10 Highest-Paying Associate Degree Jobs In 2024, Some With Six Figures

Bryan Robinson, Forbes Viewed 1397 Times Viewed by 632 People

The stress of not qualifying for the right job can be anxiety-producing—even demeaning. Or if you do qualify, it can be stressful when the job doesn’t pay enough to make ends meet or live the kind of life you’ve dreamed of. In a recent Forbes piece, I identified the five best low-stress, high-paying jobs with six-figure salaries.

Associate degree jobs are paying off in spades in 2024. Getty

Now, there’s even more good news. As the post-pandemic labor market continues to take shape, job seekers in 2024 are faced with a unique opportunity: a growing demand for skilled labor that doesn't require a four-year degree. In the past, degree status and income levels were directly tied to employee self-esteem. You weren’t considered a viable candidate for top jobs if you didn’t have a minimum of four years of college. Plus, there was an underlying message that a four-year degree was necessary to be socially accepted and earn top dollar. The degree bias trend is changing as “new-collar workers” are reducing social and economic inequality, and associate degrees are enjoying a renaissance.

More and more business leaders are insisting that a four-year college degree is becoming a thing of the past for high-paying jobs, and companies are looking for more skilled job applicants. Walmart, for example, is doing away with four-year college degree requirements for such jobs as cybersecurity and data analytics. “In 2024, the rising trend towards skills-based hiring is driving employers to seek candidates with hands-on experience and industry-specific certifications,” according to Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius. “Across these professions, we see consistent demand for specialized skills and technical expertise, in fields ranging from air traffic control to nuclear technology and healthcare. Job seekers holding associate degrees are primed for success in these industries, as these highly affordable programs offer a blend of academic study and practical training that emphasizes employable skills.”

If you earned an associate degree, you can throw your shoulders back and hold your head high because it’s paying off in spades. Two-year degree candidates are sought after for top-notch jobs where they’re earning big bucks—some as much as six-figures. “This shift in perspective reflects a wider transformation in the job market, where practical skills and industry-specific certifications are gaining greater recognition,” Chan notes. “With the rising costs of college tuition and the burden of student loan debt weighing on many individuals, more people are turning to alternative pathways for professional success,” she told me by email.”

Now, the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights this shift, reporting nearly two million average annual job openings for positions that typically require certification, partial college education or an associate degree. “Associate degree programs are uniquely adaptable to the evolving needs of our economy, offering a quicker path to employment in industries where the pace of change is rapid," says Corissa Peterson, career expert at Resume Genius. “These high-paying careers not only highlight the financial viability of associate degrees but also the value they offer to those looking to pivot into dynamic sectors without the time and financial investment of a bachelor's program.”

To help job seekers take full advantage of this trend, Resume Genius’s 2024 High-Pay Associate Degree Jobs Report lists this year’s top 10 highest-paying jobs for associate degree holders, highlighting salaries above the U.S. median of $56,240. Career experts analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to find the best-paying roles that can be pursued with an associate degree. Air traffic controllers and nuclear technicians lead the lineup of six-figure earners among associate degree holders. Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs that specifically ask for an associate degree:

1. Air traffic controller. Median annual salary: $132,250. Number of jobs: 23,000. Educational requirements: Associate degree or equivalent experience. Work experience required: Must pass FAA assessments and training.
   
   
2. Nuclear technician. Median annual salary: $100,420. Number of jobs (2022): 5,900. Educational requirements: Associate degree in nuclear science or related field. Work experience required: On-the-job training provided.
   
   
3. Radiation therapist. Median annual salary: $89,530. Number of jobs: 15,900. Educational requirements: Associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy or related field. Work experience required: Licensing or certification may be required depending on state regulations.
   
   
4. Nuclear medicine technologist. Median annual salary: $85,300. Number of jobs: 18,100. Educational requirements: Associate degree in nuclear medicine technology. Work experience required: Licensing may be required in some states.
   
   
5. Dental hygienist. Median annual salary: $81,400. Number of jobs: 219,400. Educational requirements: Associate degree in dental hygiene. Work experience required: Licensing required in all states.
   
   
6. Diagnostic medical sonographer, cardiovascular technologist/technician. Median annual salary: $78,210. Number of jobs: 142,800. Educational requirements: Associate degree or post-secondary certificate. Work experience required: Certification may be required by employers or governing bodies.
   
   
7. Aerospace engineering and operations technologist/technician. Median annual salary: $74,410. Number of jobs: 10,200. Educational requirements: Associate degree in engineering technology or related field. Work experience required: Varies by position; some employers may accept high school diploma or certificate.
   
   
8. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic and technician. Median annual salary: $70,740. Number of jobs: 161,000. Educational requirements: Associate degree. Work experience required: FAA certification required, typically gained through approved training programs.
   
   
9. Respiratory therapist. Median annual salary: $70,540. Number of jobs: 133,100. Educational requirements: Associate degree in respiratory therapy. Work experience required: Licensing required in most states.
   
   
10. Radiologic and MRI technologist. Median annual salary: $67,180. Number of jobs: 264,100. Educational requirements: Associate degree. Work experience required: Certification often required for radiologic technologists; experience may be required for MRI technologists.

Chan points out that roles like radiation therapists and respiratory therapists are in high demand due to the aging population and advancements in medical treatments. “These positions typically require an associate degree, which in turn, attracts students because they offer a clear pathway to a rewarding career without the lengthy educational commitment of a bachelor's or doctorate degree,” she explains.”Also, industries like aerospace engineering and operations offer stable career paths for individuals with two-year degrees in engineering technology or related fields. Despite economic fluctuations, these sectors continue to thrive and provide reliable employment opportunities for qualified candidates.” Chan recommends that job seekers actively seek out chances to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts by making it a priority to attend industry events, participate in professional associations and leverage online platforms like LinkedIn to expand their network and showcase their expertise.

 

Originally Published On: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2024/02/09/10-highest-paying-associate-degree-jobs-in-2024-some-with-six-figures/

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