average)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene
Diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists, technicians, and vascular technologists utilize special imaging equipment to conduct tests and imagery.
- Median annual wage (2021): $75,380 per year or $36.24 per hour
- Work experience: None
- Job outlook: 10% (Much faster than average)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
4. Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and provide maintenance on aircrafts.
- Median annual wage (2021): $65,550 per year or $31.52 per hour
- Work experience: None
- Job outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Aircraft Maintenance Technology
5. Radiologic and MRI Technologists
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
- Median annual wage (2021): $61,980 per year or $29.80 per hour
- Work experience: Typically less than five years of related experience
- Job outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology
Respiratory therapists care for patients who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases and, as a result, have trouble breathing.
- Median annual wage (2021): $61,830 per year or $29.73 per hour
- Work experience: None
- Job outlook: 14% (Much faster than average)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Care
7. Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides
Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, regain, improve, and maintain their daily living and working skills.
- Median annual wage (2021): $61,520 per year or $29.58 per hour
- Work experience: None
- Job outlook: 25% (Much faster than average)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Occupational Safety and Health Technology
8. Computer Support Specialists
Computer support specialists offer assistance and technical guidance to computer users and organizations.
- Median annual wage (2021): $57,910 per year or $27.84 per hour.
- Work experience: None
- Job outlook: 6% (Much faster than average)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Information Technology (IT) program
9. Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers.
- Median annual wage (2021): $56,230 per year or $27.03 per hour
- Work experience: None
- Job outlook: 14% (Much faster than average)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal
10. Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides
Physical therapist assistants and aides support physical therapists in helping patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.
- Median annual wage (2021): $49,180 per year or $23.64 per hour
- Work experience: None
- Job outlook: 24% (Faster than average)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in the Physical Therapist Assisting