Top 10 Highest-Paying Community College Degrees in 2026

If you want a career that pays well without spending years in school, the right community college degree can open doors to high-paying opportunities. Many associate programs lead directly into fields like health care, technology, and skilled trades, where employers value practical training and certifications. These degrees not only save you money on tuition but can also help you start earning faster.

Salary Disclaimer: The salary ranges provided in this article are estimates based on national averages. Actual earnings may vary depending on location, employer, level of experience, and industry demand.

What Is the Highest-Paying Community College Degree?

Some of the highest-paying degrees you can earn at a community college are in health care, technology, and skilled trades. These programs are designed to get you into the workforce quickly while still leading to strong salaries and career growth. 

Whether you want to work directly with patients, keep vital systems running, or support legal and technical fields, community college can offer a fast, affordable path. Below are some of the top-paying associate degrees to consider:

• Associate of Science (AS) in nursing
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in dental hygiene
• AS in radiation therapy
• AS in diagnostic medical sonography
• AAS in respiratory therapy
• AAS in electrical engineering technology
• AS in web development or computer programming
• AAS in radiologic technology
• AAS in paralegal studies
• AAS in aviation maintenance technology

Top 10 Highest-Paying Community College Degrees

Community colleges can give you a direct route into well-paying careers without the high cost of a four-year degree. The programs below highlight some of the best options, with strong salary potential and training you can finish in two years or less

1. Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy

An AS in radiation therapy trains you to provide targeted radiation treatments for patients battling cancer and other illnesses. The two-year program combines coursework with supervised clinical practice, helping you build technical and patient-care skills. After graduation, you can join hospital oncology teams or work in outpatient cancer treatment centers across the country.

• Typical careers: radiation therapist, medical dosimetrist, radiation oncology technologist
• Median salary: $101,990

2. Associate of Science in Web Development or Computer Programming

An AS in web development or computer programming introduces you to coding, app development, and website design. The program includes theory with practical projects so you can graduate with a portfolio of work. Job opportunities include positions at tech firms, digital marketing agencies, or freelance projects, giving you flexibility in where and how you build your career.

• Typical careers: web developer, front-end developer, back-end developer
• Median salary: $95,380

3. Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene

With an AAS in dental hygiene, you’ll learn how to perform cleanings, take X-rays, and teach patients about oral health. The program uses classroom learning along with clinical practice, preparing you for licensure as a dental hygienist. Most graduates work in dental offices, but opportunities also exist in schools, hospitals, and public health settings.

• Typical careers: dental hygienist, dental office manager, dental sales representative
• Median salary: $94,260

4. Associate of Science in Nursing

An AS in nursing, often called an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), prepares you for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) so that you can begin working as a registered nurse. This degree opens doors to hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Many students also use it as a stepping stone, gaining real-world experience before pursuing advanced nursing roles or a bachelor’s degree.

• Typical careers: registered nurse (RN), followed by specializations like critical care, pediatrics, or school nursing
• Median salary: $93,600

5. Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

This degree prepares you to become a certified sonographer, creating images that help doctors diagnose medical conditions. The program usually takes two years and blends classroom study with lab and clinical training. Sonographers work in hospitals, outpatient centers, or diagnostic labs, where their imaging skills play a critical role in patient care and treatment planning.

• Typical careers: diagnostic medical sonographer, ultrasound technologist, echocardiographer
• Median salary: $82,570

6. Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy

An AAS in respiratory therapy equips you to treat patients with asthma, chronic lung conditions, or other breathing disorders. Alongside lectures and labs, you’ll complete clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience. Graduates often work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or physician practices, supporting patients of all ages with life-sustaining respiratory care.

• Typical careers: respiratory therapist, pulmonary function technologist, sleep technologist
• Median salary: $80,450

7. Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology

This degree prepares you to become an FAA-certified aircraft mechanic, trained to inspect, repair, and maintain airplane systems. Programs combine classroom learning with hands-on training in hangars or labs. After graduation, you can pursue careers with airlines, repair facilities, or government agencies, keeping aircraft safe and reliable for commercial and private flight.

• Typical careers: aircraft and avionics mechanic, maintenance technician, line service technician
• Median salary: $79,140

8. Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology

This degree prepares you to become a licensed radiologic technologist, operating imaging equipment like X-ray or CT machines. Training includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations, where you’ll work directly with patients. Radiologic technologists are in demand in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and outpatient centers, making this a reliable path to a steady health care career.

• Typical careers: radiologic technologist, MRI technologist, CT technologist
• Median salary: $78,980

9. Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology

If you’re interested in electronics and problem-solving, this degree prepares you to support engineers in designing and maintaining electrical systems. Expect a mix of classroom learning and hands-on lab work. Graduates can find roles in manufacturing, utilities, or electronics, applying their technical skills to keep critical equipment and systems operating smoothly.

