Highest Paying Jobs with Associate's Degree
Data-driven ranking based on Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, salary data, and industry trends.
An associate's degree can open doors to high-paying careers without the time and expense of a four-year degree. These occupations offer median salaries ranging from $67,000 to over $144,000, with many in healthcare and technical fields experiencing strong growth.
Top Rankings
The following occupations represent the highest-paying careers accessible with an associate's degree, based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Many of these roles combine technical training with hands-on patient care or specialized equipment operation.
Air Traffic Controller
Coordinate aircraft movement to maintain safe distances. Control ground traffic at airports and direct planes during takeoff and landing. Requires FAA training and certification. High stress but exceptional compensation for an associate degree.
Nuclear Technician
Assist physicists and engineers in nuclear power generation. Monitor radiation levels, operate equipment, and ensure safety. Declining field due to fewer new plants, but well-compensated roles remain at existing facilities.
Radiation Therapist
Administer radiation treatment to cancer patients. Operate linear accelerators and work as part of oncology teams. Requires precision, compassion, and technical expertise. Stable career with strong median salary.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging and treatment. Use specialized equipment to help physicians diagnose conditions. Growing slowly but consistently due to aging population and cancer detection needs.
Dental Hygienist
Examine patients for oral diseases, clean teeth, apply sealants, and educate on dental health. Strong job outlook with flexible scheduling. Many positions offer part-time options, making it ideal for work-life balance.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Operate ultrasound equipment to create images for diagnosis. Specialize in areas like abdominal, breast, cardiac, or obstetric imaging. Much faster than average growth driven by aging population and technology advances.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Provide and coordinate patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other settings. High demand nationwide with opportunities to specialize. ADN provides entry, though many pursue BSN for advancement.
Respiratory Therapist
Care for patients with breathing disorders like asthma and COPD. Operate ventilators and provide emergency respiratory care. Strong growth due to aging population and chronic respiratory conditions.
Radiologic and MRI Technologist
Perform diagnostic imaging examinations using X-rays and MRI scanners. Work closely with physicians to capture images that aid diagnosis. Requires attention to detail and patient interaction skills.
Cardiovascular Technologist
Conduct tests on the cardiovascular system, including EKGs and stress tests. Assist physicians with catheterization procedures. Growing field due to heart disease prevalence in aging populations.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician
Help engineers design and develop electronic equipment. Test, calibrate, and repair systems. Work in manufacturing, telecommunications, and engineering services with hands-on technical problem-solving.
Web Developer
Design and create websites using programming languages and frameworks. Many enter with associate degrees or coding bootcamps. Remote-friendly with strong demand across industries.
Methodology
This ranking prioritizes median annual salary from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). All listed occupations typically require an associate's degree as the entry-level education. Growth projections cover 2024-2034 from BLS Employment Projections.
Healthcare dominates this list due to the specialized nature of medical technology roles and licensing requirements that protect compensation. Air traffic control stands out as a unique high-paying field with specific federal training requirements.
Key Insights
- Healthcare leads: 8 of the top 12 positions are in healthcare, reflecting strong demand for medical technologists
- Fastest growth: Diagnostic medical sonographers (13% growth) and respiratory therapists (12% growth) show exceptional job outlook
- Highest pay: Air traffic controllers earn a median $144,580, the highest among associate-degree careers
- Licensing matters: Most high-paying associate degree jobs require state licensure or national certification
- Technology + Healthcare: Combining technical skills with patient care creates strong earning potential
How to Choose the Right Career
- Align with strengths: Choose careers that match your skills and interests—patient care vs. technical work
- Research thoroughly: Shadow professionals, review BLS data, and understand daily responsibilities
- Consider lifestyle: Night shifts, on-call requirements, and stress levels vary significantly
- Plan your path: Many programs require prerequisites; understand the full timeline and cost
- Start now: Community colleges offer affordable pathways; many programs have clinical partnerships
Data Source
All data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment Projections, and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Data reflects May 2024 estimates and 2024-2034 projections. Salaries represent median annual wages.