The 9 Highest-Paying Jobs You Can Land With an Associate’s Degree

Many occupations that offer salaries above $70,000 per year hire associate’s degree holders—a healthy step up from the median annual pay of $52,830 for associate’s degree holders in 2017. Image from Unsplash

Mairead Kelly January 14, 2020

Plenty of two-year associate degrees have a high return on investment. The most promising lend pathways to lucrative careers in fields like engineering, healthcare, aviation, and technology.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

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As college tuition continues to rise and student loan debt grows just as quickly, the number of students earning an associate’s degree each year is growing too. According to a 2019 report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the number of associate degrees awarded annually rose from 579,000 in 2001 to 1 million in 2018, an increase of 74 percent.

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that workers with associate degrees typically don’t earn as much as those with higher post-secondary degrees, a two-year program may be the fastest and most convenient way for those who’ve entered the workforce with a high school diploma to continue their education and increase their potential earnings, and ultimately forge a career.

In fact, many occupations that offer salaries above $70,000 per year hire associate’s degree holders—a healthy step up from the median annual pay of $52,830 for associate’s degree holders in 2017.

Since several of the most lucrative career paths on this list are trade-based and hands-on, many related associate’s degree programs—like nursing, radiation therapy, and dentistry, to name a few—require a specific amount of supervised fieldwork, technical training, or clinical experience.

What’s more, a number of professionals in these careers may go on to earn bachelors and masters degrees to dig deeper into their specialization, further boost their pay, land leadership roles, or pursue other opportunities. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. If you want to earn well above average with an associate’s degree, consider these fields.

Air Traffic Controller

Median annual pay: $124,540

What they do: Maintain the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of air travel by ensuring commercial and private aircraft move safely through the global air traffic control system
Average job growth rate: 7%
Education requirements: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program; Three years of progressively responsible aviation-related work experience or four-year college degree or a combination of both
Related coursework: Aviation weather; Airspace; Clearances; Reading Charts; Federal Regulations
Certifications: FAA-facilitated Control Tower Operator (CTO) certification
Skills required: Communication, concentration, decision-making, math, organizational, problem-solving
Top states for this career: Georgia, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas

Radiation Therapist

Median annual pay: $82,330

What they do: Treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments
Average job growth rate: 9%
Education requirements: Associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Related coursework: Human anatomy and physiology; Physics; Algebra, Computer Science; Research methodology
Certifications: ARRT Certified Radiation Therapist designation
Skills required: Detail-oriented, interpersonal, physical stamina, technical
Top states for this career: California, New Jersey, Oregon, Florida

Funeral Service Manager

Median annual pay: $79,180

What they do: Oversee the general operations of a funeral home business. Duties include planning and allocating funeral home resources, managing staff, and handling marketing and public relations
Average job growth rate: 5%
Education requirements: Associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science from an American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) accredited program; up to three years of training under the direction of a licensed funeral director or manager
Related coursework: Ethics; Grief counseling; Funeral service; Business law; Embalming; Restorative techniques
Certifications: Available from the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA), and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
Skills required: Business, compassion, interpersonal, time-management
Top states for this career: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan

Nuclear Technician

Median annual pay: $79,140

What they do: Some operate special equipment to monitor the levels of radiation generated during nuclear energy production. Others assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research.
Average job growth rate: 4%
Education requirements: Associate degree in nuclear science or a nuclear-related technology; equivalent military experience
Related coursework: Nuclear energy; Physics; Chemistry, Electricity, Radiation; Mathematics
Certifications: Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP) certification from the Nuclear Energy Institute; Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP) certification from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing ; Registered Radiation Protection Technologist certification from the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT)
Skills required: Communication, computer, critical thinking, math, mechanical, monitoring
Top states for this career: New Hampshire, California, New Mexico, Maryland

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Median annual pay: $76,820

What they do: Perform nuclear imaging tests on patients to detect diseases and abnormalities in how organs function
Average job growth rate: 7%
Education requirements: Associate or bachelor's degree in nuclear medicine technology; Those who’ve completed an associate’s or bachelor's degree in a related health field, such as radiologic technology or nursing have the option to pursue a 12-month certificate program in nuclear medicine technology.
Related coursework: Human anatomy and physiology; Physics; Chemistry; Radioactive Drugs; Computer science
Certifications: Available from ARRT and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)
Skills required: Technology, analytical, compassion, detail-oriented,
Top states for this career: California, Maryland, Washington, New Jersey

Dental Hygienist

Median annual pay: $74,820

What they do: Examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene
Average job growth rate: 11%
Education requirements: Associate or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from a Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited program; Certificate program in dental hygiene
Related coursework: Oral biology; Community dental health; Dental materials; Nutrition in dentistry; Legal responsibility in dentistry
Skills required: Critical thinking, communication, detail-oriented, dexterity, interpersonal, problem solving
Top states for this career: Colorado, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Median annual pay: $72,510

What they do: Use ultrasound high-frequency sound waves to produce images of patients’ internal body tissues, helping physicians and surgeons diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions such as heart disease, pregnancy, and cancer
Average job growth rate: 19%
Education requirements: Associate or bachelor's degree in sonography or cardiovascular and vascular technology; Those with a degree in a related field may pursue a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography and then receive on-the-job training.
Related coursework: Anatomy; Physiology; Medical terminology, Applied sciences
Certifications: The ARRT offers certification in a variety of specialties, including radiation therapy, radiography, nuclear medicine technology, sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Skills required: Detail-oriented, hand-eye coordination, interpersonal, physical stamina, technical
Top states for this career: California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado

Registered Nurse

Median annual pay: $71,730

What they do: Provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and offer advice and emotional support to patients and their family members
Average job growth rate: 12%
Education requirements: Associate degree in nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program
Related coursework: Anatomy; Physiology; Microbiology; Chemistry; Nutrition; Psychology, Other social and behavioral sciences
Certifications: Nurses may become certified through professional associations in specific areas, such as ambulatory care, gerontology, and pediatrics, among others. Specific positions may require certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS) certification, or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).
Skills required: Critical-thinking, communication, compassion, detail-oriented, emotional stability, organizational, physical stamina
Top states for this career: Oregon, Minnesota, Washington, New Mexico

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist

Median annual pay: $71,670

What they do: Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning machines to capture images of patients' bodies for physicians to use when diagnosing medical problems
Average job growth rate: 11%
Education requirements: Associate degree in magnetic resonance imaging; certification from an MRI technologist training program
Related coursework: Anatomy; Pathology; Patient care; Radiation physics and protection, Image evaluation
Certifications: Available from the ARRT and the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT)
Skills required: Detail-oriented, interpersonal, math, physical stamina, technical
Top states for this career: Washington, California, Hawaii, Nevada