[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree can lead to high-paying jobs in fields like healthcare, aviation, and engineering, with many roles offering salaries well above the national median of $49,500.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Top-paying roles include air traffic controller, radiation therapist, and dental hygienist, with 2024 median wages ranging from $76,830 to $144,580 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many of these careers require professional certification or licensure, and some offer paths to six-figure salaries with experience or advancement.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can earn an associate degree in two years, saving on tuition and starting your career sooner than with a four-year undergraduate degree. Many use an associate as a stepping stone to a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/accelerated/”]bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link], but there are plenty of high-paying careers you can get with just an associate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re looking for outstanding value, the careers below offer median annual salaries 55%-192% above the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2024/may/oes_nat.htm#00-0000″ target=”_blank”]national median salary of $49,500[/hen-ui-link], putting you on a lucrative career path in as little as two years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base uppercase” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Reality Check: Can You Actually Get a Job With An Associate Degree?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]associate degree[/hen-ui-link] can unlock jobs across multiple industries. For example, paralegals and web developers often only need an associate degree. Many healthcare workers and engineering technicians need an associate degree for professional certification or licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree also meets the minimum education requirements for jobs like air traffic controller, ultrasound technician, avionics technician, and nuclear technician.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Are the Highest-Paying Associate Degrees?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest-paying associate degrees are primarily healthcare-related. However, you can also find high-paying careers in transportation and the physical sciences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following occupations all saw a median annual salary of over $75,000 in 2024.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]10 Highest-Paying Careers With an Associate Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2023-33)*[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#air-traffic”]Air Traffic Controllers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm” target=”_blank”]$144,580[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]As fast as average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#nuclear-technicians”]Nuclear Technicians[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/nuclear-technicians.htm” target=”_blank”]$104,240[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]Declining[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#radiation-therapists”]Radiation Therapists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiation-therapists.htm” target=”_blank”]$101,990[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]As fast as average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#nuclear-medicine”]Nuclear Medicine Technologists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nuclear-medicine-technologists.htm” target=”_blank”]$97,020[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]Declining[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#dental-hygienists”]Dental Hygienists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm” target=”_blank”]$94,260[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]Much faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#diagnostic-medical-sonographers”]Diagnostic Medical Sonographers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]$89,340[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]Much faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#mri”]MRI Technologists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]$88,180[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]Faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#respiratory-therapists”]Respiratory Therapists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm” target=”_blank”]$80,450[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]Much faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#aerospace”]Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineering-and-operations-technicians.htm” target=”_blank”]$79,830[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]Faster than average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”#funeral-home-managers”]Funeral Home Managers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/funeral-service-occupations.htm” target=”_blank”]$76,830[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]As fast as average[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]
Source: BLS *Average projected growth rate is 4% (2023-2033)
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”air-traffic”]1. Air Traffic Controllers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Wage (2024): [/hen-ui-text]$144,580[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 3%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Associate in Air Traffic Management from an ​​Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) school[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movement near airports and between altitude sectors and control centers. In this aviation role, you will ensure that planes, helicopters, and other aircraft maintain safe distances. You will also inform pilots about weather, runway closures, and other critical information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports that the top 10% of air traffic controllers earned an estimated [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]annual salary of $210,410[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2024. The states with the highest average salaries for air traffic controllers are Virginia, Minnesota, Illinois, and Georgia, where median salaries range from $174,600-$185,890.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”nuclear-technicians”]2. Nuclear Technicians[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Wage (2024): [/hen-ui-text]$104,240[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] -6%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Associate in Nuclear Engineering Technology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a nuclear technician, you may work with other scientists such as engineers, physicists, and engineers in nuclear power generation activities that provide essential energy to your community and state. Responsibilities include quality control for nuclear testing, researching equipment, and monitoring radiation levels.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports that the top 10% of earners had an estimated [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/nuclear-technicians.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]annual salary of $126,890 in May 2024[/hen-ui-link]. The states with the highest average salaries for nuclear technicians include Florida, Michigan, New York, and Alabama.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”radiation-therapists”]3. Radiation Therapists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Wage (2024): [/hen-ui-text]$101,990[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 3%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Associate in Radiation Therapy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/radiation-therapist/”]radiation therapist[/hen-ui-link], you’ll administer doses of radiation to patients with serious diseases such as cancer. Your responsibilities may include explaining treatment plans, protecting patients from radiation exposure, and determining the correct positioning to administer treatment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports that the top 10% of radiation therapists earned an estimated [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiation-therapists.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]annual salary of $141,550[/hen-ui-link] in May 2024. The states reporting the highest average salaries for radiation therapists include Washington, California, Oregon, New York, and New Jersey.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”nuclear-medicine”]4. Nuclear Medicine Technologists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Wage (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $97,020[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] -1%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Associate in Nuclear Medicine Technology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a nuclear medicine technologist, you will be responsible for preparing radioactive drugs and administering them to patients. You may provide technical support to physicians or researchers treating patients or participate in research investigating applications of radioactive drugs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In May 2024, there were 17,800 nuclear medicine technologists working in the U.S. The BLS reports that the top 10% of earners had an estimated [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nuclear-medicine-technologists.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]annual salary of $128,090[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”dental-hygienists”]5. Dental Hygienists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Wage (2024): [/hen-ui-text]$94,260[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 9%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Associate in Dental Hygiene[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dental hygienists perform cleanings, apply sealants to protect patients’ teeth, carry out dental X-rays, and examine patients for a variety of oral diseases. As a dental hygienist, you may also be responsible for educating your patients on maintaining proper oral care.