If you’re on the fence about pursuing your Bachelor’s degree, you may be curious about the highest-paying associate degree jobs. Don’t worry. We’ve compiled 14 options here for you to consider. That way, you can start a lucrative career with less schooling and less student debt!
Quickstart Guide To Landing A High-Paying Job With An Associate Degree
- Update your resume. First, update your resume. If you need some help, we recommend working with a resume writing service. Resume writing services are affordable and can help you get a leg up on your competition.
- Start applying for jobs on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with one click! ZipRecruiter also allows you to upload your resume to their resume database so that recruiters and employers can find you!
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
14 Of The Highest-Paying Associate Degree Jobs
1. Air Traffic Controller
Median National Salary: $132,000+
Number of Jobs: 23,000
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 1% (little to no change)
Job Duties: The job duties of an air traffic controller involve ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the airspace. Air traffic controllers are responsible for monitoring and directing the flow of air traffic, providing pilots with details on when and where they should land at an airport, and using radar and radio equipment to track flights and communicate advice and instructions to pilots. They also coordinate with other air traffic controllers to ensure that flights are safely separated and that the airspace is clear of any potential hazards.
2. Dental Hygienist
Median National Salary: $81,000+
Number of Jobs: 219,400
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 7% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a dental hygienist involve cleaning and examining patients' teeth and gums, and educating them on proper oral hygiene. Dental hygienists are responsible for removing plaque and tartar from teeth, taking x-rays, and applying fluoride treatments. They also assist dentists during procedures, maintain patient records, and provide advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
If you want to become a dental hygienist, check out our guide to creating a dental hygienist resume.
3. Funeral Home Manager
Median National Salary: $72,000
Number of Jobs: 60,800
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 3% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a funeral home manager involve overseeing the day-to-day operations of a funeral home, including managing staff, coordinating funeral services, and ensuring that the facility is clean and well-maintained. Funeral home managers are responsible for meeting with families to discuss funeral arrangements, providing guidance and support during the planning process, and ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are met. They also manage the funeral home's budget and finances, and may be involved in marketing and business development activities.
4. Geological or Hydrologic Technician
Median National Salary: $58,000+
Number of Jobs: 12,500
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 2% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a geological or hydrologic technician involve supporting scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources. Geological and hydrologic technicians install and maintain laboratory and field equipment, gather samples in the field, and conduct scientific tests on samples to determine their content and characteristics. They also record data from tests and compile information from reports, databases, and other sources.
5. Paralegal
Median National Salary: $59,000+
Number of Jobs: 354,300
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 4% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a paralegal involve performing various tasks in the legal field, including conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with trial preparation. Paralegals are responsible for organizing and managing case files, preparing and filing legal documents, and communicating with clients and other professionals, such as attorneys, judges, and court personnel. They also ensure that all legal procedures and deadlines are met, and may assist with other administrative tasks as needed.
If you're interested in becoming a paralegal, check out our guide on how to become a paralegal and learn how to write a paralegal resume.
6. Respiratory Therapist
Median National Salary: $70,000+
Number of Jobs: 133,100
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 13% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a respiratory therapist involve treating patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists are responsible for assessing patients' conditions, developing treatment plans, and administering treatments such as oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, and chest physiotherapy. They also monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments as needed, and may provide emergency care such as artificial respiration or external cardiac massage during medical emergencies.
Does working as a respiratory therapist sound like a good career fit for you? If so, learn how to create a respiratory therapist resume.
7. Medical Equipment Repairer
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Median National Salary: $57,000+
Number of Jobs: 66,400
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 13% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a medical equipment repairer involve repairing and maintaining medical equipment used in healthcare facilities. Equipment may include ventilators, CAT scanners, defibrillators, electric wheelchairs, etc. Medical equipment repairers are responsible for diagnosing equipment problems, replacing and repairing parts, and performing preventive maintenance and service. They also keep records of maintenance and repairs, review technical manuals, and regularly attend training sessions to stay up-to-date on new equipment and repair techniques.
8. Environmental Engineering Technologist or Technician
Median National Salary: $50,000+
Number of Jobs: 13,900
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 1% (Little or no change)
Job Duties: As an environmental engineering technologist or technician, you’ll support environmental engineers as they address environmental pollution by preparing, cleaning, and operating equipment, collecting and analyzing air, soil, and water samples, and recording data.
