Don’t want to spend a fortune on tuition fees and four years of university education, yet still aspire to land high-paying jobs in fields like healthcare and technology, earning at least $70,000, surpassing the average annual salary of $66,600 in the United States – isn’t that enticing?
Moreover, the best part is that these jobs only require two years of study at affordable community colleges to obtain an Associate Degree. A personal finance service website, gobankingrates, compiled a list of 10 positions that only require an Associate Degree and have promising career prospects with growing demand in the industry. Let’s take a closer look:
Air Traffic Controllers are primarily responsible for managing air traffic flow to ensure the safety of flight crew and passengers.
– Median Annual Salary: $137,380
– Number of Positions: 24,000
– Projected Growth Rate: 3%
– Responsibilities: Coordinate aircraft takeoffs and landings, provide updated weather, routing, and runway information to pilots, analyze flight data to avoid delays, etc.
– Educational Requirements: Associate Degree in a relevant field or three years of equivalent work experience, pass air traffic skills assessment tests, medical and security reviews, and complete enhanced training by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Nuclear Technicians work with physicists and engineers to conduct nuclear research and assist in nuclear energy production.
– Median Annual Salary: $101,740
– Number of Positions: 5,400
– Projected Growth Rate: -6%
– Responsibilities: Monitor and manage nuclear reactors utilizing computers and specialized equipment.
– Educational Requirements: Typically require an Associate Degree in nuclear science, nuclear technology, or related fields, along with comprehensive on-the-job training in operations, safety, and regulations.
If you aspire to enter the healthcare industry without a four-year college degree, this high-paying position is an excellent choice.
– Median Annual Salary: $98,300
– Number of Positions: 17,200
– Projected Growth Rate: 3%
– Responsibilities: Plan and implement radiation therapy for patients with diseases like cancer.
– Educational Requirements: Generally require an Associate Degree in radiation therapy or a related medical field, with many states mandating passage of national certification exams.
This high-paying job in the medical field does not necessitate a medical bachelor’s degree.
– Median Annual Salary: $92,500
– Number of Positions: 17,800
– Projected Growth Rate: -1%
– Responsibilities: Prepare and administer radioactive drugs to patients (typically cancer patients).
– Educational Requirements: Graduate from an accredited nuclear medical technology program and obtain an Associate Degree. Some technologists with degrees in related health fields and completion of a 12-month certificate program are also eligible.
You don’t have to attend dental school to find high-paying jobs in dentistry; with an Associate Degree, you could become a dental hygienist and earn a decent income.
– Median Annual Salary: $87,530
– Number of Positions: 214,100
– Projected Growth Rate: 9%
– Responsibilities: Clean and examine teeth, educate patients on oral health.
– Educational Requirements: Typically require an Associate Degree in dental hygiene (may take three years to complete), and state registration and certification are mandatory.
The positions in this medical field offer lucrative salaries and only require an Associate Degree to apply.
– Median Annual Salary: $80,850
– Number of Positions: 143,400
– Projected Growth Rate: 11%
– Responsibilities: Operate specialized imaging equipment to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases.
– Educational Requirements: Require an Associate Degree or a one-year certificate program, along with professional certifications and CPR certification.
Respiratory Therapists help manage respiratory emergencies and only need an Associate Degree.
– Median Annual Salary: $77,960
– Number of Positions: 133,900
– Projected Growth Rate: 13%
– Responsibilities: Conduct lung function tests, perform chest physical therapy, administer aerosol medications.
– Educational Requirements: Require an Associate Degree and passage of state licensing or certification exams.
Interested in working with aircraft or spacecraft and earning a high salary? This position might be suitable for you.
– Median Annual Salary: $77,830
– Number of Positions: 11,000
– Projected Growth Rate: 8%
– Responsibilities: Test and maintain aircraft to ensure their safety and reliability.
– Educational Requirements: Generally require an Associate Degree in engineering technology-related fields.
You can obtain this position and a substantial income with only two years of training.
– Median Annual Salary: $76,020
– Number of Positions: 271,200
– Projected Growth Rate: 6%
– Responsibilities: Operate diagnostic equipment such as X-rays or MRI scanners.
– Educational Requirements: Require an Associate Degree, with most states requiring certification for radiologic technologists.
This is another high-paying position in the aviation industry that does not require a four-year college degree.
– Median Annual Salary: $75,400
– Number of Positions: 163,300
– Projected Growth Rate: 5%
– Responsibilities: Repair aircraft and helicopters to ensure compliance with safety standards.
– Educational Requirements: Require an Associate Degree and completion of FAA-approved training courses.