Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Penny Hoarder.
Let’s face it – four years of college isn’t for everyone. Some people would rather learn a specific skill, rather than spend two years in basic classes. And most students dread the thought of at least four years of student loan debt.
If that’s you, and you’re on the fence about a four-year degree, you have another option – an associate degree.
Earning your associate degree allows you to enter the workforce quickly and can provide you with many opportunities for high-paying and fulfilling careers. So Penny Hoarder found out what jobs you can get after going through a two-year degree program.
It should come as no surprise that health care jobs make up part of this list, because as an aging population, we will need plenty of these jobs in the years to come.
Here are the highest-paying jobs with associate degrees that are seeing the most growth, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. We also included the states with the highest concentration of each occupation.
1. Radiation Therapist
Average fee: $98,300 (BLS)
Radiotherapists are the behind-the-scenes operators of the machines that blast X-rays at cancer cells in the patient’s body. With an associate degree and professional certification, this career can flourish in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, medical offices and outpatient facilities.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the organization that certifies radiologists, has many resources on where to get started if you are interested in this career.
It is important to note that some radiation therapists pursue a bachelor’s degree, which pays more, which increases the average salary for the profession as a whole.
Where there are jobs: Texas, California, Ohio, Florida, New York
2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Average fee: $84,470 (BLS)
It’s a mouthful, but basically, medical professionals who diagnose diseases are responsible for showing expectant mothers to their babies for the first time.
They also use imaging machines that are used to investigate muscle and tendon tears, the presence of breast cancer or other internal problems in your body.
There are nearly 700 active programs to choose from when entering the field, according to the Accreditation Commission for Allied Health Education Programs.
Where there are jobs: California, Texas, Florida, New York, North Carolina
3. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Average fee: $67,010 (BLS)
Occupational health assistants have one main job – to help you get back to work and normal life.
These services are performed outside of hospitals, nursing homes and home health care facilities. Their services can be provided by local governments. There is a lot of flexibility when looking for a job.
As for where to start, check out the Occupational Therapy Application Service and Occupational Therapy Assistant Centralized Application for clues on where to find a school near you.
Where there are jobs: Texas, Ohio, California, Illinois, Florida
4. Dentist
Average fee: $87,530 (BLS)
Dental hygienists are the workhorses of any dental practice. They clean your teeth, take X-rays and chat with you while you drip from giant cotton balls in your mouth.
Like the previously mentioned associate degree jobs, this job requires a certificate after graduation, and some students choose to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The American Dental Hygienists Association has resources on where to start if you’re interested.
Where there are jobs: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Ohio
5. Web Developer
Average fee: $84,960 (BLS)
The first non-health care job on the list is also the one with the lowest barrier to entry and the most flexibility: web developer.
Web developers design and build websites like the one you are currently browsing. While you can learn to code on the cheap, choosing an associate degree community college can provide you with internships and help you build a portfolio.
Because there are so many resources out there to learn the basics of web development on your own, you may want to take a few classes to see what you think before committing to a two-year degree.
Where there are jobs: California, New York, Texas, Florida, Washington
6. Physical Therapist Assistant
Average fee: $64,080 (BLS)
Physical Therapist Assistants are support workers who help people get their groove back.
This job involves ensuring the patient’s safety while using physical therapy and collecting data about the patient’s progress.
The Accreditation Commission for Physical Therapy Education has accredited 661 schools in the US
Where there are jobs: Texas, Ohio, Florida, California, Pennsylvania
7. Cardiologist or specialist
Average pay: $66,170 (BLS)
These two combined fields represent healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular problems.
Cardiologists are lifesavers – literally. They are involved in groups that treat heart disease, but they also help install stents and pacemakers. Specialists perform stress tests and electrocardiograms.
Like most health care jobs, it requires certification upon graduation.
Where there are jobs: Texas, Florida, California, New York, Georgia
8. Respiratory Therapists
Average fee: $77,960 (BLS)
Respiratory therapists help patients with a vital function of life: breathing.
They care for everyone, from babies to the elderly, and help doctors in emergencies, such as drowning or heart attacks.
Demand for these jobs remains high, and they provide stable jobs, according to the American Association for Respiratory Care.
Check out this great map that compares each school and respiratory therapy program.
Where there are jobs: California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, New York
9. Geological and Petroleum Technician
Average fee: $53,440 (BLS)
When it comes to researching and extracting natural resources, these workers do it all. They collect samples for scientists to test, record data, install lab and field equipment, monitor oil wells and conduct their own scientific experiments.
Once you’ve found school, you’ll take science and math classes to complete your degree.
Where there are jobs: Texas, California, Oklahoma, Colorado, Tennessee
10. Radiologic Technologist
Average fee: $73,410 (BLS)
Radiologic technicians maintain X-ray machines, administer X-rays to patients and record the results.
But don’t think they are just machine runners – they should know everything about anatomy, radiation safety and patient care.
The Joint Committee on Educational Review in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) can help you find an accredited program in your area. Like other health care jobs, it requires certification after graduation.
Where there are jobs: California, Texas, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania
11. The Paralegal
Intermediate paymentPrice: $60,970 (BLS)
Paralegals and paralegals do a lot of work and legal research that helps lawyers do their jobs and build their cases. This may include gathering facts and evidence, organizing documents and writing letters.
To become a paralegal, you will need an associate degree and a certificate in paralegal studies from a legal education program accredited by the American Bar Association.
Some firms may require a bachelor’s degree, so make sure you know the requirements before applying.
Where jobs exist: California, New York, Florida, Texas, Illinois
12. Duty of Funeral Service
Intermediate paymentPrice: $60,580 (BLS)
If you are not interested in this type of work, you can make a good career as a funeral director. This is a job for a special kind of person, as your clients will be strangers dealing with the death of a loved one.
You will likely need an associate degree in a funeral service or mortuary education program to enter this profession. Courses may include topics such as ethics, grief counseling, funeral service and business law.
The American Board of Funeral Service Education provides accreditation for these programs.
Where jobs exist: California, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania
13. Aviation Technicians/Mechanics
Intermediate payment$75,020 (BLS)
These special machines perform maintenance, inspection and repairs on aircraft.
Many aircraft mechanics have earned their degrees before obtaining a specialty certificate for the job.
Some mechanics obtain certification through a maintenance technician school accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Some learn on the job or in the military.
Where jobs exist: Texas, Florida, California, Oklahoma, Georgia
14. Air Traffic Controls
Intermediate paymentPrice: $137,380 (BLS)
Staying in the airline industry, this is the highest paying associate degree job on the list.
Air traffic controllers monitor and direct air and ground traffic at airports. They also liaise with the pilots and arrange arrivals and departures. And that’s just the tip of what these workers do every day.
Students must have at least an associate degree prior to certification through the air traffic-collegiate training program (AT-CTI).
These programs offer two-year and four-year degrees in air traffic control and aviation management. They can cost about $6,000 a year for out-of-state residents.
Where there are jobs: Florida, California, Texas, Virginia, Georgia
15. Medical Equipment Specialist
Average pay: $60,670 (BLS)
These technicians repair, service, install and test patient care equipment.
Employers prefer people with relevant degrees in biomedical technology or engineering.
Technicians working on less complex equipment may only need on-the-job training, while those hoping to advance to more complex equipment may need a bachelor’s degree.
Where there are jobs: California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio
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