There is a popular opinion that a four years college degree is the only path to financial security and wealth for the average person. However, that’s not always the case because there are several Highest Paying Jobs With Associates Degree.
One of the most attractive alternatives to a bachelor’s degree is a two years degree certificate. These programs offer fast, and often more inexpensive routes for education, making them a common choice, especially among contemporary students seeking the highest paying jobs.
There are reasonable questions that arise with associate degrees. Do high-paying associate degree jobs exist? What jobs area offer can you get with an associate’s degree? Are they gratifying and financially worthwhile? The answer is an echoing “yes!”
Read through and learn more about the highest paying associate degrees job, salary, and their job prospect.
What Is An Associate Degree?
An associate degree is a two-year program that offers training for different careers, many of which offer the highest paying Jobs with an associates Degree. Although they can take more or fewer years to complete, depending on the rapidness of study.
Why Choose an Associate Degree?
There are numerous benefits from choosing an associate degree, but two major factor tops the chart: a quicker education, and a cheaper price rate.
Also, flexibility is a common inspiration for earning an associate degree. Many on-campus and online associate degree programs work for non-conventional students.
Types of Associate Degrees
There are three specific types of associates degrees. Each one has its own qualities and advantages, as well as drawbacks.
Associate in Arts (AA)
An AA degree is usually the broadest, and therefore the least specific, of all the associated arts degrees. During the AA program, students will take wide-ranging courses that can include introductions to history, art, literature, music, business, writing, and communication.
The main advantage of an associate in arts degree is that it does not limit the graduate to a certain path, meaning they have access to several types of highest-paying jobs.
Associate in Science (AS)
An AS degree is still broad, but it has more specificity than an associate in arts. These types of degrees are generally chosen if the student intends to pursue further education in an area that includes science, such as nursing or engineering.
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
An AAS degree is a highly specific education path, usually technical, that focuses on a single career field. Students who want to get an education and jump immediately into a specific career will want to consider an associate in applied science.
Different Between Associate Degree And Bachelor’s Degree ?
An associate degree is the first level of post-secondary education that high school leavers can pursue at non-vocational institutes of higher learning.
Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs
The Highest paying associates degrees Jobs are:
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians- $68,570 per year
- Web Developers and Digital Designers- $77,200
- Dental Hygienists- $77,090
- Radiation therapists- $86,850
- Nuclear technicians- $84,190
- Air Traffic Controllers- $130,420
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians- $67,550
- Registered Nurse- $75,330
- Funeral service manager- $74,200
- Geological and Hydrologic Technicians- $50,630
Salary Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational handbook
#1. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
Aerospace Engineering technician is top on our list of highest paying jobs with associates degree. These professionals operate and maintain equipment used in developing, testing, producing, and sustaining new aircraft and spacecraft.
Their work is critical in preventing the failure of key parts of new aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They also help in the quality assurance, testing, and operation of advanced technology equipment used in producing aircraft and the systems that go into the aircraft.
Responsibilities of aerospace engineering and operations technicians
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians typically do the following:
- Meet with aerospace engineers to discuss details and implications of test procedures
- Build and maintain test facilities for aircraft systems
- Make and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment
- Operate and calibrate computer systems so that they comply with test and manufacturing requirements
- Ensure that test procedure are performed smoothly and safely
- Record data from test parts and assemblies
- Install instruments in aircraft and spacecraft
- Monitor and ensure quality in producing systems that go into the aircraft
Education
Those interested in becoming aerospace engineering and operations technicians should take classes in math, science, and, if available, drafting and computer skills. Courses that help students develop skills collaboratively with machines also are valuable, because these technicians build what aerospace engineers design
Average Salary: $68,570 per year
Job prospect: 7 percent is projected for this job role. Most employment growth for these workers will be in the professional, scientific, and technical services industry.
Aircraft may be redesigned to cut down on noise pollution and to raise fuel efficiency, spurring demand for technicians to work on these projects.
#2. Web Developers and Digital Designers
Web Developers and Digital Designers are the most sought-after Highest paying associates degrees jobs in recent times. This set of professionals creates and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle.
In addition, web developers may create content for the site. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.
