Since going to college is so expensive, you may wonder: what are the best-paying jobs I can get with a two-year degree? Well, we’ve got you covered. We compiled a list of lucrative careers you can get into with just an Associate’s degree. That way, you can start earning a solid living faster — and with a much smaller student loan balance.
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If you’re looking for a job with a 2 year degree, start your search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter makes it easy to apply for jobs with just a single click!
25 Of The Best Jobs With A 2-Year Degree
Here are twenty five of the best jobs you can get with an Associate’s degree:
1. Air Traffic Controller
Median National Salary: $129,000+
Number of Jobs: 22,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 1% (slower than average)
Job Duties: Air traffic controllers coordinate the flow of aircraft to ensure safety. As an air traffic controller, you’ll use computer systems to monitor aircraft movement and have to make quick decisions to avoid accidents.
2. Radiation Therapist
Median National Salary: $82,000+
Number of Jobs: 16,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 6% (average)
Job Duties: Radiation therapists give patients prescribed doses of radiation to treat diseases like cancer. As a radiation therapist, you might work in a hospital or doctor’s office.
3. Funeral Home Manager
Median National Salary: $58,000
Number of Jobs: 68,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 8% (faster than average)
Job Duties: Funeral service workers plan and oversee funeral and burial ceremonies. As a funeral service worker, you may perform your duties at a crematory or funeral home.
4. Paralegal
Median National Salary: $56,000+
Number of Jobs: 352,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 14% (faster than average)
Job Duties: Paralegals assist lawyers. As a paralegal, you may organize records, conduct research, draft documents, interview witnesses, and more.
For more information, check out our guide on how to become a paralegal and how to write a paralegal resume.
5. Dental Hygienist
Median National Salary: $77,000+
Number of Jobs: 214,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 9% (faster than average)
Job Duties: Dental hygienists work under a dentist to help patients improve and maintain their oral health. As a dental hygienist, you’ll screen patients for dental diseases, perform preventative care, like cleanings, and provide education on how to take care of the teeth and mouth.
If you want to become a dental hygienist, learn how to create a dental hygienist resume.
6. Veterinary Technician
Median National Salary: $36,000+
Number of Jobs: 122,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 20% (faster than average)
Job Duties: Veterinary technicians help veterinarians diagnose animal diseases and injuries by running medical tests. As a veterinary technician, you might work in an animal hospital or clinic.
Do you want to work as a veterinary technician? Start by crafting your veterinary technician resume.
7. Respiratory Therapist
Median National Salary: $61,000+
Number of Jobs: 135,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 14% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: Respiratory therapists work with doctors to treat conditions that impact breathing, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As a respiratory therapist, you might work in a hospital, nursing home, or clinic.
Learn more by reading our guide on how to write a respiratory therapist resume.
8. Drafter
Median National Salary: $60,000+
Number of Jobs: 192,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: -3% (decline)
Job Duties: Drafters collaborate with architects and engineers to turn designs into technical drawings. As a drafter, you may split your time between working on a computer in an office and visiting job sites.
9. Physical Therapist Assistant
Median National Salary: $49,000+
Number of Jobs: 140,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 24% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: Physical therapist assistants support the work of a physical therapist. As a physical therapist assistant, you may help patients with their exercises, document patient progress, perform therapeutic massage, educate patients about their treatment plan, and more.
If you want to become a physical therapist assistant, you should start by updating your resume. Learn more by reading our guide on writing a physical therapist resume.
10. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Median National Salary: $61,000+
Number of Jobs: 47,000
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 25% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: Occupational therapy assistants support the work of an occupational therapist. As an occupational therapy assistant, you’ll help injured or disabled people regain their strength or learn to live as independently as possible.
Do you want a career as an occupational therapy assistant? Take the first step by creating an occupational therapist resume.
11. Radiologic Technologist
Median National Salary: $61,000+
Number of Jobs: 264,000
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 6% (average)
Job Duties: Radiologic technologists specialize in diagnostic imaging, such as x-rays or computed tomographic (CT) scans. As a radiologic technologist, you’ll maintain the imaging equipment, prepare patients for testing, capture ordered images, and evaluate those images with the doctor.
12. Cardiovascular Technologist
Median National Salary: $75,000+
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Number of Jobs: 140,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 10% (faster than average)
Job Duties: Cardiovascular technologists help doctors diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel-related conditions. As a cardiovascular technologist, you may run tests like an electrocardiogram (EKG).
13. Pharmacy Technician
Median National Salary: $36,000+
Number of Jobs: 447,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 5% (average)
Job Duties: Pharmacy technicians prepare and distribute medications, maintain records, and assist pharmacists with administrative tasks in various healthcare settings. They work closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective medication therapy for patients.
There are a lot of high paying jobs in pharmaceuticals. Learn more by reading our list of the best paying jobs in major pharmaceuticals.
14. Medical Records Clerk
Median National Salary: $46,000+
Number of Jobs: 186,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 7% (average)
Job Duties: Medical records clerks manage and maintain patients' health records and history, including filing important documents, processing admission and discharge records, and reviewing records for policy compliance. They work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure the confidentiality and accuracy of patient information.
15. HVAC Technician
Median National Salary: $48,000+
Number of Jobs: 394,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 5% (average)
Job Duties: HVAC technicians are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration specialists. They install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems like air conditioners, heaters, etc.
