20 Highest-Paying Associate Degrees in 2025

You don't need an advanced degree to secure a high-paying job. Many lucrative careers can be founded on only an associate degree. The cost of an associate degree is usually much lower than a bachelor's degree, making it a low-cost educational investment. Whether you're interested in pursuing a job in the healthcare field or the aviation industry, there are plenty of associate degrees that pay well.

Below, we'll explore the top 20 highest-paying degrees that can be completed in only two years. Learn about each degree's median salary, career opportunities, and more.

Top 2-Year Degrees That Pay Well

If you're interested in finding a financially rewarding career, keep reading to find the highest-paying associate degrees. We cover degrees across various fields, such as healthcare, engineering, aviation, and even mortuary science.

The following salary information was sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides official data on wages, employment trends, and job outlooks across various industries. Please note that these salaries are based on national averages. The actual salary will vary depending on experience level, geographic area, and other factors.

1. Air Traffic Controller

Estimated Median Salary: $137,380 per year

To become an air traffic controller, one must typically complete an associate degree. Coursework involves aviation regulations, meteorology, and navigation and flight planning. Students also learn the technical and communication skills necessary for the job. After graduation, students also must finish training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy.

As one of the top high-paying jobs with an associate degree, the outlook for this career is mostly positive. The growth rate is expected to be around the national average, with about 2,200 jobs open yearly.

2. Nuclear Technology

Estimated Median Salary: $101,740 per year

One of the highest-paying jobs with an Associate of Science is nuclear technology. Earning an associate degree in nuclear technology can lead to a thriving career as a nuclear technologist in settings such as power plants, medical facilities, and government agencies. While the job outlook is declining at a rate of 6% in the upcoming years, around 500 jobs still open up annually.

3. Radiation Therapy

Estimated Median Salary: $98,300 per year

An associate degree in radiation therapy prepares students to administer radiation treatment plans to cancer patients. During this program, students learn about oncology, patient care and management, and how to use radiation therapy equipment. The growth rate for this career path is aligned with the national average, with about 800 roles opening annually.

4. Nuclear Medicine Technology

Estimated Median Salary: $92,500 per year

An associate degree in nuclear medicine technology covers medical concepts like anatomy and physiology, imaging techniques, and administering radiopharmaceuticals. While the average salary is high, the number of nuclear technician roles is expected to decline by around 1% in the upcoming years. Still, about 800 jobs will likely open annually.

5. Dental Hygiene

Estimated Median Salary: $87,530 per year

To become a dental hygienist, one must complete an associate degree with courses that cover core responsibilities, such as radiology, pharmacology, and patient care. After passing an accredited 2-year college degree program, graduates take their licensure exams before beginning their careers.

If you're looking for 2-year medical degrees that pay well, dental hygiene offers many great opportunities. The dental hygienist role is projected to grow by about 9%, and around 16,400 job openings are expected to open annually.

6. Nursing

Estimated Median Salary: $86,070 per year

To become a registered nurse, students may complete an associate degree or a bachelor's degree program. These programs prepare students to thrive in various healthcare settings, though salary and responsibilities may depend on degree level. Those with a bachelor's degree have more earning potential than those with an associate degree; however, this profession is in demand, with a higher-than-average growth rate. Around 194,500 jobs are available every year.

7. Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Estimated Median Salary: $80,850 per year

A diagnostic medical sonography program typically involves a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory work, and clinical training. Students learn how to interact with patients, including how to explain procedures, prepare patients for exams, and ensure their comfort during the ultrasound process.

This career path is growing fast with an 11% growth rate expected over the next 10 years. Around 9,400 openings are projected every year, which makes this a great field to enter.

8. Respiratory Therapy

Estimated Median Salary: $77,960 per year

The respiratory therapy field is growing at a 13% rate, with about 8,200 roles becoming available yearly. Those interested in becoming respiratory therapists must complete at least an associate degree in the subject. During the program, students learn how to interact with patients, including how to assess respiratory function, perform diagnostic tests such as spirometry, and provide education on respiratory health.

9. Aerospace Engineering

Estimated Median Salary: $77,830 per year

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists maintain equipment related to developing or sustaining spacecraft or aircraft. To enter this field, a college education is required, usually an associate degree in aerospace engineering. The job outlook looks promising; an annual 8% growth rate is expected with around 1,100 openings yearly.

10. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Estimated Median Salary: $76,020 per year

If you're interested in becoming a radiologic technician, you'll need to graduate from an MRI degree program. These programs teach the principles of MRI, including how the machines work and the physics behind magnetic fields and radio waves. To land a job, students also must pass a certification test.

Fortunately for students, many opportunities are available after graduation, with around 16,000 job openings annually. Additionally, the field is projected to experience a steady growth rate of 6% over the next few years.

