10 Highest Paying Jobs with an Associates Degree

In this article, we will look at the 10 highest paying jobs with an associates degree. We have also discussed the current employability level of these degrees in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 32 Highest Paying Jobs with an Associates Degree.

10. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Average Salary: $81,530

In May 2022, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists, with an average annual wage of $81,530, were predominantly employed in General Medical and Surgical Hospitals, Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories, and Offices of Physicians. The highest concentration of employment for MRI Technologists was found in Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories, followed by General Medical and Surgical Hospitals and Offices of Physicians.

9. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Average Salary: $84,410

With a median pay of $78,210 annually, they typically hold an associate’s degree and require no prior work experience or on-the-job training. Their field is projected to grow much faster than average, with a 10% job outlook from 2022 to 2032.

8. Funeral Home Managers

Average Salary: $84,770

Funeral home managers oversee all aspects of funeral service operations, including staff management, client relations, facility maintenance, and financial administration. They ensure that funeral services are conducted professionally, empathetically, and in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

7. Dental Hygienists

Average Salary: $84,860

With 219,400 jobs in 2022, the role was offered an annual median salary of $81,400 annually. The field is anticipated to grow 7% between 2022 and 2023. It is one of the healthcare jobs without a degree.

6. Web Developers

Average Salary: $87,580

Web developers design and create websites, using programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They collaborate with clients or project managers to determine website objectives, layout, and functionality. 

To read more about web developer salaries, see the highest paying countries for web developers.

5. Registered Nurse

Average Salary: $89,010

Nursing is the largest healthcare profession with 5.2 million registered nurses (RNs) in the US. RNs contribute to care delivery, health system evolution, disparity reduction, and national health. The pre-COVID-19 nursing shortages stemmed from retirements, economic shifts, and increased healthcare needs. However, during the pandemic, the shortages worsened even more owing to the surging healthcare demands from aging populations, and an insufficient number of nurses. To read more about nurses, see the countries that need nurses the most.

4. Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Average Salary: $89,610

Their high pay is often justified by the specialized skills and knowledge required to ensure safety, accuracy, and effective patient care in this field. Additionally, their work aids in the early detection and management of diseases like cancer and heart conditions. The highest-paying states for nuclear medicine technologists are California, Washington, and Hawaii.

3. Nuclear Technicians

Average Salary: $97,040

In May 2022, Nuclear Technicians, assisting in laboratory and power generation activities, earned an average wage of $97,040 nationally, with hourly wages ranging from $30.53 to $60.60. The Electric Power Generation industry employed the most nuclear technicians, offering the highest mean wage of $103,910.

2. Radiation Therapists

Average Salary: $98,340

Radiation therapists, with a median pay of $89,530 per year, typically hold an associate’s degree. No prior work experience or on-the-job training is required. Job growth is projected at 2% from 2022 to 2032, adding 400 jobs, with a total of 15,900 jobs in 2022.

1.Air Traffic Controllers

Average Salary: $130,840

Air traffic controllers’ salaries are often higher than average salaries, which can lead to misconceptions of it being one of the most overpaid jobs in the US. Moreover, technological advancements have automated some aspects of their work and potentially reduced their roles’ perceived value. According to BLS, the average salary of an air traffic controller in the US is $130,840. It is also one of the high paying trade and vocational jobs in 2023.

It is the highest paying job with an associates degree. Moreover, airtraffic management is one of the 2-year degrees that pay $100k.

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