25 Highest Paying Jobs With An Associate Degree
25 Highest Paying Jobs With An Associate Degree. If you’re interested in finding a job in a new industry, you can study the subject in an associate degree program to prepare for the role. Here are examples of fields that may offer jobs you can pursue with postsecondary education: Health care, Logistics, Accounting, Personal care, Education. Kamerpower.com
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), the median salary for someone with “some college or associate degree” was $825 per week in the second quarter of 2018, translating into an annual salary of $42,900 (assuming 52 weeks of pay a year). High school graduates with no college earn a median salary of $726 a week, for an annual salary of $37,752.
How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost?
The cost of an associate degree will vary depending on a number of factors including regional location, the type of school, and how many credit hours are required for your field of study. According to the recent College Board report, a public two year in-district tuition costs on average around $3,730 per year.
Is an Associate Degree Worth It?
Yes, an associate’s degree is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for jobs where an associate’s degree is needed for entry is projected to grow 6.2% over the next ten years, depending on the industry you enter. When you want to enhance your skills, but are unwilling or unable to take 4 years to get your degree, an associate’s degree can be a good option. Associate’s degrees tend to take 2 years to complete and can help you receive a well-rounded academic experience with a concentration in your chosen field of study.
Getting Your Associate’s Degree Online
Many students in associate’s degree programs may already be working, so programs are flexible and industry-specific. It may be a great option if you want to start working early, without being burdened by large and looming student loan debt. Though an associate degree may not carry the same weight as a 4 year degree, it can qualify you for entry-level jobs in many well-paying sectors in half the time.
What Jobs Can I Get With an Associates Degree | Highest Paying Jobs With An Associate Degree
1. Veterinary technician
Veterinary technicians assist licensed veterinarians with diagnosing animals’ conditions, injuries and illnesses. They observe animals, provide first aid and administer anesthesia during medical procedures. Veterinary technicians also record details about animals’ care plans and administer medications and treatments under the supervision of a veterinarian.
2. Radiation therapist
Radiation therapists provide radiation treatments to patients with diseases like cancer. They educate patients about treatment plans, protect patients and caregivers from radiation and operate mechanical equipment. Radiation therapists also observe patients and monitor their conditions throughout the procedure.
3. Human resources assistant
Primary duties: Human resources assistants offer administrative support to HR managers and teams. They maintain employee files, which generally include work history and performance evaluations. HR Assistants also publish job openings and collect applications for hiring teams to review.
4. Paralegal
Paralegals serve as support staff for lawyers and legal teams. They research and collect case data, organize and draft documents and arrange evidence. Paralegals also get formal statements to use in court, file appeals and contact clients to schedule meetings and interviews.
5. Registered nurse
RNs care for patients in hospitals and health care settings, overseeing medications, activities and procedures. They monitor patients’ vital signs, develop care plans, give medications and help with medical procedures. They also educate patients and their families about conditions and courses of treatment.
6. Aerospace technician
Aerospace technicians operate the equipment necessary for testing and producing aircraft and spacecraft. They build and oversee test facilities, develop and install the parts to be tested and perform testing procedures safely. Aerospace technicians also record and share data with engineering teams to improve product designs.
7. Web developer
Primary duties: Web developers create and update websites for individuals, companies and government agencies. They handle technical and creative aspects, ensuring that websites look aesthetically pleasing and work correctly.
8. Computer Programmer
Computer applications and software need proper code in order to function. It’s the job of a computer programmer to create this code. While many programmers will have a bachelor’s degree, you will certainly find employers who are willing to hire someone with an associate degree.
9. Cardiovascular technician
Primary duties: Cardiovascular technicians use specialized equipment to create images of patients’ hearts and lungs. Their work helps physicians diagnose injuries and illnesses. Depending on their specialty, they may also assist with preparing and monitoring patients during surgery or administering electrocardiogram (EKG) testing.
