High-Paying Jobs You Can Get With
an Associate's Degree

Many believe that a bachelor's degree is the only option if you want to launch a successful career, but sometimes an associate's degree is the perfect degree, for finding the perfect job. Under several career scenarios, a two-year associate's degree can provide a higher return on investment than a four-year bachelor's degree. In some cases, an associate's degree may actually be the best educational option.

According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), entry- level positions for the following high-paying careers can be obtained with no more than an associate's degree. Each career listed below, as of 2012, had a median annual wage of at least $51,000. (Note: Wage figures shown below include hourly, weekly and annual compensation, as well as any traditional bonuses and commissions. Wage figures do not include overtime pay).

Job Description: In short, air traffic controllers coordinate air traffic. They coordinate various flights so that aircrafts don't crash into each other. Their job duties include issuing landing and takeoff instructions, monitoring the movement and location of aircrafts using radar, directing ground traffic at airports, providing important information to pilots such as weather conditions, and alerting the appropriate parties in the event of an emergency. The primary goal of air traffic controllers is safety, buty the're also responsible for maximizing efficiency and minimizing delays.

Median annual wage (2012): $122,530
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 11,400
On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

Job Description: As their name suggests, radiation therapists administer radiation in order to treat diseases, such as cancer. They put together treatment plans, administer treatments, monitor treatment results and keep records for future treatments. They operate radiation machines as well as X ray machines. The machines used to deliver radiation therapy are called linear accelerators.

Median annual wage (2012): $77,560
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 8,400
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: With an growth rate over 30%, dental hygiene is projected to be one of the fast growing career fields over the next decade. Dental hygienists clean teeth and assist dentists in performing dental work, such as filling cavities, extractions and root canals. They also perform oral examinations, take x rays and provide other prevantive dental care. They meet with patients and explain to them the best way to maintain health teeth and gums.

Median annual wage (2012): $70,210
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 64,200
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Nuclear medicine technologists create images of people's body use to diagnose and treat various ailments and medical conditions. The images are created using state-of-the-art scanners. As part of the procedures they administer, nuclear medical technologists administer radioactive drugs to their patients undergoing body scans. These drugs allow nuclear medicine technologists to view parts of the body that are abnormal or affected by disease.

Median annual wage (2012): $70,180
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 7,200
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: These professionals are responsible for coordinating the activities of sales workers (outside of retail sales). These may include telemarketer supervisors, insurance sales supervisor, and real estate sales supervisors, among others.

Median annual wage (2012): $70,060
Work experience: Less than five years
Project job openings (through 2022): 50,300
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Nuclear technicians operate specialized equipment and tools used in nuclear power production, experiments and research. They typically assist nuclear engineers, physicists, and researchers in their work. Some of their duties include monitoring radiation levels, collecting air, water and soil samples and testing for contamination, developing radiation safety procedures and maintaining equipment. The majority of nuclear technicians work in nuclear power plants. There are two types of nuclear technicians, these include operating technicians and radiation protection technicians.

Median annual wage (2012): $69,069
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 4,100
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

Job Description: Also known as morticians or undertakers, funeral service directors perform many vital services for the deceased and family of the deceased. Funeral directors transport the deceased to the mortuary, prepare the body of the deceased for a viewing or burial, perform religious and cultural ceremonies for the deceased, and dispose of the deceased body. In essence, funeral directors take care of all of the logistics relating to the funeral and burial process.

Median annual wage (2012): $66,720
Work experience: Less than five years
Project job openings (through 2022): 3,200
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Diagnostic medical sonographers, as well as cardiovascular technicians and vascular technologists, use specialized imaging equipment to produce diagnotic imagery and tests used to help doctors assess and treat various medical conditions. They also prepare patients for procedures (including surgeries), maintain diagnostic equipment, analyze diagnostic imagery and tests, identify abnormalities and consult physicians.

Median annual wage (2012): $65,860
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 35,300
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: With over a million projected job openings through 2022, becoming a registered nurses is one of the most stable careers out there. If you want a stable career in health care, that pays well, you should really consider becoming a registered nurse. Registered nurses administer medications and treatments, provide direct patient care, assist doctors with various medical procedures, record patients' medical history, operate medical equipment, provide health education to families and communities, and perform diagnostic testing.

Median annual wage (2012): $65,470
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 1,052,600
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Magnetic resonance imaging technologists, commonly known as MRI technologists, are responsible for performing diagnostic imaging exams. MRI technologies use magnetic resonance imaging, such as x rays, to create diagnotic images for doctors, surgeons and other medical professionals. They also prepare patients for procedures and work with physicians to evaluate images.

