A new report by Resume Genius, an online career resource platform, finds that now is the perfect time to earn (or start the path to earning) an associate’s degree.
The median salary for an associate’s degree ($62,180) is higher than the median salary in the United States ($48,060), and the career opportunity for an associate’s degree or two-year degree is 6.3% over the next 10 years. is expected to increase. , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Resume Genius used the latest BLS data to create the 2025 High Paying Associate Degree Job Report, a list of the 10 highest paying jobs that require an associate degree.
“In 2025, wages will increase across the board for all the occupations on the list,” said Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius. “In addition to increasing employer demand, it also highlights the potential for income growth in sectors such as healthcare, aviation, and technology.”
To be on the list, the job must specifically require an associate’s degree, be expected to grow (or at least remain stable) over the next 10 years, and have an annual salary above the U.S. average. Being there was a condition.
According to the report, the top 10 highest-paying jobs for associate degree holders are:
1. Air traffic controller
Median Annual Salary: $137,380 Number of Jobs (2023): 24,000 Salary Change (2022-2023): 4% Work Experience Required: Must pass FAA assessment and training
2. Nuclear engineer
Median annual salary: $101,740 Number of jobs (2023): 5,400 Salary change (2022-2023): 1% Work experience required: On-the-job training available
3. Radiation therapist
Median Annual Salary: $98,300Number of Jobs (2023): 17,200Salary Change (2022-2023): 10%Required Experience: License or certification may be required depending on state regulations
4.Nuclear medicine technician
Median annual salary: $92,500 Number of jobs (2023): 17,800 Salary change (2022-2023): 8% Work experience required: License required in all states
5.Dental hygienist
Median annual salary: $87,530 Number of jobs (2023): 214,100 Salary change (2022-2023): 8% Work experience required: License required in various states
6. Medical ultrasound technologist, cardiovascular technologist/technician
Median Annual Salary: $80,850Number of Jobs (2023): 143,400Salary Change (2022-2023): 3%Required Work Experience: Certifications may be required
7. Respiratory Therapist
Median annual salary: $77,960 Number of jobs (2023): 133,900 Salary change (2022-2023): 11% Work experience required: Most states require licensure
8. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Engineers/Technicians
Median annual salary: $77,830 Number of job openings (2023): 11,000 Salary change (2022-2023): 7% Work experience required: Varies by position
9. Radiographers and MRI technicians
Median annual salary: $76,020 Number of job openings (2023): 271,200 Salary change (2022-2023): 13% Required work experience: Radiologic technologists typically require certification. MRI technologist may require experience
10. Aircraft and avionics mechanics/technicians
Median annual salary: $75,400 Number of jobs (2023): 163,300 Salary change (2022-2023): 7% Work experience required: FAA certification required
Click here for Resume Genius’ full report.