Responsibilities of web developers and digital designers
Web developers and digital designers typically do the following:
- Meet with clients or management to discuss the needs, design, and functionality of a website or interface
- Create and test applications, interfaces, and navigation menus for a website
- Write code for the website, using programming languages such as HTML or XML
- Work with other team members to determine what information the site will contain
- Work with graphics and other designers to determine the website’s layout
- Integrate graphics, audio, and video into the website
- Monitor website traffic
- Create prototypes and mockups of websites or applications
- Design and develop graphics
Education
Web developers need to have a thorough understanding of HTML programming. Many employers also want developers to understand other programming languages, such as JavaScript or SQL, and have knowledge of multimedia publishing tools, such as Flash. Throughout their career, web developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages.
Salary: $77,200 in May 2020.
Job prospect: The employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 8 percent as eCommerce continues to expand. Online purchasing is expected to grow faster than the overall retail industry.
As retail firms expand their online offerings, demand for these workers will grow. In addition, a rise in the use of mobile devices to search the web will lead to increased demand for web developers and digital designers.
However, instead of designing a website for a desktop computer, these workers will have to create sites and interfaces that work on mobile devices with many different screen sizes, leading to more work.
#3. Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene. They also educate patients about oral health.
Responsibilities of Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists typically do the following:
- Remove tartar, stains, and plaque from teeth
- Apply sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth
- Take and develop dental x rays
- Assess patients’ oral health and report findings to dentists
- Document patient care and treatment plans
- Educate patients about oral hygiene techniques, such as how to brush and floss correctly
Education
Dental hygienists typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene; they may also get a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree programs in dental hygiene are available but are relatively uncommon.
Average salary: $77,090
Job prospect: The demand for dental services will increase by 6 percent as the population ages. As the large baby-boom population ages and people keep more of their original teeth than did previous generations, the need to maintain and treat teeth will continue to drive demand for dental care.
#4. Radiation therapists
They are part of oncology teams that treat patients with cancer by administering the necessary treatments.
Responsibilities of radiation therapists
Radiation therapists typically do the following:
- Explain treatment plans to the patient and answer questions about treatment
- Protect the patients and themselves from improper exposure to radiation
- Determine the exact location of the area requiring treatment
- Calibrate and operate the machine to treat the patient with radiation
- Monitor the patient to check for unusual reactions to the treatment
- Keep detailed records of treatment
Education
Employers usually prefer to hire applicants who have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. However, candidates may qualify for some positions by completing a certificate program.
Most states require a license or certification. Requirements vary by state but often include passing a national certification exam.
Average salary: $86,850
Job prospect: 7 percentage projected growth rate. The incidence of cancer increases as people age, so an aging population may increase the demand for radiation therapists.
Also, continued advancements in the detection of cancer and the development of more sophisticated treatment techniques may also lead to greater demand for radiation therapy.
#5. Nuclear technicians
Nuclear technician is another Highest paying associates degree job with great prospects. These professionals use instruments, such as Geiger counters, to monitor radiation levels. They work in nuclear energy production or assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research.
Responsibilities of nuclear technician
Nuclear technicians typically do the following:
- Monitor the performance of equipment used in nuclear experiments and power generation
- Measure the levels and types of radiation produced by nuclear experiments, power generation, and other activities
- Collect samples of air, water, and soil, and test for radioactive contamination
- Instruct personnel on radiation safety procedures and warn them of hazardous conditions
- Operate and maintain radiation monitoring equipment
Education
During their training, they are taught the proper ways to use operating and monitoring equipment. Safety procedures, regulations, and plant policies are also being taught.
Workers who do not have the appropriate associate’s degree or its equivalent usually have a substantial period of onsite technical training provided by their employer before they begin full duties and a normal training schedule.
Average salary: $84,190
Job prospect: Projected to decline by 19 percent. Technicians will be needed to help maintain and upgrade existing nuclear power plants.
However, traditional forms of power generation are becoming more productive because of increased automation.
#6. Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft to maintain safe distances between them.
Responsibilities of air traffic controller
Air traffic controllers typically do the following:
- Monitor and direct the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air
- Control all ground traffic at airport runways and taxiways
- Issue landing and takeoff instructions to pilots
- Transfer control of departing flights to other traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights
- Inform pilots about the weather, runway closures, and other critical information
- Alert airport response staff in the event of an aircraft emergency
Education
Candidates who want to become air traffic controllers typically need an associate’s or a bachelor’s. Also, degree with training experience from an aviation institution.
