Finding the right career path, and the degree needed to get you started can be a daunting task. To help, we’ve created a list of the top careers you can find after earning an associate’s degree.
Many of the high paying jobs with associate’s degrees are in the fields of health care, technology, electronics, or skilled labor, which can take two years or less to complete depending on your course of study, so if you find yourself gravitating to one of these fields, you’re in luck.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median weekly earnings for someone with an associate’s degree is $862, which is $132 more a week than someone with only a high school diploma. This translates to $6,336 more a year.
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Best Jobs You Can Get With an Associate’s Degree
Here’s our list of the best 26 jobs you can get with an associate’s degree, along with their average yearly salary.
HVAC mechanic — $47,610.
According to recent figures by the BLS, the median pay for HVAC mechanics is $47,610 per year, $22.89 per hour.
Paralegal — $50,940.
According to the BLS, the median pay for paralegals is $50,940 per year, $24.49 per hour.
Mechanical drafter — $58,150.
According to the BLS, the median pay for mechanical drafters is $58,150 per year, $27.96 per hour.
Industrial engineering technician — $55,460.
According to the BLS, the median pay for industrial engineering technicians is $55,460 per year, $26.66 per hour.
Mechanical engineering technician — $56,250.
According to the BLS, the median pay for mechanical engineering technicians is $56,250 per year, $27.04 per hour.
Electro-mechanical technician — $57,790.
According to the BLS, the median pay for electro-engineering technicians is $57,790 per year, $27.78 per hour.
Physical therapy assistant — $48,090.
According to the BLS, the median pay for a physical therapy assistant is $48,090 per year, $23.12 per hour.
Cardiovascular technician — $58,730.
According to the BLS, the median pay for the cardiovascular technician is $58,730 per year, $28.24 per hour.
Geological and petroleum technician — $53,300.
According to the BLS, the median pay for geological and petroleum technicians is $53,300 per year, $25.62 per hour.
Occupational therapy assistant — $57,620.
According to the BLS, the median pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $57,620 per year, $27.70 per hour.
Radiologic technician — $61,240.
According to the BLS, the median pay for occupational radiologic technician is $61,240 per year, $29.44 per hour.
Aviation technician — $63,060.
According to the BLS, the median pay for occupational aviation technician is $63,060 per year, $30.32 per hour.
Electrical drafter — $64,400.
According to the BLS, the median pay for electrical drafter is $64,400 per year, $30.96 per hour.
Respiratory therapist — $60,280.
This occupation is in high demand and is expected to see a growth of about 30,500 new positions by 2026, according to the BLS. The median pay for a respiratory therapist is $60,280 per year, $28.98 per hour.
Computer programmer — $84,280.
According to the BLS, the median pay for computer programmers is $84,280 per year, $40.52 per hour.
Electrical engineering technician — $64,330.
According to the BLS, the median pay for electrical engineering technicians is $64,330 per year, $30.93 per hour.
Computer network support specialist — $53,470.
According to the BLS, the median pay for computer support specialists is $53,470 per year, $25.70 per hour.
Aerospace engineering technician — $67,010.
According to the BLS, the median pay for aerospace engineering technicians is $67,010 per year, $32.22 per hour.
Web developer — $69,430.
According to the BLS, the median pay for web developers is $69,430 per year, $33.38 per hour.
MRI technologist — $71,670.
According to the BLS, the median pay for MRI technologist is $71,670 per year.
Registered nurse — $71,730.
According to the BLS, the median pay for registered nurses is $71,730 per year, $34.48 per hour.
Diagnostic medical sonographer — $67,080.
According to the BLS, the median pay for diagnostic medical sonographers is $67,080 per year, $32.25 per hour.
Funeral service director — $57,580.
According to the BLS, the median pay for funeral service directors is $57,580 per year, $27.68 per hour.
Dental hygienist — $74,820.
According to the BLS, the median pay for dental hygienists is $74,820 per year, $35.97 per hour.
Nuclear medicine technician — $76,820.
According to the BLS, the median pay for nuclear medical technicians is $76,820 per year, $36.93 per hour.
Air traffic controller — $124,540.
According to the BLS, the median pay for air traffic controllers is $124,540 per year, $59.87 per hour.
Consider Vista College
Vista College has a long list of associate’s degree programs. Whether you are interested in expanding your education in healthcare, technology, or business fields, we have something for you. Please contact our admissions office to find out how your background and interests can match with one of our programs. Get started on your career path today!
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