Top Paying Jobs with Associate Degree

When you hear associate degree, a two-year postsecondary credential that can lead directly to well-paying careers. Also known as AA or AS degree, it's not just a stepping stone to a bachelor's—it's a direct path to jobs that pay more than many four-year grads. You don’t need a bachelor’s to earn $70,000, $80,000, or even more. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that workers with an associate degree earn, on average, $400 more per week than those with only a high school diploma. And some roles? They pay like tech jobs—without the six-figure student loans.

Many of these high-paying jobs live in fields where skills matter more than paper credentials. radiologic technologist, a healthcare professional who operates imaging equipment like X-rays and MRIs makes over $65,000 a year on average, with some in high-demand areas earning close to $90,000. You get certified in two years, work in hospitals or clinics, and the demand keeps growing as the population ages. Then there’s nuclear medicine technologist, someone who prepares and administers radioactive drugs for diagnostic imaging. It’s specialized, it’s precise, and it pays over $80,000. No MD needed. Just a solid associate program, clinical hours, and certification.

And it’s not just healthcare. air traffic controller, the person who manages the safe flow of aircraft in the sky and on the ground requires a two-year FAA-approved program, not a degree from a four-year school. The average salary? Over $130,000. Yes, you read that right. It’s intense, it’s high-pressure, and you have to pass a federal background check—but it’s one of the highest-paying jobs you can land with just an associate degree. Then there’s dental hygienist, a licensed professional who cleans teeth, checks for oral disease, and educates patients. You work directly with patients, set your own hours in many cases, and make $75,000+ without ever stepping into a medical school.

What ties these jobs together? They’re all in fields where hands-on training beats theoretical study. Employers don’t care if you have a GPA from a university—they care if you can operate the machine, pass the certification, and show up on time. That’s why coding bootcamps and trade schools are booming. If you’re thinking about coding, the skill of writing instructions computers understand to build software and apps, you don’t need a degree. Many developers start with free online courses, build a portfolio, and land jobs paying $70,000+ in under a year. The same goes for cybersecurity, IT support, and even welding in oil rigs or offshore platforms—some of the highest-paying trades out there.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly how to get into these roles without wasting time or money. Some show you how to learn coding for free. Others explain how federal jobs, nursing programs, and tech certifications open doors faster than a bachelor’s ever could. You’ll see real salary data, real career paths, and real people who skipped the traditional route—and still made it. No fluff. No hype. Just what works.