- While some jobs only require an associate degree, there may be an additional certification or licensing required.
- Some jobs that require an associate degree may be great pathways into higher paying professions or may pay well with experience.
Do you want to switch careers without having to earn a four-year degree? There are plenty of interesting jobs that require an associate degree* and still pay very well. Take a look at these top nine associate degree jobs and see if any of them sound like your next career interest.
Top Associate Degree Jobs
Funeral Directors
It may not be the most sought-after career path but working as a funeral director can earn you a respectable salary without having to get a bachelor’s degree. Funeral directors – also called morticians or undertakers – are responsible for planning the details of a funeral, including arranging transportation for the deceased, preparing the body, completing legal paperwork, and consulting with the deceased’s family to make arrangements for burial.
To set yourself up for this career, consider completing at a minimum* an associate degree in mortuary science or funeral services. Schools offering a degree in mortuary science include:
- Worsham College – Associate Degree in Mortuary Science Online
- American Academy McAllister Institute – Associate Degree in Funeral Service
Some states might also require licensing. Be sure to check your state’s requirements and check with the school to make sure the mortuary program that you choose meets these requirements.
Job growth for funeral directors is projected to be 4% through 2030, which is as fast as average. The average salary for a funeral director is about $58,170 a year.
*Some states might require higher credentials. The minimum for licensure, however, is an associate degree.
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists work in dentists’ offices and perform preventative dental care, such as removing plaque and tartar from patients’ teeth, applying fluoride, performing examinations for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and educating patients on how to brush and floss their teeth. They also are responsible for documentation of the procedures performed during a patient’s visit.
In order to become a dental hygienist, you’ll need to complete an associate degree in dental hygiene. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer this type of program and should be accredited by the CODA. In order to practice dental hygiene, you’ll need to become licensed in your state. For a complete list of dental hygiene programs, check out the ADHA’s website for more information.
Dental hygienist jobs are projected to grow 11% through 2030. Dental hygienists can expect to earn about $77,000 annually.
Paralegals
Paralegals assist lawyers with legal cases. Typical duties for a paralegal include conducting research on laws, gathering information or evidence for particular cases, writing reports, and scheduling interviews and meetings with clients, witnesses, and other lawyers. Paralegal jobs are expected to grow by 12% through 2030, resulting in over 41,000 new jobs. Paralegals can expect to make about $52,920 a year. Many paralegals may also able to earn extra in consulting work on the side or as their sole gig if they have enough experience to qualify as one.
Many career schools and community colleges offer an associate degree in paralegal studies. Schools offering an ABA-approved associate degree program in paralegal studies include:
- Madison College – Associate Degree in Legal Studies/Paralegal program
- American National University – Paralegal Associate’s Degree program
Additional requirements may include paralegal certification depending on which state you live in. If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to become a paralegal, schools offer ABA-approved certificate programs that help you gain the legal knowledge and skills needed for entry into this field. Schools offering an ABA-approved certificate program include:
- University of Cincinnati Online – Paralegal Studies Certificate
- California State East Bay – Certificate in Paralegal Studies
For the full list of all ABA-approved paralegal programs, check out the ABA’s paralegal program directory listing.
Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapist assistants help people with injuries or debilitating physical conditions regain their mobility and manage their pain. They work under the supervision of a physical therapist. They commonly find jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, and private practices.
To become a physical therapist assistant, you should complete an accredited associate degree program in physical therapy education. Most programs are offered only on-campus with a few schools offering hybrid programs. Schools offering a Physical Therapy Assistant associate degree include:
- Pima Medical Institute – AS, Physical Therapy Assistant. Offers programs in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas
- Keiser University – Physical Therapy Assistant, AS. Offered in Florida only
For more information, check out the APTA’s full list of accredited PTA programs.
Most, if not all, states will require that you are also licensed or certified. In order to become licensed, you’ll need to complete and pass the National Physical Therapy exam.
Due to the needs of aging Baby Boomers, the projected job growth for physical therapist assistants through 2030 is an amazing 32%, which is much faster than average. Physical therapist assistants typically make about $49,970 per year.