Average salary: $130,420.
Job prospect: The job is projected to grow 1 percent. Although air traffic is projected to increase in the next decade, the satellite-based Next Generation Air Transportation System is expected to allow individual controllers to handle more air traffic.
#7. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians are among the highest paying jobs With associates degree because they help electrical and electronics engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment.
Responsibilities for electrical and electronics engineering
Electrical engineering technicians typically do the following:
- Put together electrical and electronic systems and prototypes
- Build, calibrate, and repair electrical instruments or testing equipment
- Visit construction sites to observe conditions affecting the design
- Identify solutions to technical design problems that arise during the construction of electrical systems
- Inspect designs for quality control, report findings, and make recommendations
- Draw diagrams and write specifications to clarify design details of experimental electronics units
Average salary: $67,550
Job prospect: The employment of electrical and electronics engineering technicians is projected to grow 2 percent. Employment of these technicians in industries in which many are employed, such as manufacturing and the federal government, is expected to decline.
However, their employment is expected to grow in professional, scientific, and technical services firms as companies seek to contract out these services as a way to lower costs.
#8. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs), are also among the best-paying jobs with an associate degree because they provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.
Responsibilities of a registered nurses
Registered nurses typically do the following:
- Assess patients’ conditions
- Record patients’ medical histories and symptoms
- Observe patients and record the observations
- Administer patients’ medicines and treatments
- Set up plans for patients’ care or contribute information to existing plans
- Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Operate and monitor medical equipment
- Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results
- Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries
- Explain what to do at home after treatment
Education
Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs typically take 4 years to complete; associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), an associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree, and diploma programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete.
Additionally, diploma programs are typically offered by hospitals or medical centers, and there are far fewer diploma programs than there are BSN, ADN, and ASN programs. All programs include supervised clinical experience.
Average salary: $75,330
Job prospect: The employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 7 percent Demand for healthcare services will increase because of the aging population, given that older people typically have more medical problems than younger people.
Nurses also will be needed to educate and care for patients with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, dementia, diabetes, and obesity.
#9. Funeral service manager
Funeral service workers organize and manage the details of a ceremony honoring a deceased person.
Responsibilities of Funeral service manager
Funeral service workers typically do the following:
- Offer counsel and comfort to families and friends of the deceased
- Provide information on funeral service options
- Arrange for removal of the deceased’s body
- Prepare the remains (the deceased’s body) for the funeral
- File death certificates and other legal documents with appropriate authorities
Education
An associate’s degree in a funeral service or mortuary science education program is typically required for all funeral service workers to enter the occupation. Courses usually cover topics such as ethics, grief counseling, funeral service, and business law. Accredited programs also include courses in embalming and restorative techniques.
Average salary: $74,200
Job prospect: Overall employment of funeral service workers is projected to decline by 4 per.
Demand for funeral service workers is expected to go down over the next decade as consumers increasingly prefer cremation, which costs less and requires fewer workers than traditional funeral arrangements.
#10. Geological and Hydrologic Technicians
Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources, such as soil, natural gas, and water.
Responsibilities of geological and hydrologic technicians
Geological and hydrologic technicians typically do the following:
- Install and maintain laboratory and field equipment
- Gather samples in the field, such as mud and water, and prepare them for analysis in the laboratory
- Conduct scientific tests on samples to determine their content and characteristics
- Record data from tests and compile information from reports, databases, and other sources
- Prepare reports and maps to identify geological characteristics of areas that may have valuable natural resources
Education
Geological and hydrologic technicians typically need at least an associate’s degree in applied science or science-related technology to enter the occupation. Some employers require a bachelor’s degree. Geological and hydrologic technicians also receive on-the-job training.
Average salary: $50,630
Job prospect: The employment of geological and hydrologic technicians is projected to grow 5 percent.
Demand for natural gas, along with exploration and management of resources such as minerals and water, is expected to increase demand for geological exploration and extraction in the future.
Conclusion
Applying to study for an associate is a worthy investment and we hope our guide will be helpful to you in getting your associate’s degree which will transcend to a high-paying job.
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