Best Paying Jobs For Those With Two-Year Associate’s Degree

Brent Rasmussen of Careerbuilder

Although income is directly correlated to education with those making the most tending to have the most years of education, that doesn’t mean that those with Associate’s or two-year college degrees are doomed to a life of poverty. Far from it. Indeed, many of the most lucrative professions don’t require a Bachelor’s degree and many top-paying jobs only require an Associate’s degree.

“Nearly one in five employers (18 percent) reported that their educational requirements for jobs in their organizations have increased over the last five years,” said Brent Rasmussen, President of CareerBuilder North America. “A college education is one of the best investments you can make. Not only does it increase the amount of opportunities available to you, it also significantly boosts your earning potential.”

While job requirements and pay will vary by organization, top-paying jobs based on median salary in the U.S. include:

1. Air Traffic Controller – $113,547 – manages air traffic to ensure safe flying
   
2. Radiation Therapist – $76,627 – treats cancer and other diseases with radiation
3. Dental Hygienist – $70,408 – examines patients, cleans teeth and provides other dental care
4. Nuclear Medicine Technologist – $69,638 – prepares and administers radioactive drugs and uses this when scanning patients for abnormalities
5. Nuclear Technician – $68,037 – assists in nuclear research and production
6. Registered Nurse – $65,853 – provides patient care and educates patients about various health conditions
7. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – $65,499 – diagnoses medical conditions using special imaging equipment such as an ultrasound, sonogram, etc.
8. Fashion Designer – $63,170 – creates clothing, shoes and accessories
9. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician – $61,547 – operates equipment used in developing and testing new aircraft and spacecraft
10. Engineering Technician (except drafters) – $58,698 – help engineers and scientists in research and development, specializing in different areas

Source: CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists