Experts say that the biggest opportunity to pay for an associate degree is in the field of health care. In the following occupations, in alphabetical order, an associate degree can help you find a job with an annual salary of more than $50,000.
1. Nurse ASN
According to the online salary database, the average income of medical workers with a bachelor's degree in nursing science (ASN) is nearly $67,000. But experts say it may be difficult for nurses with ASN to enter high-quality hospitals with fierce competition. According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Nursing Colleges in 20 17, 49% of hospitals and other medical institutions require new employees to have a bachelor's degree in nursing, and about 86% of employers tend to have graduates with a bachelor's degree in nursing.
2. Avionics technicians and technicians
Aircraft and avionics machinery and technicians work in hangars and maintenance stations or airports, repair aircraft and carry out regular maintenance on aircraft. According to the latest data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of avionics technicians is $63,060. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that from 20 16 to 2026, the number of jobs requiring university degrees in this field will increase by 5%, which is the same as the average growth rate of all occupations.
3. Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists clean patients' teeth, check for signs of oral diseases and provide preventive dental care. The job market for dental hygienists is booming. According to the data of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this profession will increase by 20% from 20 16 to 2026. Compared with ASN nurses, the salary of this profession is also higher. PayScale reports that the average salary of this job is $57,920. Katie, former chief economist of PayScale and vice president of analysis and consulting of Syndio, a human resources analysis company? Katie Bardaro, a nurse, said, "Unlike nursing, there is no need to turn it into a four-year degree. This is a good job in terms of growth and salary. "
4. Electrical or electronic engineering and technical personnel
Electrical and electronic engineers work closely with electrical engineers, which usually requires a university degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage of workers in this occupation is $64,330. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment growth rate of this profession will be 2% from 20 16 to 2026.
5. Assisting lawyers' business
Legal support staff such as legal assistants support lawyers and handle various tasks, including filing documents and conducting legal research. According to the data of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage in this industry is 50,940 dollars, and the employment growth of legal assistants is expected to be higher than the average level, and it is expected to increase by 65,438+05% from 2065,438+06 to 2026. Lisa G. Angelo, dean of the Baxter County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania, wrote in an email: "We have a project approved by the American Bar Association. According to the size and location of the company, their asking price is between 35,000 and 50,000 US dollars, and certificate graduates with legal experience have the opportunity to earn more money. "
6. Mechanical Engineering Technician
The associate degree in engineering technology prepares students for finding technicians in the field of mechanical systems, such as manufacturing. "This is an engineering and technical project, which requires strong hands-on ability. They can enter technical posts or manufacturing posts as engineers and technicians. The starting salary is between $35,000 and $50,000, depending on the company and industry type, "Angelo said. According to the data of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of mechanical engineers and technicians is $56,250, and the average growth rate from 2006 to 2026 is expected to be: 2,065,438+5%.
7. Medical laboratory technician
Medical chemists and technicians collect samples and test blood and other body fluids and tissues. Technicians usually need a bachelor's degree, but technicians usually only need a college diploma or a college diploma. Angelo said: "We know that these students not only have high status, but also have a starting salary of more than $50,000." She added that her college recently added a medical laboratory technician program. Some states, such as Nevada, California and Tennessee, require technicians and technicians to hold licenses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of this job is $52,330. From 20 16 to 2026, this field is expected to grow by 13%, which is higher than the average level.
8. Occupational disease treatment assistant
Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop, recover, improve and maintain the skills needed for work or daily life. According to BLS data, the average annual salary of online travel agencies is $57,620. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs in online travel agencies will increase by 28% from 20 16 to 2026.
9. Physiotherapist Assistant
People with an associate degree in physical therapy assistant (usually called PTA) work under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients recover their activities after injury or illness. Physiotherapy assistant is a good associate degree level job. The starting salary of this position is usually around $50,000, but in the middle of their career, their starting salary will be close to $60,000 to $65,000. Therefore, not only is there a high demand for this position, but considering the cost of obtaining a degree, their take-home salary is also high. "Baldaro said.
10. Radiotherapist
Radiotherapists treat cancer and other diseases by giving radiation to patients. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage in this occupation is $82,330. Baldaro said that among those occupations that only require a college degree, radiologists have the highest salary. "This is a very professional skill. Although there are not many people engaged in this work, it is still necessary. Therefore, this shows that their income is very considerable. " Other radiology-related occupations that require associate degrees include medical ultrasound doctors and ultrasound technicians.