Find a successful and rewarding career with these associate degree jobs

You don’t have to have a bachelor’s degree to land a high-paying and rewarding job. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities for a fulfilling and successful career with an associate degree. An associate degree can offer many of the same possibilities that a bachelor’s or master’s degree can. You can obtain a profitable job, get promoted within your department, and hold different positions within the same industry. If your employer offers tuition reimbursement, you can also continue your education and pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a minimal expense. 

Another major advantage of having an associate degree? You won’t be swimming in student loan debt once you graduate. Plus, an associate degree typically takes two years or less to complete. With this valuable degree, you can often find a more affordable education and begin your career much sooner than expected.

Consider these interesting associate degree jobs, especially if you’re looking for a faster way to a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Diagnostic medical sonographer

A diagnostic medical sonographer uses imaging equipment to perform tests and create images of organs and tissue. These images are called sonograms, and they give doctors a detailed view of the internal condition of the patient. This helps doctors when they are evaluating and diagnosing their patient’s health conditions. Most diagnostic medical sonographers work in a hospital setting, while others may be employed at a doctor’s office or a diagnostic laboratory.

• Current median pay: $75,380 per year
• Job outlook: 14% (faster than average)
• Qualifications: Associate degree or a postsecondary certificate, and possibly a professional certification required by an employer

Respiratory therapist

A respiratory therapist assists patients with a wide range of breathing conditions. Asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema are a few examples of the various respiratory ailments that this position treats. A respiratory therapist also works with patients of all ages, from newborn babies who are suffering from distressing breathing to elderly patients with chronic breathing conditions.

• Current median pay: $61,830 per year
• Job outlook: 23% (much faster than average)
• Qualifications: Associate degree, state licensure, and certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care

Computer network support specialist

Applying their knowledge of computers, computer network support specialists help users, organizations, and businesses troubleshoot various computer issues. Some of their responsibilities include evaluating existing system networks, conducting regular network maintenance, and keeping all computer systems running smoothly.

• Current median pay: $57,910 per year
• Job outlook: 9% (as fast as average)
• Qualifications: Associate degree or a high school diploma, plus an information technology (IT) certification

Dental hygienist

A dental hygienist is currently one of the higher-paying associate degree jobs available. They are responsible for not only cleaning teeth but also for examining patients for oral disease, teaching proper dental hygiene, providing preventative oral care, and assisting the dentist with various dental procedures. Many dental hygienists receive their associate degrees at community colleges and vocational schools, but they can also obtain their degrees at a university.

• Current median pay: $77,810 per year
• Job outlook: 11% (faster than average)
• Qualifications: Associate degree and state licensure

Electronic engineering technician

An electronic engineering technician works on and repairs a wide range of electronic equipment. This equipment can include devices, such as navigational systems, electrical components, communication tools, and medical technology. This position can find job opportunities in the private sector and in government agencies.

• Current median pay: $63,640 per year
• Job outlook: 2% (slower than average)
• Qualifications: Associate degree

Registered nurse

Becoming a registered nurse can be a lucrative associate degree job, as they are currently in high demand. Registered nurses provide patient care in many different environments, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, home health care agencies, nursing care facilities, urgent care clinics, and schools and universities. Their main purpose is to deliver compassionate care to patients as well as educate them on various health conditions.

• Current median pay: $77,600 per year
• Job outlook: 9% (as fast as average)
• Qualifications: Associate degree or a diploma from an approved nursing program and state licensure

Human resource assistant

While not a fast-growing field, human resource assistants can be valuable associate degree jobs. This position handles a vast array of job duties, including maintaining employee records, hiring and training new employees, and assisting directors and managers as needed. Along with seeking employment as a human resource assistant, this individual can also apply for positions such as a training specialist, employee-relations specialist, recruiter, and compensation analyst.

• Current median pay: $37,450 per year
• Job outlook: 2% (slower than average)
• Qualifications: Associate degree or high school diploma with on-the-job training

Environmental science and protection technicians

An environmental science and protection technician works with scientists in areas that involve environmental conservation and protection. Their job duties may include monitoring pollution, researching alternative energy systems, and collecting and analyzing air, soil, and water samples. They may study specific fields within environmental science such as quality and safety, natural resources, and scientific research and analysis.

• Current median pay: $47,370 per year
• Job outlook: 11% (faster than average)
• Qualifications: Associate degree or two years of postsecondary education

Now that you have a good idea of the variety of associate degree jobs that are available, begin your career search with CareerBuilder today. Create a profile so employers can find you and you can find a career where you can thrive and succeed. And be sure to visit CoLab, your go-to hub for exploring all of your options, from building the perfect resume, exploring salary information, and discovering career options that fit with your transferable skills.

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