The associate degree program starts after secondary school as an undergraduate-level academic education and completes in 2 years. Through this program, students gain the basic knowledge and technical skills needed to pursue a career. They can further study after the associate degree.
In the US, various colleges (community colleges, junior colleges, and technical colleges, affiliated colleges, and universities) offer associate degree programs.
Compared to having only secondary education, an associate degree increases the chances of finding better employment or pursuing further studies in a diverse career.
To think of average salaries, there are a lot of high-paying job options after the completion of it, and most of them are also included in the list of attractive careers.
Anyone who wants to start employment earlier and cost-effectively can choose an associate degree without any regret.
Top eight profitable jobs after completing a program
Air traffic controllers
- Median Salary: $122,990
- Job Growth: 1% (2018-2028)
- Industry: Transportation
Air Traffic Controllers communicate aircraft’s movement with pilots, ground crew, and aviation personnel. Relaying essential information about weather, runways, hazards, and flight patterns is also their task.
You need an associate degree approved by the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program to be an air traffic controller.
Radiation therapists
- Median Salary: $85,560
- Job Growth: 9% (2018-2028)
- Industry: Healthcare
Radiation therapists assist medical professionals in administering radiation treatments, operating radiation machines, and observing patient status during the procedure.
An associate degree in radiation therapy permits the students for entry-level jobs in radiation therapy.
Nuclear technicians
- Median BLS Salary: $82,080
- Job Growth: -4% (2018-2028)
- Industry: The power generation industry
Nuclear technicians work at facilities where nuclear material is present. Their task is to check the radiation contamination level, monitor the equipment, and ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
An associate degree in nuclear science is typically required for this career.
Nuclear medicine technologists
- Median Salary: $77,950
- Job Growth: 7% (2018-2028)
- Industry: Healthcare
Nuclear Medicine Technologists perform tests using radioactive substances. They administer radioactive drugs to patients for diagnostic and treatment purposes. They may work in hospitals or as research assistants in laboratory settings.
An associate degree in nuclear medicine accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology prepares the students for employment.
➡LEARN MORE: High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree in 2021
Dental hygienist
- Median Salary: $76,220
- Job growth: 11%
- Industry: Healthcare
A dental hygienist inspects oral diseases, cleans teeth, and administers certain oral care treatments. They work with dentists and assist them in developing treatment plans for patients.
An associate degree in dental hygiene accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation prepares for entry-level employment.
Diagnostic medical sonographers
- Median Salary: $68,750
- Job Growth: 14% (2018-2028)
- Industry: Healthcare
Diagnostic medical sonographers manage devices that use soundwaves to produce patients’ soft tissues and organs images for various procedures. They often specialize in taking ultrasounds or sonograms in areas like abdomen or heart etc.
An associate degree in medical sonography or a related field prepares the students for entry-level jobs.
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians
- Median Salary: $66,020
- Job Growth: 4% (2018-2028)
- Industry: Manufacturing and Engineering
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians assist fellow engineers in installing and maintaining the equipment to monitor air vehicles. They have to check different machines’ performance and to ensure that computer systems meet security standards.
An aerospace engineering or engineering technology associate degree is needed for a job in research and development agencies, aerospace manufacturing companies, and engineering service firms.
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians
- Median Salary: $65,260
- Job Growth: 0% (2018-2028)
- Industry: Engineering, Manufacturing
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians assist fellow engineers in designing and developing electric and electronic equipment such as computers, communication, and navigation equipment. They also monitor and resolve problems related to the equipment.
An associate degree in electrical or electronics engineering is needed for this post.