If you’re in a degree program, you are essentially ‘investing’ money in yourself. The entire purpose of a degree is to earn more money than someone who doesn’t have one. If you’re hoping to earn more over your lifetime, go with a 1 year degree that pays well.
Associate degrees are simply two-year degrees. Although they can take more or less time to complete, depending on the pace of study, they are generally half the workload of a four-year bachelor’s degree. They are, therefore, about half the price of a bachelor’s degree, and sometimes significantly cheaper as associate’s degrees are often provided by affordable community colleges.
These programs are generally affordable and create a significant boost to your lifetime income. According to The College Board, the annual cost of attending a public two-year in-district school is $3,660. This number, however, does not take into account room and board, as well as other costs associated with attending school. Assuming graduation in two years, this means the tuition for attending a public program is roughly $7,320.
According to the 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. In this example, this results in an annual gain of $5,148 if you have no college education and were to complete your associate’s degree.
This means you could pay for tuition of an associate’s degree program in less than a 16 months. This does not, however, account for the cost of living while attending college, nor the potential lost wages that you might not be able to earn while completing an associate’s degree.
An associate degree prepares graduates for careers in a variety of fields, such as healthcare, technology, and engineering. Some associate degrees lead to entry-level roles, like diagnostic medical sonographer, engineering technician, or physical therapy assistant. These associate degree jobs offer above-average salaries.
Completing an associate degree takes less time and money than a bachelor’s degree, with public community colleges offering lower tuition rates than public or private four-year colleges. Graduates with an associate degree can also transfer into a bachelor’s program, often completing the four-year degree with just two additional years of study.
The best 1-year degrees that pay well are in the fields of information technology, business, and health care.
Information technology is popular among students because it’s growing fast and there are many opportunities for advancement. You’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree to work in this field, but if you’re interested in a career with long-term potential, it’s worth it.
Business is another good choice if you want to jump into the workforce quickly and make money. Many business jobs require an associate’s degree or less, but if you want to move up the ladder, you’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree.
Health care is also a great option for those who want to pursue a career in medicine or nursing. You can get an associate’s degree in either field, but if you want more advanced positions as a doctor or nurse practitioner, you may need a bachelor’s degree first.
There are many easy courses for those who want to learn a new skill, do a hobby or simply acquire extra knowledge. There shouldn’t be the notion that these programs are just for people with no professional experience. With these complete training you can get a specific certification, and if you have the knowledge of basics everything is much easier to understand and work. The more years of experience you have, the more attractive higher salaries are. Overall, getting qualified is a great investment in your future career.
If you are looking for a course that will make you more employable, here are 5 easy courses with a high salary.
Short degrees that pay well. With the growing emphasis on making education more affordable, you may consider some of the following degrees to start your post-secondary career now and graduate with no debt.
Short degrees that pay well
If you’re looking for a short course of study that will help you land a great job, we’ve got some suggestions for you. Here are some of the best short degrees that pay well:
-Information Technology: This is one of the most popular and lucrative fields, so it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most competitive. But if you want to get in on the ground floor and make money right away, this is a good option.
-Business Administration: If you have an eye toward management and leadership positions, a business administration degree can give you the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in those areas.
-Computer Science: Computer science is a growing field with many opportunities for job growth, especially with new technology like big data analytics coming into play. It pays well too!
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – $79,000
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – $91,000
Bachelor of Arts in Finance – $71,000
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting – $60,000
Students looking for a quick-start career should consider an associate degree from a community college, where they can earn a degree in two years.
An associate degree prepares graduates for jobs in multiple industries. For example, paralegals and web developers often only need an associate degree. Many healthcare and engineering technicians need an associate degree to earn professional certification or licensure. An associate degree also meets the minimum education requirements for jobs like air traffic controller, ultrasound technician, avionics technician, and nuclear technician.
Readers should carefully review each career’s placement within the rankings, since pay varies so much among professions. For example, air traffic controllers earn a median annual salary of $122,990, while medical equipment repairers make a median salary under $50,000.
The following list ranks the best associate degree jobs by salary. Some of the jobs on the list don’t require an associate degree but the degree provides a competitive edge in the job market. We used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for job title and salary information.
1
Median Salary$122,990
| Industry | Transportation and Materials Moving |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $122,990 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 1% |
Air traffic controllers communicate with pilots, grounds crew, and fellow aviation personnel to coordinate the movement of aircraft. They remain in contact with pilots at all stages of flight, monitoring approaches, departures, and en route activities. They relay essential information about weather, flight patterns, runway closures, and potential hazards.
Air traffic controllers need an associate degree approved by an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program. Overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration, these degrees emphasize aviation technology, air traffic control procedures, airport management, and aviation regulations. As a fast-paced and high-stress position, air traffic controllers need acute concentration, decision-making, and communication skills.
2
Median Salary$85,560
Radiation therapists work with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals to administer radiation treatments. They explain methods and protocols to patients, keep detailed records, and monitor patient reactions during and after treatment. Radiation therapists operate machines that deliver focused radiation to tumors and other cancers. They most often work in hospitals, spending long hours on their feet.
