10 Highest-Paying Jobs With an Associate Degree in 2026

If you’re exploring a practical and efficient route to a successful career, getting an associate degree is a great option.

These 2-year degrees can open doors to several work opportunities with excellent earning potential, especially when combined with relevant work experience, training, internships, and certifications.

Below is our High-Pay Associate Degree Jobs Report showcasing 10 roles with promising job growth projections that you can pursue with an associate degree:

1. Air traffic controller

• Median annual salary: $144,580
• Median hourly wage: $69.51
• Top 10% of earners: $210,410
• Number of jobs (2024): 24,100
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 1%

What these professionals do

Air traffic controllers keep aircrew and passengers safe by managing the flow of air traffic. Some of their tasks include giving pilots updates on weather, flight paths, and runway information to ensure safe takeoffs and landings.

They’re also responsible for alerting emergency services and helping to prevent air traffic delays by directing planes and analyzing flight data​.

How to become one

To get started as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), you must be a U.S. citizen, be under 31, have an associate degree in this field or the equivalent of three years of work experience, and be willing to relocate as needed.

The hiring process also includes passing the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, medical and security screenings, and completing intensive training by the FAA.

2. Radiation therapist

• Median annual salary: $101,990
• Median hourly wage: $49.03
• Top 10% of earners: $141,550
• Number of jobs (2024): 19,200
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 2%

What these professionals do

Radiation therapists work closely with medical teams to provide targeted radiation treatment for patients with cancer and other serious diseases. They plan and deliver radiation therapy, while also ensuring procedures are done accurately and safely.

How to become one

The path to becoming a radiation therapist usually requires an associate bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy or a healthcare-related field. Most states in the U.S. require radiation therapists to be licensed or certified, which involves passing a national certification exam.

3. Nuclear medicine technologist

• Median annual salary: $97,020
• Median hourly wage: $46.64
• Top 10% of earners: $128,090
• Number of jobs (2024): 20,000
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 3%

What these professionals do

Nuclear medicine technologists must safely prepare and administer radioactive drugs to patients. These drugs are for either imaging or therapeutic purposes primarily tied to cancer treatment.

How to become one

The outlook for nuclear medicine technologists starts with graduating from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program with an associate degree. Additionally, some states require nuclear medicine technologists to be licensed, which typically involves passing an exam and meeting educational and training criteria.

4. Dental hygienist

• Median annual salary: $94,260
• Median hourly wage: $45.32
• Top 10% of earners: $120,060
• Number of jobs (2024): 221,600
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 7%

What these professionals do

Dental hygienists help maintain the oral hygiene of patients by assessing them for oral health conditions like gingivitis and performing preventative services such as dental cleanings and fluoride treatments.

How to become one

To get a job as a dental hygienist, you usually need to finish a 2-year program that awards an associate degree in dental hygiene. It takes about 3 years to complete these studies due to the combination of laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction.

All states require dental hygienists to be licensed, but requirements vary by state.

5. Diagnostic medical sonographer

• Median annual salary: $89,340
• Median hourly wage: $42.95
• Top 10% of earners: $123,170
• Number of jobs (2024): 90,000
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 13%

What these professionals do

Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, use imaging technology to conduct tests and create images of the human body.

These medical professionals diagnose and treat patients within specific areas of focus. For instance, cardiac sonographers study heart images, while vascular technicians examine blood flow through arteries and veins.

How to become one

To get started in this career, you’ll need to complete an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certification.

Some employers may require additional certification, which you can receive through organizations such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

6. Respiratory therapist

• Median annual salary: $80,450
• Median hourly wage: $38.68
• Top 10% of earners: $108,820
• Number of jobs (2024): 139,600
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 12%

What these professionals do

Respiratory therapists specialize in treating patients with breathing difficulties, and their work ranges from caring for premature infants with undeveloped lungs to treating elderly patients with lung diseases.

How to become one

Becoming a respiratory therapist generally requires an associate degree, although some positions might prefer or require a four-year bachelor’s degree. All states (except for Alaska) require respiratory therapists to be licensed, with specific requirements varying from state to state.

7. Aerospace engineering and operations technologist/technician

• Median annual salary: $79,830
• Median hourly wage: $38.38
• Top 10% of earners: $120,440
• Number of jobs (2024): 9,300
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 8%

What these professionals do

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians work on testing and maintaining aircraft and spacecraft. Their meticulous work ensures that these vehicles are safe and reliable.

How to become one

To enter this field, you’ll need an associate degree in engineering technology or a related subject, although some positions accept candidates with a high school diploma or a certificate of program completion.

8. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic/technician

• Median annual salary: $79,140
• Median hourly wage: $38.05
• Top 10% of earners: $113,580
• Number of jobs (2024): 160,800
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 5%

What these professionals do

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair planes and helicopters. Their job involves diagnosing and fixing mechanical or electrical issues, replacing defective parts, and ensuring that aircraft comply with federal safety standards.

How to become one

Avionics technicians must earn an associate’s degree before entering this role. Then, they should attend an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) or gain relevant experience through military training.

The FAA requires certification for this role, which means these technicians also need to pass oral, practical, and knowledge exams.

9. Radiologic and MRI technologist

• Median annual salary: $78,980
• Median hourly wage: $37.97
• Top 10% of earners: 121,420
• Number of jobs (2024): 272,000
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 5%

What these professionals do

Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists are both medical professionals who work with diagnostic imaging equipment, but they specialize in different types of technology and procedures.

