10 High-Paying Careers You Can Start with Just a 2-Year Degree
If you’re looking for a career with good pay and growth potential but don’t want to invest years in a traditional college path, an associate’s degree might be your ticket to success. With a two-year degree, you can enter fields with high earnings, steady job growth, and opportunities for advancement.
Here are ten in-demand, high-paying careers requiring only an associate’s degree, along with salary info, projected job openings, required skills, and steps to help you get started.
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Average Salary: $77,600/year
Projected Openings: 194,500/year
Degree Required: Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Interests and Values: Helping others, job stability, teamwork
Ideal Personality Types: Compassionate, attentive, adaptable
Steps to Start:
Enroll in an accredited ADN program.
Complete clinical hours and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Obtain your state RN license and apply for jobs in hospitals or clinics.
2. Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $77,090/year
Projected Openings: 16,300/year
Degree Required: Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene
Interests and Values: Patient interaction, health improvement, stability
Ideal Personality Types: Friendly, detail-oriented, supportive
Steps to Start:
Complete an associate’s degree program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Pass your state’s licensing exams.
Start working in dental offices, clinics, or even school settings.
3. Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $63,710/year
Projected Openings: 16,000/year
Degree Required: Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Technology
Interests and Values: Hands-on work, medical field, technology
Ideal Personality Types: Technical-minded, calm under pressure, compassionate
Steps to Start:
Graduate from an accredited radiologic technology program.
Obtain certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Apply to hospitals, diagnostic labs, and clinics for radiologic tech positions.
4. Web Developer
Average Salary: $78,300/year
Projected Openings: 21,800/year
Degree Required: Associate’s Degree in Web Development or Computer Science
Interests and Values: Creative problem-solving, flexibility, tech innovation
Ideal Personality Types: Creative, logical, adaptable
Steps to Start:
Earn an associate’s degree in web development or a related field.
Build a portfolio of websites or projects.
Seek entry-level positions or freelancing work for experience.
5. Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Average Salary: $56,230/year
Projected Openings: 45,800/year
Degree Required: Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies
Interests and Values: Law, detailed work, helping others
Ideal Personality Types: Organized, analytical, communicative
Steps to Start:
Complete an associate’s degree in paralegal studies.
Get certified through the National Association of Legal Assistants (optional).
Apply to work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies.
6. Air Traffic Controller
Average Salary: $130,420/year
Projected Openings: 2,400/year
Degree Required: Associate’s Degree in Air Traffic Control or related field
Interests and Values: Precision, high-stakes environment, communication
Ideal Personality Types: Calm under pressure, decisive, analytical
Steps to Start:
Earn an associate’s degree in aviation or air traffic control.
Pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pre-employment tests.
Complete FAA Academy training to become certified.
7. Computer Network Support Specialist
Average Salary: $63,460/year
Projected Openings: 17,900/year
Degree Required: Associate’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology
Interests and Values: Problem-solving, technology, independence
Ideal Personality Types: Patient, logical, detail-oriented
Steps to Start:
Complete an associate’s degree in computer science or a related field.
Obtain certifications, such as CompTIA Network+.
Look for support roles within businesses or tech companies.
8. Respiratory Therapist
Average Salary: $61,830/year
Projected Openings: 12,700/year
Degree Required: Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy
Interests and Values: Healthcare, patient care, hands-on work
Ideal Personality Types: Compassionate, detail-oriented, resilient
Steps to Start:
Complete an accredited associate’s degree in respiratory therapy.
Pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam.
Apply to work in hospitals, clinics, or home healthcare settings.
9. Medical Sonographer
Average Salary: $75,920/year
Projected Openings: 12,000/year
Degree Required: Associate’s Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Interests and Values: Patient interaction, technology, healthcare
Ideal Personality Types: Patient, empathetic, detail-focused
Steps to Start:
Graduate from an accredited program in diagnostic medical sonography.
Earn certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Apply for positions in hospitals, imaging centers, or specialized clinics.
10. Funeral Service Worker
Average Salary: $58,900/year
Projected Openings: 5,400/year
Degree Required: Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science
Interests and Values: Service, compassion, stability
Ideal Personality Types: Empathetic, organized, resilient
Steps to Start:
Complete an associate’s degree in mortuary science.
Pass the National Board Examination for funeral directors.
Seek licensure in your state and start working in funeral homes or mortuary services.
Final Thoughts
Each of these roles offers a pathway to a fulfilling and financially stable career without a four-year degree. By focusing on practical skills, licensing, and building experience, you can enter a high-paying field and start making a difference. Remember, whether you’re drawn to healthcare, law, technology, or other areas, an associate’s degree can open doors to rewarding careers that fit your interests, values, and strengths.
