Some Of The Top Paying Jobs That Require An Associate's Degree

Vocational schools and community colleges offer Associate's degrees after two years of coursework completion. Compared to its higher level counterparts, the Bachelor's and Master's, this 2 year degree is a broad overview of curriculum, even though it can be applied to specific fields of study.



The Associate's degree has two primary purposes after it's earned. In many cases, students are awarded the degree as a milestone, issued after the sophomore year at college. It can also be used professionally. When used for this application, the degree is a sort of technical trainer, and is often requisite for job applications.



Technology is one field that will likely never slow in our lifetimes. Virtually every industry in operation uses some kind of computer system that they rely on, and because of this, computer specialists enjoy a steady streak of industry demand. Computer specialists with a general Associate's degree can earn a variety of jobs in the technology sector including webmaster and telecommunications specialist. Annual salaries vary significantly within the profession, and contrast widely by industry. Elementary and secondary school computer specialists make about $56,000 each year while specialists working in systems design will make over $70,000.



Dental hygienists are more professionals that use 2 year degrees to enter the workforce. In the United States, there are over 300 schools and colleges that offer dental education accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation. These degree holders make about $66,000 annually.



The diagnostic medical sonographer is another two-year degree position that, like dental hygiene, is in the health field but does not require med school. These Associate's degree graduates make about $62,000 each year, and work in doctors' offices and hospitals. Being a sonographer includes using sonographic machines to obtain and interpret information about patients. Graduates work with people, medical records and information.



Radiological technologists and technicians are similar to sonographers in that they work with patients, use equipment to develop internal images, and then use the data for medical purposes. However, these Associate's degrees often require supplemental licensing prior to hire and additional implemented processes and practices compared to sonography. Like most 2 year degree programs, radiological technology programs take about two years to complete. These degrees require classroom and clinical components and professionals make about $52,000 each year.



If animals are more your style, consider a 2 year degree in veterinary technology. This entry-level degree won't earn you much on an annual salary (about $29,000), but is often very gratifying. This two-year degree can also be foundational for higher learning. About 160 schools nationwide offer Associate's in vet technology, and 20 of those offer Bachelor's degrees or higher.