If you thought that a four-year degree is absolutely essential to a great pay package, these highest paying associate’s degree jobs will definitely make you think otherwise! More people today are choosing to skip four years of college for two-year courses, to dive into a career in specialized fields mainly because of the advantages they have to offer. For one, students can save up not only on a bomb of a tuition, but also on two years’ worth extra time one needs to invest in a regular college course and straight away make an entry into the professional world.
Some associate’s degrees today offer a rewarding and stable career with growth opportunities and remuneration that is at par with conventional jobs. The same is evident from our compiled list of the highest paying associate’s degree jobs which has been based on the figures obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Also, the median salary is over $50,000 for each of them.
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Offbeat careers are mainly in vogue for being value for money; however, they are becoming more popular due to the cut-throat competition that aspirants are generally faced with in the mainstream industries. The prospects are great and with a keen interest and an open mind the possibilities to excel are never ending. A student can choose their preferred courses according to their fields of interest and with a little prior research, chances are they can land with a high paying, golden job! Along with associate’s degree courses, the 8 Highest Paying Vocational Careers are also worth checking out for those who are looking for alternate career options.
Let’s take a look at the highest paying associate’s degree jobs with the brightest prospects!
11. Web Developers
Median Annual Wage: $ 62,500
With the growing amount of internet’s presence in our lives web developing has become one of the most sought after careers. Web developers are the ones behind the creation and designs of websites. They are in charge of all technical aspects of the site as well as the maintenance.
10. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
Median Annual Wage: $ 67,300
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists are required to assist patients through the MRI process and operate the scanners. They are responsible for patient’s safety and comfort and the image quality that the machine generates. Additional duties may include entering patient data into computers.
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9. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median Annual Wage: $ 68,390
Another specialized area, the aspirants of a career in health can delve into is diagnostic medical sonography. The basic job requirement is to operate the sonography machines to produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs of patients for the diagnosis by the physicians.
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8. Registered Nurse
Median Annual Wage: $ 69,790
For those with interests in the health field, a nursing career is a great option. Duties include developing health plans for patients, maintaining records of medical history and assessing patient’s needs and problems and addressing the same. For a career as a registered nurse licensing or registration is a must.
7. Dental Hygienists
Median Annual Wage: $ 71,970
They are the reasons behind their clients’ bright smiles. A Dental Hygienist’s job includes giving oral examinations, cleaning teeth, provide oral hygiene guidance, applying fluoride, or sealants and taking of x-rays.
6. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Median Annual Wage: $ 73,230
One can also opt for an exciting career in Nuclear Medicine Technology with just an associate’s degree. The job description includes preparation, administration and measurement of radioactive isotopes in diagnostic, therapeutic and tracer studies with the help of various radioisotope equipment.
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5. Nuclear Technicians
Median Annual Wage: $ 75,960
For the ones with a keen interest in science, a Nuclear Technician associate’s degree seems to be a perfect choice. Employees have the opportunity to work in laboratories, closely working with physicists, scientists and nuclear engineers. They are in control of maintaining quality standards and maintenance of nuclear equipment.
4. Funeral Service Managers
Median Annual Wage: $ 81, 080
However morbid the designation might sound, one can’t help but light up at the paycheck at the end of the month in this job! Funeral Services Managers are in charge of planning and co-ordination of the services of funeral homes, including the determination of prices for services and managing facilities for customers.
3. Radiation Therapists
Median Annual Wage: $ 83, 710
Radiation Therapists are in charge of providing radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist. They act as a liaison between patients and physician and are also required to prepare equipment ad review prescriptions and diagnosis.
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2. First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
Median Annual Wage: $ 84,010
They are the ones in charge of the management and direction of sales workers other than retail sales workers. Duties also include budgeting, accounting and personnel work. And, for the handsome median pay it is definitely one of the highest paying associate’s degree jobs one can go for!
1. Air Traffic Controller
Median Annual Wage: $ 118, 780
Air Traffic Controllers are assigned the crucial task of controlling air traffic to ensure safety. They control movement and traffic of airplanes across altitudes and between control centers according to the set policies. They authorize and regulate commercial flights as per government or company regulations.
So theses have been the most value for money and the highest paying associate’s degree jobs which guarantee a stellar career in different fields.