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All states require dental hygienists to be licensed and hold an associate degree. The BLS reports that the estimated annual salary for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291292.htm” target=”_blank”]top 10% of dental hygienists was $120,060[/hen-ui-link] in May 2024. Dental hygienists who earn near this salary level likely have years of experience and live in states with a higher cost of living.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”diagnostic-medical-sonographers”]6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Wage (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $89,340[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 11%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Associate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/diagnostic-medical-sonographer/”]diagnostic medical sonographer[/hen-ui-link], you will operate special equipment to create images or conduct medical sonography tests. You will work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images and assess and diagnose medical conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports that the estimated annual salary for the top 10% of diagnostic medical sonographers was [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292032.htm” target=”_blank”]$123,170 in May 2024[/hen-ui-link]. Diagnostic medical sonographers who earn upwards of six figures likely have years of experience and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/online-sonography-ultrasound-certificates/”]additional sonography certifications[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”mri”]7. MRI Technologists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Wage (2024): [/hen-ui-text]$88,180[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 6%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Associate in MRI Technology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an MRI technologist, you will learn to operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. You can expect to work with patients to perform imaging and with physicians to evaluate those images. You may also be responsible for maintaining detailed patient records.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports that the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292035.htm” target=”_blank”]top 10% of MRI technologists earned an estimated $121,420[/hen-ui-link] annually as of May 2024. States with the highest median salaries for MRI technologists include California, Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”respiratory-therapists”]8. Respiratory Therapists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Wage (2024): [/hen-ui-text]$80,450[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 13%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Associate in Respiratory Therapy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Respiratory therapists help patients who are struggling to breathe. They treat conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis, among other issues. With the exception of Alaska, all states require respiratory therapists to hold a license. Additionally, some employers prefer you to hold a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports that the estimated annual salary for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]top 10% of respiratory therapists was $108,820[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2024. The top-paying states for respiratory therapists include California, New York, New Jersey, and Washington.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”aerospace”]9. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Wage (2024): [/hen-ui-text]$79,830[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 8%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Associate in Engineering Technology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an aerospace engineering and operations technologist or technician, you will work with aerospace engineers to construct and manage equipment related to aircraft and spacecraft. You’ll test, maintain, and install parts, ensuring the safety of these vehicles and systems.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The top 10% of these professionals [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineering-and-operations-technicians.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]earned an estimated annual salary of $120,440[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2024, according to the BLS. Some schools, such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, offer programs with direct pathways to this role.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”funeral-home-managers”]10. Funeral Home Managers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Wage (2024): [/hen-ui-text]$76,830[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2023-2033):[/hen-ui-text] 5%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Degree Program:[/hen-ui-text] Associate in Funeral Services[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have an interest in helping counsel families and the ability to handle sensitive situations, a career as a funeral home manager could be a good fit. This role involves consulting with families to discuss funeral details, keeping track of sensitive records, and delivering death certificates to legally authorized people.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on your location, years of experience, and specific role, you could earn six figures in this role. The top 10% of funeral home managers earned an estimated [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/funeral-service-occupations.htm#tab-5″ target=”_blank”]annual salary of $132,470[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2024, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Highest-Paying Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an associate degree worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, earning an associate degree can improve your earning potential compared to holding only a high school diploma. The BLS reports that in 2024, those with a high school diploma had a median annual salary of $48,360, while [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2025/data-on-display/education-pays.htm” target=”_blank”]associate degree-holders earned $57,150[/hen-ui-link]. Over 10 years, that’s a difference of over $87,000 in earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Moreover, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://naceweb.org/job-market/graduate-outcomes/first-destination/class-of-2023/interactive-dashboard” target=”_blank”]National Association of Colleges and Employers[/hen-ui-link] reports that in 2023, the average starting salary for graduates with an associate degree was $51,110, while bachelor’s degree-holders earned $63,720. While your career choice plays a significant role, these figures highlight how furthering your education can improve your earning potential.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many Americans have an associate degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of January 2025, [hen-ui-link href=”https://educationdata.org/education-attainment-statistics” target=”_blank”]9.9% of U.S. adults aged 18 or older[/hen-ui-link] held an associate degree as their highest degree. Many associate degree-holders go on to further their education by earning a bachelor’s degree. Nearly one in four (22.2%) Americans held a bachelor’s degree as their highest degree as of 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can you be with a healthcare associate degree​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an associate degree in a healthcare field, you can pursue in-demand careers like radiation therapist, dental hygienist, MRI technologist, or respiratory therapist.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While there are opportunities for growth in these roles with just an associate degree, you can advance your healthcare career by pursuing further medical education, such as a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Many aspiring doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners begin their journeys with an associate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What jobs can I get with an associate of arts degree​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You could earn an associate degree to pursue careers in many diverse fields. You could become an administrative assistant, dental hygienist, web developer, chef, preschool teacher, registered nurse, respiratory therapist, sonographer, human resources assistant, marketing assistant, medical assistant, paralegal, physical therapist assistant, or radiologic technologist.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You could also pursue technical or trade school or high-demand careers that don’t require an associate degree, such as a wind turbine technician or solar photovoltaic installer.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What associate degree pays the most​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the highest-paying career paths with an associate degree is air traffic control. Air traffic controllers earned a median annual salary of more than $144,580 in 2024, and the top 10% of earners saw a salary of over $210,000 — more than four times the national average salary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other top-paying careers you can enter with an associate degree include nuclear technicians, radiation therapists, dental hygienists, and MRI technologists.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,905,497″][/hen-ui-article-row]