Radiologic technologists conduct X-ray and CT scans on patients, while MRI technologists specifically use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to produce diagnostic images.

How to become one

If you want to become a radiologic technologist or MRI technologist, you’ll likely need an associate degree to qualify. While most states require radiologic technologists to become certified, only a handful require certification for MRI technologist positions.

10. Electrical engineering technician

• Median annual salary: $77,180
• Median hourly wage: $37.11
• Top 10% of earners: 111,790
• Number of jobs (2024): 93,700
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 1%

What these professionals do

Electrical engineering technicians support engineers by helping develop and maintain the electrical systems that power modern technology. They assist with building and testing equipment, solving technical issues as they come up, and making sure the systems they work on operate safely and reliably.

You’ll find them contributing to projects across industries like manufacturing, energy, transportation, and tech.

How to become one

Most electrical engineering technicians earn an associate degree in electrical or electronic engineering technology. Some employers may prefer candidates with hands-on lab or internship experience. While certification isn’t always required, earning a voluntary credential from organizations like the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) can improve job prospects.

4 job-seeking tips for associate degree holders

According to a study done by Georgetown University in 2021, 28% of associate degree workers earn more than 50% of workers with a bachelor’s degree.

This finding suggests that your degree can take you further in the workforce than you might think. As an associate degree holder looking to start your job search, consider these 4 tips to set yourself apart as a strong candidate:

1. Highlight practical experience on resumes from internships or coursework

Employers value associate degree holders because of the practical knowledge and experience they receive from the degree program.

To demonstrate the real-world benefits of your associate’s degree to potential employers,  emphasize the skills and knowledge you’ve gained by including any relevant coursework and hands-on experience from your time at school.

When writing your resume, include relevant practical experience from your courses that showcases how your specific skills align with your target job’s requirements.

For example, if you completed a project in your Business Management course where you developed a detailed business plan, highlight this experience in your resume’s work experience section.

Here’s an example of a bullet point you could use:

• Developed a comprehensive business plan during Irvine Valley College’s Business Management course, including market analysis, financial projections, and operational strategies, which was praised by faculty and adopted as a model project for future classes.

2. Enhance your career with further education

Investing in continuing education is a great way to showcase your dedication and enhance your career prospects.

One method is to secure in-demand certifications within your field so you can boost your skills and open doors to advanced positions.

Certifications are a cost- and time-efficient option that can demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and keep your skills up-to-date with industry standards. Earning these credentials online or from in-person courses can boost your resume and increase your job prospects.

For example, including certifications such as CompTIA A+ on your resume can help you land roles such as Network Administrator or Systems Analyst. CNBC reported how earning IT certifications led to a tech job paying $125,000 for an associate degree holder, demonstrating the significant career benefits of certifications.

If you have the time and resources, a bachelor’s degree can offer even greater job stability and earning potential. Many universities even provide flexible online programs that fit various schedules.

3. Research roles specific to your career focus

The list we’ve compiled of top-paying jobs you can get with a two-year degree doesn’t include all the industries that value this qualification. If you have an associate’s degree, you can consider opportunities in industries such as:

• Nursing
• Computer Programming
• Technology
• Engineering
• Healthcare Administration
• Paralegal Services
• Graphic Design
• Manufacturing
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
• Business Management

Come up with keywords that describe the career you want to pursue and use job search engine websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor to help you find jobs within industries that best fit your degree. Understanding the landscape of your field can help you identify the roles that align with your skills and interests.

4. Showcase your strengths during employer interactions

When reaching out to potential employers, be confident in your skills and experience. Your practical training and knowledge make you a valuable asset, and many employers recognize the benefits of hiring associate degree holders.

While listing your experiences in your resume or cover letter, showcase your hands-on experience by detailing specific projects or tasks you’ve completed.

You can also highlight your ability to adapt quickly by providing examples of how you’ve successfully navigated changes or learned new skills on the job.

Additionally, emphasize your commitment to continuous learning by mentioning any additional courses or certifications you’ve pursued.

By knowing your value and effectively communicating it, you can stand out in the job market and secure a position that best matches your career goals.

Methodology

The data presented here is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), particularly from their Occupational Employment Statistics, Occupation Finder, and Employment Projections data tools and publications. Our research focused on occupations that require an associate degree, ranging from technical and vocational training to specialized associate-level education.

Our selection was based on two criteria: a minimum U.S median annual salary of $49,500, with high growth projections, as well as those with more stable, little change scenarios. The occupations were then sorted in descending order of their median annual wage, and the top 10 were selected for detailed analysis. Our researchers used the most recent data available at the time of writing to ensure that the analysis reflects the current labor market trends as closely as possible.

Sources

• CNBC Make it, “30-Year-old was Laid off From her Hotel job, Now Earns $125,000 Without a Bachelor Thanks to This One Skill“
• Georgetown University – Center on Education and the Workforce, “The College Payoff“
• Indeed, “10 In-Demand Career Certifications (And How to Achieve Them)“
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment Projections“, “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics“, & “Occupation Finder“
• U.S. News, “Accredited Online Colleges“

About Resume Genius

Since 2009, Resume Genius and its resume builder software have been helping people from all backgrounds and experience levels land their next job faster.

Resume Genius also provides a wide range of free career resources, including customizable resume templates, resume examples for different industries, and resume writing guides, to help job seekers find fulfilling work and reach their career goals.

Resume Genius is led by a team of dedicated career advisors and HR experts and has been featured in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CNBC, and USA Today.

For media inquiries, please contact us.