Geological and Petroleum Technicians
Geological and petroleum technicians help geologists and petroleum engineers extract natural resources from the earth. Typical duties might involve gathering geological samples in the field, testing samples in a laboratory, creating sketches and writing reports, and cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment.
While some jobs in this field might require a higher-level degree, most jobs will only require an associate degree. Some suggested fields of study include applied science, geology and environmental science. Schools offering online associate degree programs in these subjects include:
- Front Range Community College – A.S. Degree in Geology
- Seminole State College – AA Pathway in Environmental Studies
The job outlook for geological and petroleum technicians is good, with growth projected at 9% through 2030. Geological and petroleum technicians make about $50,000 annually.
Computer Network Support Specialists
Computer network support specialists are also known as network analysts or network administrators. Their job duties include evaluating and maintaining network systems, ensuring that network systems are secure, and troubleshooting network problems. Often people who work in this field must work nights and weekends or be on call 24/7.
If you want to become a computer network support specialist, you’ll need to have completed an associate degree with some course taken in computer networks, information security and database administration. There is no specified field of study you need to complete for this career; however, the more knowledge you have about network systems, troubleshooting and computers, the more you’ll stand out.
With an average annual salary of $55,000, network analysts are well compensated for their time and skills. This job is projected to grow 9% through 2030.
Web Developers
A web developer builds websites for companies, small businesses, and individuals. They work with clients to ensure a website meets their needs and is simple and intuitive to navigate. Many web developers work for IT departments, but it’s also common to work from home, and web development provides many opportunities to freelance. Some popular careers for web developers include full-stack web developer, front-end web developer and back-end web developer.
If you want to become a web developer, you’ll need at least an associate degree to get this type of job. While many jobs are now requiring a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, you should consider complementing your associate degree with a web development bootcamp. These web development bootcamps help you develop job-ready skills in web development that you’ll need to fulfill basic entry level job requirements.
Jobs for web developers are expected to grow 13% through 2030, and the average web developer brings home about $77,000 yearly.
Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers are responsible for coordinating the movement of aircraft to ensure the safety of pilots and passengers. They issue instructions for takeoff and landing to airplane pilots and use radars and computer equipment to monitor the weather and other air traffic. They are also responsible for coordinating ground traffic at airports.
Air traffic controllers are expected to have a minimum of an associate degree to be eligible for employment. You’ll also be expected to fulfill additional requirements such passing a medical evaluation, be a US citizen and pass a skills test. Whichever program you choose, it needs to be on the approved FAA program list. Schools that offer FAA-approved programs include:
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – BS in Air Traffic Management
- Lewis University – AS in Air Traffic Control Management
- Thomas Edison State University – AS in Air Traffic Control
An air traffic controller’s job can be stressful due to the concentration and long hours required, but they can expect to make a hefty $130,000 per year. This job is projected to grow 4% through 2030, which is slower than average.
Nuclear Technicians
Nuclear technicians assist physicists and engineers with research and power production in nuclear power plants. Their job duties typically include using specialized equipment that monitors the amount of radiation produced by certain processes. Due to potential radiation exposure, they are required to wear protective gear at work. They may also be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Nuclear technicians should have at least an associate degree in nuclear science or some related program. Schools offering this program include:
- Thomas Edison State University – AS in Nuclear Engineering Technology
- Bismarck State College – AAS in Nuclear Power Technology
This job is expected to decline by twelve percent through 2030, but those who can find work in this field can expect to make about $84,000 annually. The projection for open jobs each year is around 700.
Conclusion
If you want to land a good job or want to make a career transition, you don’t need to earn a bachelor’s degree in most cases. Many jobs only require an associate degree*, which represents significantly less of an investment in time and money. If any of these associate degree jobs interest you, see if a local university or community college offers relevant classes – or choose one of the recommended online colleges. A new career might be just two years away.
*Disclaimer: Employers and states set requirements for jobs and positions and these may change from time to time.
