A new report from the online career resource platform Resume Genius found that now is a good time to pursue an associate's degree (or start on the path to getting one).
The average salary for an associate degree holder ($62,180) is higher than Average salary in the US ($48,060) and career opportunities for associate degree holders, or those with a two-year degree, are expected to grow by 6.3% over the next 10 years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Using latest BLS dataResume Genius compiled a list, the 2025 High Paying Associate Degree Job Reportwhich shows the 10 highest paying jobs that require an associate degree.
“By 2025, wages have increased across the board for every occupation on our list,” he said Eva Chancareer expert at Resume Genius. “It highlights not only the growing demand from employers, but also the potential to earn more in areas such as healthcare, aviation and technology.”
To be included on the list, jobs had to specifically require an associate's degree, be predicted to grow (or at least remain stable) over the next decade, and have an annual salary that exceeds the U.S. average.
Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs for associate degree holders, according to the report.
1. Air traffic controller
- Average annual salary: $137,380
- Number of jobs (2023): 24,000
- Salary change (2022–2023): 4%
- Work Experience Required: Must pass FAA assessments and training
2. Nuclear technician
- Average annual salary: $101,740
- Number of jobs (2023): 5,400
- Salary change (2022–2023): 1%
- Work experience required: On-the-job training provided
3. Radiation therapist
- Average annual salary: $98,300
- Number of jobs (2023): 17,200
- Salary change (2022–2023): 10%
- Work Experience Required: Licensing or certification may be required depending on state regulations
4. Nuclear medicine technologist
- Average annual salary: $92,500
- Number of jobs (2023): 17,800
- Salary change (2022–2023): 8%
- Work Experience Required: License required in all states
5. Dental hygienist
- Average annual salary: $87,530
- Number of jobs (2023): 214,100
- Salary change (2022–2023): 8%
- Work experience required: Licensing in various states is required
6. Diagnostic Sonographer, Cardiovascular Technologist/Technician
- Average annual salary: $80,850
- Number of jobs (2023): 143,400
- Salary change (2022–2023): 3%
- Work Experience Required: Certification may be required
7. Respiratory therapist
- Average annual salary: $77,960
- Number of jobs (2023): 133,900
- Salary change (2022–2023): 11%
- Work Experience Required: License required in most states
8. Aerospace engineering and operations technologist/technician
- Average annual salary: $77,830
- Number of jobs (2023): 11,000
- Salary change (2022–2023): 7%
- Work experience required: Depends on the position
9. Radiologic and MRI technologist
- Average annual salary: $76,020
- Number of jobs (2023): 271,200
- Salary change (2022–2023): 13%
- Work Experience Required: Certification is usually required for radiologic technologists; experience may be necessary for MRI technologists
10. Aircraft and avionic equipment mechanic/technician
- Average annual salary: $75,400
- Number of jobs (2023): 163,300
- Salary change (2022–2023): 7%
- Work Experience Required: FAA certification required
Click here for the full report from Resume Genius.