9. Computer Support Specialist
Median National Salary: $59,000+
Number of Jobs: 914,100
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 5% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a computer support specialist involve providing technical assistance and support to computer users in an organization. Computer support specialists are responsible for diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues, installing and configuring software and hardware, and maintaining computer systems and networks. They also provide training and support to users, and may be responsible for managing and maintaining databases and servers.
10. Mechanical Engineering Technologist or Technician
Median National Salary: $61,000+
Number of Jobs: 41,100
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 1% (Little or no change)
Job Duties: The job duties of a mechanical engineering technologist or technician involve assisting mechanical engineers in designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices and systems. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians are responsible for creating detailed designs and schematics, testing and analyzing prototypes, and providing technical support during the manufacturing process. They also maintain and repair mechanical equipment, and may be involved in quality control and safety testing.
11. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist or Technician
Median National Salary: $74,000+
Number of Jobs: 10,200
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 8% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of an aerospace engineering and operations technologist or technician involve running and maintaining equipment used to develop, test, produce, and sustain aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians are responsible for conducting tests and experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and troubleshooting equipment and systems. They also assist engineers in designing and developing new technologies and products, and may be responsible for managing and maintaining databases and records.
If you want to become an aerospace engineer, learn how to write a winning aerospace engineer resume.
12. Physical Therapist Assistant
Median National Salary: $61,000+
Number of Jobs: 140,800
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 24% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of a physical therapist assistant involve assisting physical therapists in treating patients with injuries or disabilities. Physical therapist assistants are responsible for implementing treatment plans, monitoring patients' progress, and providing feedback to the physical therapist. They also instruct patients on exercises and activities to improve their mobility and strength, and may perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.
13. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Median National Salary: $63,000+
Number of Jobs: 49,000
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 23% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: The job duties of an occupational therapy assistant involve assisting occupational therapists in treating patients with physical, mental, or developmental impairments. Occupational therapy assistants are responsible for implementing treatment plans, monitoring patients' progress, and providing feedback to the occupational therapist. They also instruct patients on exercises and activities to improve their daily living and work skills, and may perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.
If working in occupational therapy sounds like it may be a good fit, learn how to write an occupational therapist resume.
14. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Median National Salary: $85,000+
Number of Jobs: 18,100
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 0% (Little or no change)
Job Duties: The job duties of a nuclear medicine technologist involve preparing and administering radioactive drugs to patients, and using imaging equipment to capture images of the body's organs and tissues. Nuclear medicine technologists are responsible for explaining procedures to patients, performing quality control checks on equipment, and ensuring that safety procedures are followed to protect patients and themselves from unnecessary radiation exposure. They also maintain patient records and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that the patient receives appropriate care.
Best Places To Find High-Paying Associate Degree Jobs
As an Associate’s degree holder, you can find high-paying jobs in several places online. Here are three websites you should visit to kick off your job search:
Online Job Posting Sites
Online job posting sites are a great place to find high-paying associate degree jobs. Our top pick is ZipRecruiter. Searching and applying for roles is intuitive, and you can set job alerts so you never miss a new listing. You can also sift through published salary data to ensure your next job offer is competitive.
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
Staffing Agencies
Another option for finding high-paying associate degree jobs is through staffing agencies. Staffing agencies work with employers to fill job openings, and they often have access to job openings that are not advertised to the public. They can also help job seekers with their resume and interview skills, and may offer temporary or contract-to-hire positions that can lead to permanent employment.
Networking
Networking is another effective way to find high-paying associate degree jobs. Job seekers can attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people in their field on LinkedIn.
By building relationships with people in their industry, job seekers can learn about job openings that may not be advertised and get referrals from people they know. Networking can also help job seekers learn more about the industry and the skills and experience employers are looking for.
For more tips, check out our guide on how to network.
Trade Associations
Trade associations are organizations that represent a specific industry or profession. They often have job boards or job listings on their website that are exclusive to their members. Joining a trade association can also provide job seekers with access to industry events, networking opportunities, and professional development resources.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, this article has given you a good sense of the highest-paying associate degree jobs. But, before you submit your first application, consider having your resume reviewed and refreshed by one of our selections for the best resume writing service. Then, navigate to ZipRecruiter to start searching for your dream opportunity!