11. Aviation Maintenance Technology

Estimated Median Salary: $75,400 per year

This program prepares students for a career in the aviation industry, specifically in the maintenance and repair of aircraft. Students learn about the structure and components of an aircraft, including inspection, repair, and maintenance procedures. The employment rate for this field is expected to grow by 5% annually.

12. Electrical Engineering

Estimated Median Salary: $72,800 per year

Electrical engineering technologists can make a decent living, plus with 9,500 jobs opening yearly, there are plenty of opportunities. To become one, an associate degree in electrical engineering is necessary. These programs typically include mathematics, science, and engineering courses, as well as hands-on experiences.

13. Cardiovascular Technology

Estimated Median Salary: $66,170 per year

Cardiovascular technologists must have an associate degree to begin their healthcare careers. These programs teach students cardiac imaging techniques like echocardiography, stress testing, and vascular ultrasound. With an 11% growth rate according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for this career is bright. About 9,400 openings are expected annually.

14. Occupational Therapy

Estimated Median Salary: $65,450 per year

Occupational therapy prepares students for entry-level positions as occupational therapy assistants. The program generally includes a combination of general education courses, core occupational therapy courses, and hands-on clinical experience. Program graduates enjoy a favorable job market with around 7,800 jobs available annually. Plus, it has a booming 21% job market growth rate over the next decade, which is much higher than the national average.

15. Hospitality Management

Estimated Median Salary: $65,360 per year

An associate degree in hospitality management can lead to a lucrative future with graduates qualified for many roles within the industry. Students learn about finance, human resources, marketing, sales, and other key elements of the hospitality sector. The job outlook for this career is promising—a 10% projected growth rate over the upcoming 10 years. This rate is much higher than the national average.

16. Mechanical Engineering

Estimated Median Salary: $64,020 per year

Mechanical engineering technicians only need a community college to begin their roles. An associate degree program provides a foundational understanding of mechanical engineering principles and practices.

The employment outlook for this career is a bit slower than the national average with a 2% growth rate; however, every year, about 3,500 jobs open up. Students can use this degree and pursue a bachelor's degree to gain more earning potential.

17. Industrial Engineering Technology

Estimated Median Salary: $62,610 per year

Industrial engineering technology helps students develop foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field. Courses may explore quality control and assurance, production and operations management, and industrial processes.

Industrial engineering technologists can typically find jobs easily, as 6,700 jobs open annually. Additionally, the field will see a 4% growth rate in the next 10 years

18. Paralegal Studies

Estimated Median Salary: $60,970 per year

Paralegals generally complete an associate degree before entering this profession. This program teaches students the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to assist attorneys. They'll learn how to conduct legal research and writing tasks. The job outlook for this profession is slower than average; however, 37,300 openings for paralegal and legal assistants typically open up yearly.

19. Computer Science

Estimated Median Salary: $60,810 per year

Completing a two-year degree in computer science can lead to lucrative career prospects with graduates landing computer network support specialist roles. These jobs may require some on-the-job training but typically have high earning potential. The employment outlook is growing steadily at a 6% rate with around 62,700 roles opening yearly.

20. Mortuary Science

Estimated Median Salary: $60,580 per year

A mortuary science degree can lead to roles in funeral homes and crematoriums. These programs teach the basics of running a funeral home, including ethics, business, embalming techniques, and grief counseling. The employment outlook is around the national average and has around 5,800 job openings per year.

FAQs About Associate Degrees That Pay Well

If you're looking for associate degrees that pay well, you may have questions. We answer common questions about associate degrees below.

What Top-Paying Jobs Require an Associate Degree?

Many associate degree jobs are available across industries, typically at the entry level; however, many pay well. A top-paying job like an air traffic controller requires at least an associate degree, as well as hands-on training and certification. Other high-paying roles, such as nuclear technologists or radiation therapists, require a two-year associate degree.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate Degree?

An associate degree can open doors to many entry-level jobs across different fields. From openings in the healthcare industry to the legal profession, degree holders can successfully enter numerous jobs.

Associates degree courses typically encompass a range of subjects, including general education requirements in the humanities, math, or science. However, an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) also features specialized courses and can lead to in-demand jobs in STEM fields.

If you're looking for the easiest associate degree that can lead to a high-paying job, consider hospitality management or mortuary science. These degrees typically include varied courses and practical experience that help to seamlessly transition into professional roles.

Can I Make 6 Figures With an Associate Degree?

Yes, it's possible to make six figures through associate degree jobs, specifically through an air traffic controller program or a nuclear technology degree. The median salaries for these roles are above $100k a year; however, it's important to note that an associate degree salary is likely not going to be above six figures. The other programs listed generally have lower salaries that range from $60,580 per year to $98,300 per year.

Find an Associate Degree

If you're ready to find the best associate degrees, explore the programs featured on Learn.org. Contact any schools that interest you to start your education journey.