16. Cook
Median National Salary: $29,000+
Number of Jobs: 2.6 million+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 16% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: Cooks prepare and cook food for others including appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Additionally, a cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, processing customer orders, producing meals, and maintaining a clean and safe workspace in accordance with health and safety guidelines in food establishments.
17. Massage Therapist
Median National Salary: $46,000+
Number of Jobs: 149,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 20% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: Massage therapists work with clients to provide massage therapy to manipulate soft tissue to promote relaxation, provide tension relief, alleviate stress, and address physical areas of concern.
18. Technical Support Specialist
Median National Salary: $57,000+
Number of Jobs: 875,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 6% (average)
Job Duties: A technical support specialist provides assistance and troubleshooting for customers experiencing technical issues with hardware or software devices. They communicate technical information in a clear and accessible manner, maintain and test software, and may support computer software integration.
Curious about other tech roles? Check out our round-up of the highest paying tech jobs.
19. Cosmetologist
Median National Salary: $29,000+
Number of Jobs: 608,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 11% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: Cosmetologists provide beauty services to clients, including hair cutting, styling, coloring, and scalp treatments, as well as makeup application, nail care, and skincare services. They must communicate effectively with clients to understand their needs and preferences and provide personalized recommendations to enhance their appearance.
20. Wind Turbine Technician
Median National Salary: $56,000+
Number of Jobs: 11,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 44% (much faster than average)
Job Duties: A wind turbine technician installs, maintains, and repairs wind turbines used to generate electricity from the power of the wind. They must troubleshoot and repair electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components, collect turbine data for testing and analysis, and ensure that turbines function efficiently and safely.
21. Child Care Provider
Median National Salary: $27,000+
Number of Jobs: 949,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 6% (average)
Job Duties: A child care provider is responsible for overseeing the safety and well-being of children in their care, developing and implementing age-appropriate activities, maintaining records of children's development and routines, and communicating with parents or guardians about any concerns or updates. They may also assist with meal preparation and homework.
22. Home Health Aide
Median National Salary: $29,000+
Number of Jobs: 3.6 million+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 6% (average)
Job Duties: Home health aides offer personal care services to patients in need, like patients that suffer from chronic illness, injury, or disability.
Home health aides are also referred to as home care nurses. If you are curious and want to learn more about this career, check out our home care nurse job description.
23. Police Officer
Median National Salary: $66,000+
Number of Jobs: 808,000+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 3% (slower than average)
Job Duties: Police officers keep the peace in the public. They protect people in the community, investigate, and gather facts of potential crimes.
24. Customer Service Representative
Median National Salary: $36,000+
Number of Jobs: 2.9 million+
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: -4% (decline)
Job Duties: Customer service representatives help customers with routine transactions like processing orders, handling returns, and resolving complaints.
Do you want to work as a customer service representative? Learn more about this role by viewing our customer service representative job description.
25. Web Developer
Median National Salary: $78,000+
Number of Jobs: 197,000
Job Growth 2021 – 2031: 23% (much faster than normal)
Job Duties: Web developers build and maintain websites. This includes website creation, design, testing, coding, usability checks, and related duties.
To learn more about working as a web developer, check out our web developer job description and learn how to write a web developer resume.
What Is A 2-Year Degree?
A 2-year degree is an Associate’s degree and is offered by a college, university or other educational institution. Associate’s degrees consist of foundational course work and study-specific courses and electives, based on the degree you pursue.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median salary for someone who has completed an Associate’s degree is $45,000/year.
Types Of 2-Year Degrees
There are different types of 2-year degrees, similar to how there are different types of 4 year degrees. Here are the different types of 2-year degrees:
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- Associate of Applied Arts (AAA)
- Associate of Business Administration (ABA)
Why Choose A 2-Year Degree?
There are many reasons to choose a 2-year degree including:
- Time commitment: It takes less time to complete a 2-year degree compared to a bachelor’s degree (4 years) or higher.
- Cost: A 2-year degree is a more affordable option compared to a 4 year degree or higher.
- Career preparation: Many 2-year degree programs provide foundational and practical job skills and experience to enter the workforce in an entry-level career.
- Flexibility: Flexible class options like part-time, nights, weekends, and online are generally available.
- Convenience: The class schedule flexibility, time commitment, and accessibility make a 2-year degree more convenient than other degree types.
Where To Find High-Paying Jobs With A 2-Year Degree
Once you’ve earned your Associate’s degree, you can find high-paying jobs in several places. We recommend checking out the top job posting sites. Here are three you should check out first:
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is a popular job marketplace. The platform makes it easy for you to search and apply for listed roles.
You can also upload your resume to ZipRecruiter’s resume database. When you upload you resume, this allows recruiters and employers to contact you directly!
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
Indeed
Indeed is a job aggregator, which means it pulls position listings from various websites into one search result. Plus, once you find an interesting opportunity, you can often apply for it without leaving the platform.
For more information, check out our Indeed review.
LinkedIn is more than a job board — it’s a social media platform for professionals. You can apply for jobs, share career updates, and communicate with prospective employers.
For more information, check out our LinkedIn review.
The Bottom Line
There are many high-paying jobs you can get with a two-year degree. That means you can earn a great living without going to school for long or taking on a lot of student debt. Once you’re ready to apply to these positions, consider sprucing up your resume by consulting with one of our choices for the best resume writing service. Then, visit ZipRecruiter to find your dream role.