• Typical careers: electrical engineering technician, electronics technician, field service technician
• Median salary: $77,180

10. Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

An AAS in paralegal studies gives you a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and ethics. Over two years, you’ll develop the skills needed to support attorneys in trials, client meetings, or document preparation. Graduates may work in law firms, corporate legal teams, or government agencies, helping ensure that legal processes run smoothly.

• Typical careers: paralegal, legal assistant, legal secretary
• Median salary: $61,010

Why Choose a Community College for a High-Paying Degree?

Community colleges give you a chance to earn a solid paycheck without piling on student debt. Tuition is far more affordable than a four-year university, and many schools have transfer agreements if you decide to keep going for a bachelor’s. 

Smaller class sizes mean you’ll get more personal support, and associate programs are designed to get you job-ready fast. That combination of lower costs and quicker entry into the workforce makes community college an appealing choice for high-paying careers.

What Careers Can You Get With a High-Paying Community College Degree?

Earning one of these associate degrees can launch you directly into strong careers in health care, technology, or skilled trades. Graduates often find steady work as nurses, dental hygienists, web developers, or technicians in specialized fields. 

Many of these roles start with competitive salaries right out of school, and your earning potential can grow with experience. You’ll also have the option to return for a bachelor’s degree later, which can open doors to leadership positions and even higher pay.

Transfer Opportunities to Bachelor’s Degrees

Many community college degrees are designed to transfer smoothly into four-year programs, giving you a cost-effective path to a bachelor’s. Nursing students can move into RN-to-BSN programs, computer science majors often continue in software or IT fields, and paralegal studies can lead to legal or pre-law tracks. By transferring, you not only expand your career opportunities but also position yourself for higher salaries and leadership roles without starting over or losing credits.

FAQs About High-Paying Community College Degrees

If you’re considering a high-paying associate degree, you probably have questions about program options, career paths, and long-term opportunities. Below, we’ll cover some of the most common things students want to know before choosing this route.

How Much Can You Earn With a Two-Year Degree?

Earnings vary by field, but many two-year degrees lead to salaries that rival or exceed those of some bachelor’s graduates. For example, registered nurses, dental hygienists, and radiation therapists often start with annual pay in the $70,000 to $95,000 range. Technology and skilled trade degrees also provide solid incomes, with opportunities to earn more as you gain certifications, experience, or continue into a bachelor’s program for career advancement.

Are Community College Degrees Respected by Employers?

Yes, especially in fields where practical skills and certifications matter most. Employers in health care, IT, and technical trades actively seek graduates from accredited community college programs because they know these degrees focus on hands-on training. Many jobs, like nursing or radiologic technology, require only an associate degree to start. While some careers may need a bachelor’s later, employers generally view associate degrees as a valuable, job-ready credential.

Which Field Pays the Most for Associate Degree Holders?

Health care consistently leads the way when it comes to salaries for associate degree graduates. Registered nurses, dental hygienists, and radiation therapists often earn $70,000 or more annually, with some roles surpassing $100,000 in certain regions. Technology jobs such as web development or computer programming can also pay well, especially if you build strong coding skills and certifications. Your earning potential ultimately depends on the field, employer, and location.

Is It Better To Start at Community College or a Four-Year University?

Starting at a community college is often the more affordable choice, especially if you want to enter the workforce quickly. You’ll spend less on tuition, benefit from smaller classes, and still have transfer opportunities to a four-year university later. A university may offer a more traditional campus experience, but if your goal is strong pay with lower costs, community college can be the smarter first step.

Do You Need Certifications Along With a Community College Degree?

In many fields, yes. Certifications can boost your employability and salary. For example, nursing graduates need to pass the NCLEX-RN, while respiratory therapists and radiologic technologists must obtain state or national licensure. In IT, credentials like CompTIA or Cisco certifications can make you more competitive. 

What Are the Highest-Paying Technical Careers With Community College Programs?

Technical associate degrees can lead to impressive salaries, often without the cost of a bachelor’s. Electrical engineering technicians, aviation maintenance professionals, and web developers all earn solid incomes with just two years of training. Many of these careers also allow you to grow over time, whether through certifications, on-the-job training, or transferring into advanced degree programs for even higher earning potential.

What Are the Best Degrees for a Quick Start to a Well-Paying Career?

If you want to start earning quickly, health care and technology degrees are often the best options. Programs like nursing, dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography, and respiratory therapy can put you in stable, well-paying jobs in two years or less. Tech-focused programs in web development or computer programming also offer fast entry into roles where salaries grow as your skills and experience expand.

Is Earning Multiple Associate Degrees Worth It?

It can be, but only in certain cases. Earning more than one associate degree may broaden your skill set and open new opportunities, especially if the fields are related, like computer programming and web development. However, most students find it more beneficial to transfer into a bachelor’s program after finishing their associate degree. This path usually boosts long-term earning power more effectively than stacking multiple associate degrees.

Explore High-Paying Community College Degrees

Community colleges give you an affordable path to strong careers in health care, technology, and skilled trades, often in just two years. If you’re ready to find a degree that matches your goals, explore more high-paying associate programs on Learn.org and take the first step toward building a stable, rewarding future.