10. Dental hygienist
Primary duties: Dental hygienists examine patients’ oral health and clean their teeth and gums. They remove tartar and plaque from patients’ teeth, apply protective solutions and take x-rays. Dental hygienists report oral health conditions to dentists and assist with communicating and administering treatment plans.
11. Computer support specialist
Computer support specialists help users resolve technical problems and perform routine maintenance such as backing up computer files. They often assist users over the phone or via live chat to assess and diagnose issues before giving users step-by-step solutions.
12. HVAC installer
HVAC installers design and place new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in commercial, residential or industrial settings. They’re also responsible for calibrating these systems and ensuring that they keep the space appropriately climate-controlled.
13. Air traffic controller
Air traffic controllers oversee aircraft movement and ensure that planes and helicopters maintain a safe distance from one another. They monitor flights in their facility’s airspace, hand off control to other facilities and advise pilots about weather conditions and emergency information.
14. Mechanical drafter
Mechanical drafters transform engineers’ designs into detailed technical drawings. Most specialize in layouts and graphics of machinery and mechanical devices and include extensive detail, such as dimensions and requirements for assembling the object safely.
15. Occupational therapy assistant
Occupational therapy assistants work with patients to help them develop or recover the skills they need for living their daily lives. They assist patients with stretching and exercising, motivating them to finish tasks and showing them how to use assistive equipment. Occupational therapy assistants also monitor and record patients’ progress.
16. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists operate scanners that use magnetic resonance technology to create diagnostic images of patients’ organs and soft tissues. They inject contrast dye into patients to produce images. Some MRI technologists begin their careers as radiologic technologists before choosing this specialty.
17. Nuclear Technician
These highly-trained professionals assist in nuclear research and energy production by operating special equipment. They may monitor radiation levels, assist engineers, or work with physicists to create safe, reliable nuclear energy. In most cases, nuclear technicians will need an associate’s degree in nuclear science or a related technology, but expect a minimal growth of only 1% in demand.
18. Electronic Engineering Technician
Working directly with the physical technology of electronics, these professionals help design a wide range of equipment, including navigational devices, electrical components, medical technology, and communications tools. With the right associate degree, someone can work in this field for both the government and private companies.
19. Respiratory Therapist
When you hear the term “respiratory therapist,” think “helping people breathe.” This, quite literally, the the job description, as people in this field help anyone with a lung problem, including disease or injury, get the oxygen they need. With good pay and an expected job growth of 23%, this is a fantastic career opportunity.
20. Avionics Technician
These are the repair and maintenance technicians of the air-travel industry. They work in hangars, repair stations, and airfields, helping to ensure that the airplanes are properly maintained and ready for takeoff and (even more important!) a safe landing. Although the pay is excellent, there is only an expected job growth of 5%, which is slightly under the national average.
21. Police Officer
By protecting lives and property, police officers allow our society to function properly. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, as well as dangerous, but it can also be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. The job prospects are also expected to be good in the near future.
22. Medical Sonographer
Using special imaging equipment, medical sonographers create images of the body that can be used by physicians to assess and diagnose patients. A sonographer will be specially trained in the use of an ultrasonic imaging device, which uses sound waves and vibrations to create an image of a specified organ.
23. Electro-Mechanical Technician
Combining a deep knowledge of electrical systems and mechanical processes, these professionals are involved with the maintenance and operation of a wide variety of equipment. They are employed in many different industries, including manufacturing, engineering services, and transportation, giving graduates the chance to work in various settings.
24. Telecom Installer
The responsibilities of this job require you to maintain and repair any equipment that carries communication. This can include internet connections, telephone lines, and communication devices. Some will work with homeowners while others may serve the commercial sector. The demand for this career has dropped, however, because many people are going wireless, which often requires less service, maintenance, and repair.
25. Computer Network Specialist
Nearly every organization and business uses a network of computers, and they call on computer support specialists to keep the system running properly. While some of the positions may require a bachelor’s degree, specific training in an associate degree program is often enough to launch this career.
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