16 Highest-Paying Associate Degree Jobs in 2026

As we move into 2026, the job market continues to evolve, and opportunities for those with an associate degree are more abundant than ever. While many professions still require a four-year bachelor’s degree, numerous high-paying careers are accessible with just two years of college education.

If you’re a student weighing your options for the next step in your educational journey, we’ve compiled a list of the best jobs available to you with an associate degree. This guide will demonstrate that your career prospects and earning potential are not limited by a two-year degree.

Key Takeaways:

• The most common associate degrees include Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), and Associate in Applied Science (AAS).

• With just an associate degree, countless job opportunities open up, many of which offer competitive salaries.

• Typically, associate degrees take two years to complete, though accelerated programs may allow for quicker graduation.

Highest-Paying Associate Degree Jobs

Wondering what careers you can pursue with an associate degree? Explore the highest-paying associate degree jobs below:

1. Radiation Therapist

   Average Salary: $81,149 per year
   Jobs Available: 41,804
   Job Growth Rate: 9%

   Becoming a radiation therapist is achievable with an associate in applied science. Approximately 40% of professionals in this field hold an associate degree. They work as part of oncology teams in hospitals, providing radiation treatment as recommended by oncologists.

   Find Radiation Therapist jobs near me

2. Dental Hygienist

   Average Salary: $78,399 per year
   Jobs Available: 10,104
   Job Growth Rate: 11%

   Dental hygienists earn attractive salaries right after completing their associate degree in dental hygiene. In fact, 70.8% of dental hygienists have only an associate degree, making this one of the best pathways for lucrative employment.

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3. Nuclear Medicine Technologist

   Average Salary: $72,703 per year
   Jobs Available: 34,350
   Job Growth Rate: 7%

   A career as a nuclear medicine technologist is attainable with an associate degree, as around 38.8% of workers in this field have one. These professionals utilize radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat diseases, requiring strong interpersonal skills to work with patients effectively.

   Find Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs near me

4. Web Developer

   Average Salary: $72,539 per year
   Jobs Available: 134,772
   Job Growth Rate: 13%

   Web developers create and manage the technical aspects of websites. With the rapid growth of technology and e-commerce, there are over 130,000 job openings in this field. An associate degree in web design equips you with the skills and experience necessary for this high-demand role.

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5. Computer Programmer

   Average Salary: $66,143 per year
   Jobs Available: 82,829
   Job Growth Rate: -7%

   Computer programming is accessible with an associate degree, with 22.2% of professionals in this field reporting it as their highest education level. Programmers design and create software, troubleshoot errors, and maintain systems, making it a vital role in technology.

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6. Electronics Engineering Technician

   Average Salary: $66,001 per year
   Jobs Available: 51,953
   Job Growth Rate: 2%

   Electronics engineering technicians design and develop various electronic devices. Over half (56.8%) hold an associate degree, and this role offers clear pathways for growth into higher-paying positions.

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7. Nuclear Reactor Technician

   Average Salary: $65,636 per year
   Jobs Available: 21,598
   Job Growth Rate: -4%

   A significant portion (45.2%) of nuclear reactor technicians have an associate degree, making this a viable career option for those with a two-year education. They assist in nuclear energy production, requiring strong analytical skills.

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8. Medical Sonographer

   Average Salary: $64,986 per year
   Jobs Available: 23,628
   Job Growth Rate: 14%

   As one of the fastest-growing fields, medical sonographers only need an associate degree to create diagnostic images of organs and tissues. They earn an average of $31.24 per hour without needing to handle invasive procedures.

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9. Air Traffic Controller

   Average Salary: $64,336 per year
   Jobs Available: 8,346
   Job Growth Rate: 1%

   While air traffic controllers require specific certifications, 27.6% enter the field with an associate degree. They are crucial for coordinating flights and ensuring safety in air traffic management.

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10. Registered Nurse

    Average Salary: $63,827 per year
    Jobs Available: 361,349
    Job Growth Rate: 12%

    Registered nurses often complete associate nursing programs, with 45.6% of the workforce holding an associate degree. With over 361,000 job openings, nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions.

