Top Careers with an Associates Degree

Most high school graduates are eager to land a job as soon as they pass out. A few may take a difficult path which leads to four years of formal education for a bachelor's degree. However, average students may not want to take this path as it is very time-consuming and costly. Not everyone can afford the expensive college education. For such students an associate's degree is a brilliant option to make a great career. There are many highly paid professionals who simply hold an associate's degree. This is a two year degree program which includes general education as well as trains you in an area of your interest. This degree opens many career avenues for aspirants.

Top Paying Jobs with an Associate's Degree

Interestingly, associates degree offers job opportunities in many diverse fields. Hence, if you are inclined toward a particular field it is very important to find a decent paying job in that field with an associate's degree. Most lucrative careers for associates degree holders are found in medicine field. Given below are some of the best jobs with an associate degree.

Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is a top career in demand owing to the increased awareness regarding dental health. Dental hygienists clean teeth, perform examinations, study X-rays and educate people on good oral hygiene. They often work for several dentists and at convenient hours. Dental hygienists earn around $68,000 a year.

Registered Nurse
About 42% nurses working for private clinics and hospitals are associate degree graduates. A registered nurse typically acts as a medical assistant to physician's and surgeons. They are also the main communication link between doctors and patients. An RN can earn anywhere between $40,000 to $60,000 depending upon the medical setting she is working for and the geographic location.

Engineering Technician
Engineering technicians are also in demand in various technical fields. The job description and salary range of engineering technician varies according to the particular field they choose. For instance, an engineering technician in aerospace/aviation earns about $55,000 while that in the electrical engineering field earns about $53,000.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist
This career deals in radioactive pharmaceuticals, their use in medicine field and their effect on patient's health. A nuclear medicine technologist may earn around $66,000 a year.

Respiratory Therapist
This is yet another lucrative career option in the medicine field. Respiratory therapists work with nurses and physicians. Their main job is to examine people for respiratory disorders. They operate respiratory equipment such as mechanical ventilators and aerosol generators. They should be able to handle critical situations. A respiratory therapist can draw a salary of up to $52,000 a year.

Top Jobs with an Associate's Degree

Besides the career options provided above, there are many other job openings in diverse areas which have an associate's degree as a minimum qualification. Given below is a list of top jobs with an associate's degree.

• Computer Specialists
• Radiation Therapists
• Fashion Designers
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Commercial Pilots
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
• Ship Engineers
• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
• Funeral Directors
• Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
• Avionics Technicians
• Electrical and Electronics Drafters
• Industrial Engineering Technicians
• Geological and Petroleum Technicians
• Mechanical Engineering Technicians
• Court Reporters
• Forensic Science Technicians

Thus, now you can make a decent career for yourself by going to a community college. Most of the top careers with an associate's degree mentioned above promise handsome remuneration with experience in your chosen field.