Median annual wage (2012): $65,360
Work experience: Less than five years
Project job openings (through 2022): 11,300
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Web developers design and develop websites using web editors, web development software and various web technologies. Web developers can specialize in graphic design, animation, application development illustration and/or web coding (using HTML, xml, etc.) Many web developers are also involved in internet marketing and website maintenance. With a never ending need for website design and development services, good web developers are always in high demand.

Median annual wage (2012): $62,500
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 50,700
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Aerospace engineering and operations techicians are involved in the testing of aircrafts and spacecrafts. They use highly specialized equipment, computer simulations and formulas to test new designs and ensure aircraft stability. The work aerospace engineering and operations techicians perform is vital to preventing failure various aircraft, spacecraft and missile parts. They also meet with aerospace engineers to analyze test results and develop testing strategies.

Median annual wage (2012): $61,530
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 2,100
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Engineering technicians are involved in identifying, analyzing and solving technical problems. They're involved in research, development, inspection and maintenance. They work closely with actual engineers in various engineering industries including Aerospace, Agriculture, Biomedicine, Chemical, Civil, Computer Technology, Environmental, Industrial, Mechanical, Mining and Geological, Nuclear and Petroleum.

Median annual wage (2012): $59,440
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 14,600
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Computer network support specialists test and evaluate computer network systems, they maintain and update computer systems, and troubleshoot networks when problems arrise. Computer support specialists work with local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), and internet systems. Computer support specialists who don't work with networks directly provide technical support to non-IT people working with computer networks or personal computers.

Median annual wage (2012): $59,090
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 39,600
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Electrical and electronics engineering technicians work with electrical and mechanical engineers in the design and development of computers, medical devices, communications equipment, consumer electronics and other electrical equipment. The help evaluate, analyze and test products using diagnostic devices and equipment. The also develop prototypes, test systems and repair equipment.

Median annual wage (2012): $57,850
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 30,400
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Electrical and electronics drafters design and develop layouts and plans that engineerings use in the manufacturing and testing process for products, and electrical equipment. Electrical and electronics drafters use computer-aided drafting systems (CADs) to develop their diagrams and layouts. Almost all aspects of electrical and electronics drafting involves computers.

Median annual wage (2012): $55,700
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 6,800
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Avionics technicians, also known as aircraft mechanics and technicians, maintain and repair aircrafts. They also perform testing on vital avionics systems and inspections as dictated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The examine aircrafts for defects, diagnose mechanical and electrical problems, repair electrical systems, test parts and gauges and keep detailed maintenance records.

Median annual wage (2012): $55,350
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 4,000
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Radiologic technologists takes x rays and CAT scans. They also administers materials into the blood streams of medical patients for diagnostic purposes. Within the field of radiologic technology there are several specializations.

Median annual wage (2012): $54,620
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 69,600
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Occupational therapy assistants and aids work with occupational therapists to help patients develop, recover and improve work related and live success skills. While occupational therapist provide direct patient care, occupational therapy assistants and aides perform support activities. Occupational therapy assistants almost always work under the direction of a licensed therapist.

Median annual wage (2012): $53,240
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 20,500
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Geological and petroleum technicians work with geological scientists and engineers as they find and extract natural resources including oil, minerals and natural gas. Specifically, geological and petroleum technicians operate and install field equipment, gather samples and prepare them for analysis, conduct scientific tests, record data and document test results, and prepare reports.

Median annual wage (2012): $52,700
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 8,100
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Physical therapist assistants and aides assist physical therapists as they help patients recover from various medical and physical conditions that limit mobility. Physical therapist assistants, under the superision and direction of a licensed physical therapist, help individuals recover from physical injury and illness. They help patients perform rehabilitative exercises and help the regain movement. They also help patients manage pain.

Median annual wage (2012): $52,160
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 45,100
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Cardiovascular technologists and technicians perform specialized cardiovascular and pulmonary tests to help diagnose and test medical treatments. They also help with cardiac catheterizations and electrocardiograms, and help perform other tests relating to lung capacity and pulmonary function. Cardiovascular technologists provide many of the same functions as vascular technologists.

Median annual wage (2012): $52,070
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 23,000
On-the-job training: None

Job Description: Mechanical engineering technicians assist mechanical engineers design and develop mechanical devices, equipment, machines, enginees and tools. The put together layouts, blueprints and plans to assist mechanical engineers, they make calculations, and document their findings. They test and maintain equipment and operate equipment to assist mechanical engineers.

Median annual wage (2012): $51,980
Work experience: None
Project job openings (through 2022): 12,100
On-the-job training: None