In this article we discuss the 5 highest paying jobs with an associate’s degree in 2021. If you want to read our detailed analysis of the education and job industry, go directly to the 30 Highest Paying Jobs with an Associate’s Degree in 2021.
Highest Paying Jobs with an Associate’s Degree in 2021
5. Aerospace Engineers and Operations Technician
Annual Average Salary: $68,570
Aerospace engineers and operations technicians work closely with the engineers and carry out safe and effective flight systems for travel. They operate, install, and maintain equipment that is primarily used to surveil air and space vehicles. They are also responsible to meet the safety requirements by inspecting and detecting the aircraft malfunctions to the concerned authorities. Companies like Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) hires candidates with an associate’s degree in the relevant course. The employment of aerospace engineers and operations technicians is projected to grow 7% by 2029 due to the rise in the development of communication devices like CubeSats. The job ranks 3rd in our list of highest paying jobs with an associate’s degree in 2021.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist
Annual Average Salary: $69,702
MRI technicians work as scanners to take the diagnostic images of patients’ internal organs and soft tissues. They do so by operating specialized equipment crucial to conduct MRIs and also by injecting contrast dyes into patients to produce images. Apart from this, they have other tasks which include, preparing the patients for the MRI process, consulting the results with the doctor, and maintaining the records. RadNet, Inc. (NASDAQ: RDNT) and HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE: HCA) offer many vacancies for this role. The job is high in demand and the employment is expected to grow 7% by 2029. The job ranks 4th in our list of highest paying jobs with an associate’s degree in 2021.
3. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Average Annual Salary: $70,111
Nuclear medicine technologists are responsible for preparing radioactive drugs and provide them to the patients for imaging or treatment. They perform nuclear medicine procedures according to the diagnosis of the physicians. The main tasks include explaining medical procedures, operating imaging equipment, maintaining detailed records, and following procedures for radiation disposal. An associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology can increase the chances of landing a job in this field. The vacancies are generally found in hospitals and companies like HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE: HCA). In the future, the hiring is projected to grow 5% which makes it one of the highest-paying jobs with an associate’s degree.
2. Radiation Therapist
Average Annual Salary: $73,554
Radiation therapists work to administer radiation treatments and work in close collaboration with nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals. The central part of the job includes the use of protective devices to manage radiation without overexposure. Apart from this, they are also responsible for answering procedure-related questions, evaluating patients’ reactions to the procedure, and maintaining detailed records. Companies like HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE: HCA) and Ascension Healthcare hire candidates with a degree in radiation therapy. There will be a 7% growth in the employment of radiation therapists in the next decade.
1. Air Traffic Controllers
Average Annual Salary: $91,000
As the name suggests, Air Traffic Controllers’ job revolves around directing the traffic and communicating with pilots, fellow aviation personnel, and ground crews. They work as tower watchdogs that monitor flight activities and relay important information about flight patterns, weather, runaway closures, landing instruction, etc. Air Traffic Controllers must have an associate degree approved by the Federal Aviation Administration FAA academy, which instills skills like control procedures, aviation regulation, and airport management. They are generally hired by the army and navy. The employment rate of the job is expected to grow 1% from 2019-2029. The job ranks 1st in our list of highest paying jobs with an associate’s degree in 2021.
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