While knowledge is power, school isn’t necessarily for everyone. Sure, that piece of paper can provide you with some leverage when searching for a job, but if you’re in a rush to make your mark on the world, then you might not want to spend four or five years of your life slaving away on campus just to end up with massive student loan payments.
But having a degree doesn’t mean getting a bachelor’s. In fact, a growing number of Highest Paying Jobs you can get with an associates degree pay tremendous and won’t leave you high and dry with the considerable debt you can rack up with a bachelor’s degree.
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This article will share with you five Highest Paying Jobs that pay great and only require a two-year associates degree. Sounds Interesting? Let’s go!
#1. Radiation Therapist
The first Highest Paying Job with an associates degree is “Radiation Therapists.” A radiation therapist, also known as a “Therapeutic Radiographer” or “Radiotherapist,” is a health professional in Radiation Oncology.
As a Radiation Therapist, you’ll be running radiation equipment used to treat “Cancer” patients and other types of diseases in hospitals and outpatient centers. You might work full-time or part-time, depending on your needs as a professional.
This Highest Paying Job pays a median salary of over $85,000, with some earning upwards of $105,000.
For this job, you’ll just need an associates degree in Radiation Therapy, along with getting licensed or certified to work in your state.
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Requirements for licenses or certifications might change from state to state. Still, you will likely have to complete a national certification exam before being allowed to practice as a Radiation Therapist.
The job outlook for Radiation Therapists is expected to grow by about 9% over the next decade, which is faster than average for all occupations. This is definitely a job in high demand.
#2. Elevator Mechanic
The following Highest Paying Job with an associates degree is the “Elevator Mechanic.” Elevators are a great way to get from point A to point B without walking through an entire building.
But not all elevators are created equal. Elevator Mechanics are responsible for repairing and installing elevators, moving walkways, and other types of lifts.
This entry-level position requires only a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) to get into an apprenticeship. To do this job, you’ll be required to go up really tall and dark little crowded environments like elevator shafts.
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Not so great if you’re scared of heights or Claustrophobic. But with a median average salary of around $85 000 or roughly $40 bucks an hour, this might be worthwhile.
Over the next 10 years, there will be about a 7% growth for elevator installation maintainers.
#3. Dental Hygienist
“Dental Hygienists” are three on our list of the highest paying jobs with an associates degree. It’s no secret that teeth are your most important asset.
They’re also a lot of work—so it’s no wonder Dental Hygienists have become an essential part of the healthcare team.
Dental Hygienists are the ones that come in to examine your mouth for oral diseases like “Gingivitis” and “Decay.” They also do preventative oral maintenance in your mouth, for the oral hygiene type stuff.
They’re the ones that ask you if you floss your teeth and brush twice a day, the ones that do all the work and then have the dentist come in for five minutes to double-check the result.
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Nearly all Dental Hygienists work in a dental office, and many work part-time. To become a dental hygienist, you need an associates degree, and you have to complete a program that typically takes about three years.
On average, Dental Hygienists make about $36 an hour, or $76,000 a year.
#4. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
The following Highest Paying Job with an associates degree on our list is a “Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.” You operate the imaging equipment to conduct tests or create sonographic images in this job.
They usually work full-time in a hospital, physician’s office, or lab. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers typically need an associates degree or a “Postsecondary Certificate” from a trade school.
The salary for this position is around $33 per hour, or approximately $68,000 a year. Not too bad!
This job is highly dependent, with a 10-year expected growth of around 12%. This is due to advancements in imaging equipment and age increases in the population.
#5. Line Worker Or Electrical Power-Line Installer
Our last Highest Paying Job with an associates degree is a “Line Worker” or an “Electrical Power-Line Installer.” This is essentially a person who fixes electricity.
They fix the high-voltage lines that power your television, computer, and other appliances. In addition to being one of the most dangerous jobs in America, it also pays well.
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In fact, the “Bureau of Labor Statistics” said salaries range from $38,440 to $63,940 a year, depending on experience.
Conclusion
Sure, having an education is great, but it doesn’t mean you have to have a high-level degree to get a Highest Paying Job. As you’ve understood here, you can still make a decent living with just a two-year degree or a certification in a specific field.
And this is really just touching the surface. There’s a lot more out there where this came from. In fact, I’ve written another article describing the 10 Highest Paying Jobs Without even a College Degree! So, chem that out.