As members of radiation teams, radiation therapists need strong communication and interpersonal skills. They also need a technical understanding of radiation equipment. An associate degree in radiation therapy prepares students for entry-level positions. These programs typically facilitate certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists by blending clinical requirements with coursework in science, anatomy and physiology, and computer technology.
3
Median Salary$82,080
| Industry | Life, Physical, and Social Science |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $82,080 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | -4% |
Nuclear technicians work at nuclear energy facilities, nuclear research laboratories, and other locations where radiation and nuclear materials are present. They test for radiation contamination, monitor equipment used in nuclear experiments, and ensure adherence to safety guidelines and procedures. Most nuclear technicians work in the power generation industry, making adjustments and repairs to reactors and other equipment.
An associate degree in nuclear science or nuclear technology prepares students for this career, making it one of the highest-paid associate degrees. Students gain practical experience through internships. Nuclear technicians can advance their careers through certifications from organizations like the Nuclear Energy Institute, the American Society of Nondestructive Testing, and the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists.
4
Median Salary$77,950
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for diagnostic and treatment purposes. They must explain medical procedures and treatments to patients, abide by safety procedures and regulations, and monitor patients for drug reactions. Most nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, but they may also serve as research assistants to nuclear scientists in laboratory settings.
Nuclear medical technologists need an associate degree from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Students with an associate degree in a related discipline may enter the profession by completing a certificate program from an organization like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.
5
Median Salary$76,220
Dental hygienists provide oral care to patients. They take dental x-rays, clean teeth, inspect for oral diseases, and administer fluoride and sealant treatments. Dental hygienists work closely with dentists, reporting their findings and assisting in developing treatment plans for patients. They keep detailed records and educate patients on the best practices in oral care.
Dental hygienists need knowledge of anatomy, medical ethics, safety protocols, and periodontics. Two-year college degrees in dental hygiene accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation can prepare students for licensure as a dental hygienist.
6
Median Salary$71,670
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $71,670 |
|---|
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.
7
Median Salary$68,750
Diagnostic medical sonographers operate devices that use soundwaves to create images used in medical tests and procedures. Sonographers perform sonograms and ultrasounds on all parts of the body, often specializing in areas such as the abdomen, heart, or muscles. They must gather essential information for physicians, often reviewing images and reporting on any abnormalities or anomalies.
These professionals must understand anatomy and physiology, sonographic technology, and medical terminology, which they can achieve through an associate in medical sonography or a related field. Professional certifications through organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers enhance career opportunities.
8
Median Salary$68,750
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians gather diagnostic and treatment data about the circulatory and respiratory systems. They carry out tests and help with procedures to assess heart and lung health. Duties for cardiovascular technologists and technicians include monitoring heart rates, assisting with catheterization, administering electrocardiograms, and measuring lung capacity.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians work in hospitals and private medical offices. Many schools offer associate degrees or postsecondary certifications in cardiovascular technology. Although not required, certification through organizations like Cardiovascular Credentialing International demonstrates expertise to potential employers.
9
Median Salary$66,020
| Industry | Architecture and Engineering |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $66,020 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 4% |
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians work with fellow engineering personnel to operate, install, and maintain equipment and instruments used to monitor air and space vehicles. They collect data on parts, assembly, and mechanism performance; ensure computer systems and devices meet safety and industry standards; and inspect equipment to detect malfunctions and potential problems.
They also run computer simulations, automation programs, and quality assurance tests on aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians need skills in mathematics, general engineering, physics, and computer technology. An associate degree in aerospace engineering or engineering technology prepares students for careers with aerospace manufacturing companies, research and development agencies, and engineering services firms, making it one of the top associate degrees that pay well.
10
Median Salary$65,260
| Industry | Architecture and Engineering |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $65,260 |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 0% |
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians assist in the design, development, and production of computers, communication and navigation equipment, and comparable devices. They conduct diagnostic tests, monitor performance, and resolve problems related to design and function. Electrical engineering technicians often install and maintain electrical systems, while electronics engineering technicians focus on identifying and fixing malfunctions.
Both positions require knowledge of engineering design principles and practices, circuitry, physics, and programming languages. A two-year degree in electrical or electronics engineering blends didactic coursework with practical laboratory classes to hone mechanical, observational, and logical-thinking skills.View More
When someone says “college,” what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably think about four-year programs. However, there are many alternatives to the four-year approach. Associate degree jobs are booming and represent a popular, lucrative alternative path.
One of the most attractive alternatives to a bachelor’s degree is an associate degree. These programs offer fast, and often more affordable routes for education, making them a popular choice, especially among non-traditional students.
There are reasonable questions that arise with associate degrees. Do good associate degree jobs exist? What fields offer jobs you can get with an associate’s degree? Are they satisfying and financially rewarding? The answer is a resounding “yes!”
In general, you can step immediately from school to the work force and make a sizable income. The highest paying associate degree can result in a six figure salary. From technical careers to jobs in the medical profession, we list the best 2 year degrees for landing high paying jobs below. And, they pay more than you probably think!
So what careers with an associate’s degree are actually available? We analyzed employment and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data to find the 24 best associate degree careers taking salary, growth, and number of jobs into account. Many of these require the specific training of an associate of applied science degree, but some allow the broad education of an associate of arts degree. These jobs make an associates degree a wise decision.