Plenty of associate degrees can get you into jobs with high salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying associate degree jobs have a median salary of $73,000 or higher.
Here is a list of the top-paying associate degrees in 2022
1. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Air Traffic Control
| Job Title/s | Air Traffic Controllers |
| Salary | $129,750 |
| Job outlook | 4% |
The air traffic control (ATC) associate degree is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to pursue a career in aviation. The ATC program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as air traffic controllers and flight dispatchers with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Students can also use this degree to pursue commercial or corporate aviation careers.
Air traffic controllers are among the top 10% of earners, unfortunately the job outlook is slower than the national average based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’re looking to become an air traffic controller and earn big bucks simultaneously, this is a good career choice for you.
2. Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology
| Job Title/s | Radiation Therapists |
| Salary | $82,79 |
| Job outlook | 9% |
Radiologic Technologists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating medical This degree is a prerequisite for most radiologic technologists to enter the field.
Radiologic technology is one of the fastest-growing careers in the nation.
The Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology program prepares students for entry-level positions as radiologic technologists in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and industrial facilities. Students learn the principles of radiation biology, safety, and quality assurance, as well as basic anatomy and physiology.
3. Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
| Job Title/s | Diagnostic Medical Sonographer |
| Salary | $ 80,680 |
| Job outlook | 14% |
Diagnostic medical sonography is among the fastest-growing careers. It’s also an excellent choice for those who have a passion for helping others and want to work with their hands in a field that will always be in demand.
Sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create images of internal organs, blood vessels, tissues, and fetal development during pregnancy. Doctors use the images to diagnose medical conditions, perform surgery, and guide treatment plans that involve medication and surgery. Sonographers may work with patients who are either sedated or unconscious (such as during an MRI scan).
4. Nuclear Medicine Technology, A.A.S.
| Job Title/s | Nuclear Medicine Technologists |
| Salary | $78,760 |
| Job outlook | 8% (As fast as average) |
Nuclear medicine technology is an associate degree program that trains students to prepare and administer radioactive drugs for treatment or imaging. The coursework for this program includes a combination of classroom study and hands-on training in a clinical setting. Students who complete their education with this associate degree can find jobs in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings across the country.
5. Dental Hygienist Associate Degree
| Job Title/s | Dental Hygienist |
| Salary | $77,810 |
| Job outlook | 11% |
Dental hygienists have the most room for growth among all other allied health professions. They need only to complete a two-year associate degree program and pass state licensure exams, which is a low barrier to entry for aspiring hygienists.
As an associate degree holder in dental hygiene, you will be able to perform routine prophylactic treatments, educate patients about proper oral care, and engage with them in promoting good oral health behaviors.
6. Associate Degree in Nursing
| Job Title/s | Registered Nurse |
| Salary | $77,600 |
| Job outlook | 9% |
An associate’s degree in nursing is a popular choice for those interested in a career in the healthcare industry. It is a two-year program that prepares graduates to work as registered nurses (RNs), which are advanced practice nurses who can provide direct patient care under the supervision of a physician.
Nursing is considered a high-demand occupation throughout the next decade. In 2022, there will be nearly 900,000 open positions for nurses; this number is expected to grow rapidly.
7. Web Development AS Degree
| Job Title/s | Web developers |
| Salary | $77,200 per year |
| Job outlook | 13% |
Web development is a field that’s growing at a rapid pace, and it’s the top-paying associate degree in the country. This program has been designed by professionals in the industry to provide students with a comprehensive set of skills in web development and internet technologies. Students often choose these programs because they are affordable and convenient.
8. Associate’s Degree in Engineering Technology
| Job Title/s | Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians |
| Salary | $73,580 |
| Job outlook | 9% (As fast as average) |
Engineering technology associate degrees are in high demand. With the help of an engineering technology associate degree, you can land a job right after graduation. This is especially true for those who want to work in fast-growing fields like aviation.
Armed with this associate degree, you may choose a career as an Aerospace engineering and operations, technologist and technician. These positions are high earners and a major plus is there’s no need for further education
9. Associate in Aviation Electronics Technology (AET)
| Job Title/s | Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians |
| Salary | $65,550 per year |
| Job outlook | 11% (Faster than average) |
The aviation electronics technician associate degree is an excellent choice for those looking to enter the field of aviation.
This degree will prepare you for a career as an aviation technician, which involves working with aircraft systems such as avionics and aviation communication equipment. You’ll learn about safety procedures, testing and inspection techniques, and how to analyze information from these systems.
10. Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Associate Degree
| Job Title/s | Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides |
| Salary | $61,520 per year |
| Job outlook | 34% (Much faster than average) |
An Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate Degree in one of the top-paying associate degrees with a very high job outlook. This degree can be completed in two years and is often offered by community colleges or vocational schools. Students typically take courses in anatomy, physiology, and biology to learn about the human body and classes on patient care and clinical practice.
Benefits of an Associate Degree
Boost your resume
An associate degree program will give you a professional look to boost your resume. The knowledge you gain while studying will help you get hired as soon as possible after completing your studies.
Determine your career
Studying for an associate degree is beneficial for determining your career goals and interests. You can choose from different programs depending on the career path you wish to take later in life. If you are confused about which program to choose, then an associate degree program is the best option because it will give you an idea about what kind of work suits best for you and what type of studies are needed for it.
Get to the point faster.
You can get a lot of what you need at a community college and then transfer your credits to a 4-year institution later. This means you can save money and time by taking fewer classes than you would need at a 4-year college.
Pay less for your education.
In most cases, community college courses are less expensive than those at a 4-year university because there is less overhead. But that doesn’t mean they lack quality! Most community colleges offer rigorous curriculums and professors dedicated to teaching their students.
Maximize your transfer credits
If you complete an Associate Degree program from one school and decide later on that you want to attend another one, you will be able to receive transfer credit for many of the classes taken during your first-degree program. This means that many students can receive two degrees for the price of one!
Start earning sooner
Associate Degree programs typically take two years or less, which means that graduating early could mean getting started with a new career earlier than expected.
This list is designed to provide some ideas for what kind of associate degrees offer good employment prospects. We hope it inspires you to investigate and learn more about these careers and enroll in accredited schools that offer your preferred Associate Degree! If you’re looking for a rewarding job that pays well and only requires two years of schooling or less, this list will help get you started.
