In today’s job market, having a college degree has become a must-have for anyone looking to find a job that pays well and offers job security. But for many, the cost and time commitment of a four-year college program just isn’t an option. That’s where an associate degree comes in. An associate degree can offer the same career opportunities as a bachelor’s degree, and many of these jobs come with high salaries. Here are 20 high-paying associate degree jobs that don’t require a four-year degree:
1. Radiation therapists: Radiation therapists use advanced technology to treat cancer and other illnesses. They have a median annual salary of $80,570.
2. Nuclear medicine technologists: Nuclear medicine technologists create images of the body using radioactive substances. They make a median annual salary of $77,950.
3. Computer network support specialists: Computer network support specialists help to maintain computer networks. They make a median annual salary of $62,770.
4. Diagnostic medical sonographers: Diagnostic medical sonographers use specialized imaging equipment to create body images. They make a median annual salary of $71,410.
5. Web developers: Web developers build and maintain websites. They make a median annual salary of $67,990.
6. Registered nurses: Registered nurses provide medical care to patients. They make a median annual salary of $70,000.
7. Dental hygienists: Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide preventive care. They make a median annual salary of $74,820.
8. Computer systems analysts: Computer systems analysts analyze an organization’s technology needs and develop systems to meet them. They make a median annual salary of $88,270.
9. Mechanical drafters: Mechanical drafters create technical drawings and diagrams for mechanical devices. They make a median annual salary of $53,480.
10. Computer programmers: Computer programmers write code to create computer programs. They make a median annual salary of $84,280.
11. Database administrators: Database administrators manage the organization and storage of data. They make a median annual salary of $93,750.
12. Electrical and electronics engineering technologists: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists work with engineers to develop, test, and repair electrical and electronic equipment. They make a median annual salary of $62,190.
13. Petroleum technicians: Petroleum technicians use chemical and technical methods to test and analyze oil and gas samples. They make a median annual salary of $62,460.
14. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians: Aircraft mechanics and service technicians maintain and repair aircraft. They make a median annual salary of $61,020.
15. Commercial pilots: Commercial pilots fly airplanes for a variety of purposes. They make a median annual salary of $82,240.
16. Broadcast technicians: Broadcast technicians set up, operate, and maintain broadcasting equipment. They make a median annual salary of $40,660.
17. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers: Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install and repair electrical equipment and systems. They make a median annual salary of $54,110.
18. Radiation protection technicians: Radiation protection technicians monitor radiation levels and take necessary steps to protect personnel and the public from radiation exposure. They make a median annual salary of $56,490.
19. Industrial engineering technologists: Industrial engineering technologists help to design, develop, and improve production systems. They make a median annual salary of $63,840.
20. Network and computer systems administrators: Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain computer systems. They make a median annual salary of $82,050.
These are just a few of the high-paying associate degree jobs available today. With the right degree, you can find a job that pays well and offers job security without committing to a four-year college program.
