Careers that only need an associates degree

If you're considering pursuing higher education through an associate degree, or are graduating with one, it would help to look at career options that lie ahead of you. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides data on employment and outlook for job options that require an associate degree.

However, when choosing an occupation, it is essential to make sure there will be employment opportunities in the future, especially after spending time fulfilling all the educational requirements. However, do not choose an occupation just because it has a great job outlook, a good annual median salary or appears on a best careers list for any other reason. Make sure it is also a good fit for you.

Carefully explore your career options by examining job descriptions and conducting informational interviews with people who work in the occupations in which you are most interested. Also do a self-assessment to learn about your interests, personality type, aptitude, and work-related values to see if the career you are considering is suitable.

Key Takeaways

  • Associate degrees require at least two years, but less than four years of full-time college work equivalent.
  • Associate degrees may provide you technical skills that support a wide array of jobs
  • According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected employment growth for some jobs needing associate degrees are as high as 36% between 2020-2030.

What Is An Associate's Degree?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics' Institute of Education Sciences, an associate's degree is awarded after completion of at least two years worth but less than four years worth of full-time college work equivalent.

Associate's degrees can equip with you technical skills and support a wide variety of jobs and occupations. According to the BLS, those with an associate's degree earned a median weekly pay of $963 and saw an unemployment rate of 4.6% in 2021.

These ten jobs that you can get with an associate's degree all have a stellar employment outlook.  The BLS predicts they will all have employment growth of 9 to 36 percent between 2020 and 2030— somewhat faster or much faster than the increase for most careers.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists (PTs). They help patients perform exercises prescribed by PTs and use massage, stretching, and other therapies.

Your degree must be from an associate degree program that the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has accredited. All states require a license to practice.

  • Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 35 percent
  • Number of People Employed (2020): 140,500
  • Projected Job Openings (2020-2030): 33,200
  • Median Annual Salary (2021): $61,180 

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), under occupational therapists' supervision, help clients regain the ability to perform daily living and work activities. They work with a treatment plan developed by the therapist.

To become an OTA, attend a program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Every state requires a license.

  • Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 36 percent
  • Number of People Employed (2020): 43,300
  • Projected Job Openings (2020-2030): 15,600
  • Median Annual Salary (2021): $61,730

Ultrasound Technician

Ultrasound technicians use special equipment that emits sound waves to help physicians diagnose patients' illnesses. They are also called diagnostic medical sonographers.

Get an associate degree or bachelor's degree in medical sonography if you want to be an ultrasound technician. The program you attend must have accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

  • Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 19 percent
  • Number of People Employed (2020): 75,900
  • Projected Job Openings (2020-2030): 14,400
  • Median Annual Salary (2021): $77,740

Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists, in consultation with doctors, develop treatment plans for patients who have breathing or cardiopulmonary problems. 

While you can become a respiratory therapist with an associate degree, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have a bachelor's degree. All states but Alaska require a license.

  • Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 23 percent
  • Number of People Employed (2020): 135,100
  • Projected Job Openings (2020-2030): 31,100
  • Median Annual Salary (2021): $61,830

Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists provide preventative dental care and teach patients how to maintain good oral health. They are supervised by dentists.

While one can earn a certificate or a bachelor's or master's degree in dental hygiene, an associate degree is most common. You will also need a license issued by the dental board in the state in which you practice.

  • Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 11 percent
  • Number of People Employed (2020): 206,100
  • Projected Job Openings (2020-2030): 23,100
  • Median Annual Salary (2021): $77,810

Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians.  They conduct clinical and laboratory procedures in private clinics and animal hospitals.

Attend a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) to earn an associate degree. Many states require a license.

  • Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 15 percent
  • Number of People Employed (2020): 114,400
  • Projected Job Openings (2020-2030): 17,100
  • Median Annual Salary (2021): $36,850

Geologic and Petroleum Technicians

Geologic and petroleum technicians support the work of scientists and engineers. They perform fieldwork and laboratory work or analyze data in an office.

Although it is possible to get an entry-level job with just a high school education, an associate degree or at least two years of post-secondary training is usually preferred. Your degree should be in applied science or a science-related technology.

  • Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 9 percent
  • Number of People Employed (2020: 16,800
  • Projected Job Openings (2020-2030): 1,500
  • Median Annual Salary (2020): $50,630

Paralegals and legal assistantshelp attorneys prepare for legal proceedings such as trials and hearings. They do legal research and draft documents.

You can get a bachelor's or associate degree in paralegal studies to work in this field. Some professional associations offer certification. It is not mandatory.

  • Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 12 percent
  • Number of People Employed (2020): 345,600
  • Projected Job Openings (2020-2030): 41,400
  • Median Annual Salary (2021): $56,230

Web Developers

Web developers design and create websites and make sure they perform optimally. They write code and sometimes content.

A degree isn't required to work in this field, but most who do, have an associate in web design. You need an in-depth knowledge of HTML programming in addition to an understanding of other programming languages.

  • Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 13 percent
  • Number of People Employed (2020): 199,400
  • Projected Job Openings (2020-2030): 25,500
  • Median Annual Salary (2020): $77,200

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists use MRI scanners to create images. Doctors use them to diagnose injuries and disease.

Your education will include classroom and clinical work. Most states require MRI technologists to have a license.

  • Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 9 percent
  • Number of People Employed (2020): 254,000
  • Projected Job Openings (2020-2030): 21,600
  • Median Annual Salary (2021): $77,360

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which jobs pay well with an associate's degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, jobs requiring an associate's degree, especially in the healthcare sector can pay well. For example, in 2021, the annual median pay for dental hygienists, ultrasound technicians and MRI technologists, all jobs that required an associate's degree, was in excess of $77,000.

What jobs can you get with an associate of arts degree?

An associate of arts degree could offer study in a very wide variety of liberal arts, general studies and humanities. That opens up doors for career options in an equally wide array of fields spanning from communication, education and even certain sectors within healthcare.

What job pays the most with an associate's degree?

What Are the Highest-Paying Associate Degrees?.
Radiation Therapy. ... .
Nuclear Technology. ... .
Nuclear Medicine. ... .
Dental Hygiene. ... .
Web Development. ... .
Diagnostic Medical Sonography. ... .
Aerospace Engineering. ... .
Electrical Engineering..

What 2 year degree pays the most?

What jobs pay well with an associate degree? MRI technologists, nuclear technicians, funeral service managers, and dental hygienists all earn over $70,000 a year, on average, making their respective degrees among the best associate degrees by salary.

What is the easiest associates degree to earn?

The easiest associate degree to get is an online Associate Degree in General Studies, Liberal Studies, or Education. Although these online associate degree programs have flexible curricula, how easy you find your coursework will depend on your learning abilities and style.

What can you do with AA?

Jobs You Can Find with an AA Degree.
Preschool teacher..
Industrial designer..
Paralegal..
Human resources manager..
Executive assistant..
Operations manager..
Account executive..
Creative assistant..