Think all of the high-paying jobs are reserved for those with a Bachelor's degree and higher? Well, think again. You might be interested in learning that an Associate degree can lead to a high salary and financial independence.
Most of the high-paying jobs available today require some college education. Therefore, you should consider pursuing at the very least an Associate degree or certificate program. Students with an Associate degree and Bachelor's degree will earn more income over their lifetime than those who only earned a high school diploma.
Here are seven high-paying Associate degree jobs, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
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1. Radiation Therapist
What they do: Radiation Therapist treat cancer patients with radiation according to a treatment plan prescribed by the radiologist.
Median Salary: $82,330 (US); $72,670 (Dallas area)
Degree required: Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology
Job Outlook 2016-2026: Employment is expected to grow 13% (US); 13% (TX)
Resources: How to Become a Radiation Therapist
2. Occupational Therapy Assistant
What they do: Occupational Therapy Assistant help patients to achieve their full ability to perform daily living activities such as eating, bathing and dressing.
Median salary: $57,620 (US); $66,310 (Dallas area)
Degree required: Associate Degree -- Occupational Therapist Assistant program
Job Outlook 2016-2026: Employment is expected to grow by 28% (US); 29% (TX)
Resources: How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant
3. Respiratory Therapist
What they do: Respiratory Therapists work with patients with breathing challenges as a result of a medical condition or accident.
Median Salary: $60,280 (US); $62,110 (Dallas area)
Degree required: Associate Degree in Respiratory Care Therapy
Job Outlook 2016-2026: Employment is expected to grow by 23% (US); 23% (TX)
Resources: How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
4. Web Developers
What they do: Web Developers design websites and maintain the technical aspects of the website, including performance; some web developers may also develop content for the website.
Median Salary: $69,430 (US); $74,750 (Dallas area)
Degree required: Associate Degree in Web & Mobile Development
Job Outlook 2016-2026: Employment is expected to grow by 15% (US); 20% (TX)
Resources: How to Become a Web Developer
5. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Ultrasound Technicians)
What they do: Using ultrasound high frequency sound waves, the diagnostic medical technician takes images of patients' internal organs.
Median Salary: $67,080 (US); $75,650 (Dallas area)
Degree required: Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Job Outlook 2016-2026: Employment is expected to grow by 23% (US); 35% (TX)
Resources: How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
6. Dental Hygienists
What they do: Dental Hygienists clean teeth and provide patients with information to maintain healthy oral hygiene.
Median salary: $74,820 per year (US); $78,390 (Dallas area)
Degree required: Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene
Job Outlook 2016-2026: Much faster than average. Employment is expected to grow by 20% (US); 22% (Texas)
Resources: How to Become a Dental Hygienist
7. Physical Therapist Assistant
What they do: Physical Therapist assistants help patients who are injured or recovering from surgery return to the highest level of physical function. They work under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Median salary: $58,090 (US); $78,390 (Dallas area)
Degree required: Associate Degree
Job Outlook 2016-2026: Much faster than average. Employment is expected to grow 31% (US); 37% (Texas)
Resources: How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics & Career One Stop