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11. Mechanical Engineering Technologist

    Average Salary: $59,090 per year
    Jobs Available: 70,278
    Job Growth Rate: -1%

    About 35.2% of mechanical engineering technologists hold an associate degree. They design, build, and test machinery, balancing collaborative and independent work.

    Find Mechanical Engineering Technologist jobs near me

12. Avionics Technician

    Average Salary: $54,453 per year
    Jobs Available: 23,127
    Job Growth Rate: 3%

    41.4% of avionics technicians have an associate degree. They maintain, inspect, and repair aircraft electrical systems, ensuring safe travel for passengers.

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13. Respiratory Therapist

    Average Salary: $54,067 per year
    Jobs Available: 27,572
    Job Growth Rate: 21%

    With a projected growth rate of 21% over the next decade, respiratory therapists are in high demand. Nearly 70% of professionals in this field hold an associate degree, making it an accessible entry point into healthcare.

    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs near me

14. Environmental Engineering Technician

    Average Salary: $53,336 per year
    Jobs Available: 51,456
    Job Growth Rate: 9%

    Environmental engineering technicians support engineers in developing solutions to environmental challenges. This field is excellent for those passionate about sustainability and conservation.

    Find Environmental Engineering Technician jobs near me

15. Computer Network Specialist

    Average Salary: $51,912 per year
    Jobs Available: 54,573
    Job Growth Rate: 5%

    Approximately 36.0% of computer network specialists enter the field with an associate degree. They play a crucial role in IT departments, maintaining network systems and resolving issues.

    Find Computer Network Specialist jobs near me

16. Police Officer

    Average Salary: $55,090 per year
    Jobs Available: 665,380
    Job Growth Rate: 7%

    To become a police officer, an associate degree in criminal justice is typically required. Officers protect and serve their communities, facing both physical and emotional challenges in their roles.

Understanding Different Associate Degrees

If you haven’t yet pursued your associate degree, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of various degrees. The most common associate degrees include:

• Associate in Arts (AA). This general degree encompasses courses in history, art, literature, music, and communication. Its broad nature allows graduates to explore diverse career options, but some higher-paying roles may prefer specialized degrees.

• Associate in Science (AS). This degree focuses more on science-related subjects, making it suitable for careers in healthcare and technology. However, it can still be broad and limit specific career paths.

• Associate in Applied Science (AAS). This targeted degree prepares students for specific career fields, such as accounting or nursing. While it offers direct entry into a career, it may also confine graduates to that particular field.

Associate Degree Jobs FAQ

1. Are associate’s degrees worthless?

   No, associate’s degrees are not worthless. In fact, you can pursue careers that pay over $80,000 annually with an associate degree, highlighting its value. There are numerous other jobs available with this degree, allowing for specialization in various fields.

   Moreover, obtaining an associate degree can be a stepping stone towards further education or career advancement.

2. What is the easiest associate degree to get?

   There is no definitive ‘easiest’ associate degree. However, careers requiring an Associate in Arts degree may be more accessible. Examples include production assistant, pastry chef, or marketing assistant.

   Among these, the Registered Nurse position holds the most job openings, making it relatively straightforward to enter the field.

3. Can I get a degree in one year?

   Yes, you can earn a degree in one year. While most associate degrees take two years to complete, some programs allow for accelerated paths. Completing the required 60 credits in less than four quarters is possible, leading to quicker graduation.

   Be sure to research specific programs and consult with your adviser for options that suit your needs.

4. Is an Open University degree respected?

   Yes, an Open University (OU) degree is respected by employers. While it may not carry the same prestige as some traditional institutions, many employers value the skills and determination demonstrated by OU graduates.

Final Thoughts

It’s essential to recognize that numerous fulfilling careers are available with an associate degree. From healthcare to technology, investing in a two-year education is often worthwhile.

Even if you start with a lower salary, many of these professions offer opportunities for advancement and increased earnings as you gain experience. Furthermore, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree later using the credits earned from your associate program.

With this in mind, take the next step toward your future career today!

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.