These 10 jobs offer the opportunity to make more than the median salary in the United States with a degree that typically takes less time and money than a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚.
While it鈥檚 true that many jobs require a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree, the reality is that associate degrees can open various job opportunities, too. In fact, earning an associate degree could be a good investment, particularly for individuals who would like some of the benefits of getting a college degree without spending the time and money it typically requires. Furthermore, associate degree holders have been found to make an average of $159 more a week than those with only a high school diploma for a weekly median wage of $1,058, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [闭.听
In this article, you will find 10 jobs that pay higher than the median individual income in the United States and also have significant job growth.
There are many well-paying jobs you can get with an associate degree.听
The list below was composed using data from the BLS and features a range of jobs that not only offer higher annual incomes than the national average but are also projected to grow over the next decade.
While many of these jobs fall within the medical field due to the aging baby boomer population, there are also several careers in tech, real estate, and law. Whether you like working with people, technology, or in a non-office setting, there is likely something for you on this list.听
At a glance, the jobs included on this list are as follows:
Job title | Median annual salary |
---|---|
Web developer | $92,750 |
Dental hygienist | $87,530 |
Registered nurse | $86,070 |
Diagnostic imaging worker | $80,850 |
Radiologic and MRI technologist | $76,020 |
Respiratory therapist | $77,960 |
Occupational therapy assistant | $65,450 |
Computer support specialist | $60,810 |
Paralegal and legal assistant | $60,970 |
Real estate agent | $56,620 |
*All salary data is the median annual salary from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023.
Yes, you can get many different kinds of jobs with an associate degree; however, many associate degrees allow you to build specialized skills to perform a specific job function. Various technical or medical jobs may require further certification or licensure.听
Web developers create and manage websites for organizations, businesses, and individuals. Typical duties for a web developer include coding websites with HTML or XML, designing graphics, and creating mockups of websites or applications.听
In order to become a web developer, you don鈥檛 always need a degree if you have the right skills, but employers may prefer to hire those with either an associate or 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree. If you are taking the associate degree route, consider getting an Associate of Science (AS) in computer science, information science, or a related field. Regardless of what path you take, taking additional web development courses could be a wise way to refine your skill set.
Median annual wage: $92,750 []
Projected growth rate: 8 percent []
Common qualifications: High school diploma, associate degree, 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree
Dental hygienists examine patients for oral diseases and provide preventative care to ensure their teeth, gums, and mouth stay clean and healthy. Their combination of technical knowledge and people-facing skills make dental hygienists invaluable to a dentist鈥檚 office, where most are employed and many work part-time.听
To become a dental hygienist, you will need an associate degree in dental hygiene, which is available at many community colleges, technical schools, and universities. If you are looking for a program, the accredits hundreds of dental hygiene programs in the United States, and most take about three years to complete. Dental hygienists must also obtain a license in their state.听
Median annual wage: $87,530 []
Projected growth rate: 9 percent []
Common qualifications: Associate degree in dental hygiene
Registered nurses (RNs) provide care to patients and educate them and the public about health care. Typically, RNs work with teams of physicians and specialists to ensure that patients get the best possible care. Their exact title and duties are often dependent on their position and the patients with which they work, such as the elderly or children.
Generally, there are three ways to become a registered nurse: via a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree program in nursing, an associate degree program in nursing, or a diploma from an accredited nursing program. RNs must also obtain a nursing license in their state.
Median annual wage: $86,070 []
Projected growth rate: 6 percent []
Common qualifications: Associate degree, 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing program
Diagnostic imaging workers use imaging equipment to conduct tests and create images that help physicians assess and diagnose health conditions. In particular, medical sonographers create images of organs and tissue (called sonograms), while cardiovascular technologists and technicians test and create images of a patient鈥檚 lungs and heart.
In order to become a diagnostic imaging worker, you will need to get either an associate degree or a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree in sonography or cardiovascular technology. Common areas of study include health care, biology, and science technologies. Many employers will also prefer that diagnostic imaging workers are certified through an accredited program, such as the or .听
Median annual wage: $80,850 []
Projected growth rate: 11 percent [闭听
Common qualifications: Associate degree or postsecondary certificate and accredited certification
Radiographers use X-rays, mammography, or computed tomography equipment to examine patients, while MRI technologists use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to create diagnostic images of patients. To do their jobs, both radiographers and MRI technologists must typically properly prepare patients for exams, keep detailed patient records, and work with physicians to evaluate images.听
In order to become a radiographer or an MRI technologist, you usually need at least an associate degree in a related area of study and will need to gain a state license. Often you must have prior experience working as a radiographer before you will be hired as an MRI technologist.听
Median annual wage: $76,020 []
Projected growth rate: 6 percent []
Common qualifications: Associate degree and certification
Respiratory therapists use their medical knowledge to help those suffering from breathing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Patients can include everyone from premature babies to elderly individuals with chronic conditions.听
To become a respiratory therapist, you鈥檒l likely need at least an associate degree, but some employers may prefer those with a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree. Furthermore, you will likely need to gain a state license and receive certification through the .听
Median annual wage: $77,960 []
Projected growth rate: 13 percent []
Common qualifications: Associate degree and state licensure
Occupational therapy assistants work under the direction of occupational therapists to help patients develop, improve, and maintain the skills they need to live and work. Typical duties of an occupational therapist assistant include helping patients conduct therapeutic exercises like stretches, teaching patients how to use special equipment, and recording patient progress.听
To become an occupational therapy assistant, you will need an associate degree from an accredited program, typically offered at community colleges and technical schools. Often, occupational therapy assistants will need certification for CPR and basic life support.听
Median annual wage: $65,450 []
Projected growth rate: 21 percent [闭听
Common qualifications: Associate degree and certification
Read more: Is Health Care a Good Career Path? Outlook, Jobs, and More
Computer support specialists use their understanding of computers to help users and organizations troubleshoot computer problems. Typical duties include evaluating existing system networks and performing regular network maintenance.听
In order to become a computer network support specialist (or a technical support specialist), you鈥檒l usually need to have at least an associate degree, but some employers might prefer applicants with a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree.听
Median annual wage: $60,810 []
Projected growth rate: 6 percent []
Common qualifications: Associate degree
Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers in their day-to-day duties by organizing important documents, conducting research, and drafting legal documents. Some of the typical duties performed by paralegals include conducting fact-finding investigations to help with legal briefs, helping lawyers during trials, and coordinating interviews and depositions.听
Most paralegals have an associate degree in paralegal studies, though some employers may require applicants to have a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree. Those with a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree should seek a certificate in paralegal studies from a program approved by the .
Median annual wage: $60,970 []
Projected growth rate: 1 percent []
Common qualifications: Associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies
Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Duties include taking clients to see properties, devising lists of available properties for clients, and mediating negotiations between buyers and sellers.听
It鈥檚 possible to become a real estate agent with only a high school diploma, but you must become licensed by your state. Some community colleges offer associate degrees in real estate management or real estate studies, a credential that could enhance your resume.
Median annual wage: $56,620 []
Projected growth rate: 2 percent []
Common qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, associate degree, or 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree, plus state licensure
Whatever career you decide is right for your future, consider a Professional Certificate as a way to get job-ready with the skills companies are hiring for. Are you curious how a degree could further expand your career opportunities? Explore the range of 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degrees from top universities available on 糖心vlog官网观看.
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US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2024/data-on-display/education-pays.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.听
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.听
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.听
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.听
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.听
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.听
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.听
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.听
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.听
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm.鈥 Accessed April 7, 2025.听
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