Top-10 jobs an associate degree will get you
By Stephen Sossamon, Staff Writer
An associate degree can suffice for a career beyond college if the student doesn’t desire to get a bachelor’s degree, according to CareerBuilder.com.
The following jobs, as ranked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, are the top 10 highest-paid jobs, which can be held by those with an associate degree.
1 – Computer specialist; $59,480 per year. Hiring managers usually prefer graduates with an associate degree in a computer-related field.
2 – Nuclear technician; $59,200 per year. An associate degree in applied science or specific technology should provide good training.
3 – Dental hygienist; $58,350 per year. Candidates must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and pass a written and clinical exam.
4 – Radiation therapist; $57,700 per year. Employers generally require an associate degree from a radiation therapy program.
5 – Nuclear medicine technologist; $55,840 per year. An associate degree in nuclear medicine technology is standard and many employers also require licensure.
6 – Fashion designer; $55,840 per year. Designers often hold associate degrees in fashion design or fine arts.
7 – Aerospace engineering and operations technician; $52,500 per year. An associate degree in engineering technology is standard, and certification can be a competitive edge for job-seekers.
8 – Diagnostic medical sonographer; $52,490 per year. An associate degree in diagnostic medical sono-graphy should work, but some employers prefer candidates registered through the American industry for Diagnostic Medical Sono-graphy.
9 – Registered nurse; $52,330 per year. Registered nurses must have at least an associate degree in nursing and pass a national licensing examination.
10 – Engineering technician; $49,440 per year. Employers prefer associate degrees in engineering technology.
List and degree information provided by Career Builder.com.
Staff Writer Stephen Sossamon can be reached at onlineeditor@occc.edu.
