A new report by online career resource platform Resume Genius found that now is a great time to get a graduate degree (or start on the path to one).
The average salary for an associate’s degree holder ($62,180) is higher than the US median salary ($48,060), and career opportunities for associate’s degree holders or those with two-year degrees are expected to grow 6.3% over the next 10 years. , according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Using the latest BLS data, Resume Genius compiled a list, the High-Paying Associate Degree Jobs Report for 2025, showcasing the 10 highest-paying jobs that require an associate’s degree.
“Salaries are increasing in 2025 for every occupation on our list,” said Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius. “This highlights not only the growing demand from employers, but also the potential for greater earnings in areas such as healthcare, aviation and technology.”
To be included on the list, jobs had to specifically require an associate’s degree, be projected to either grow (or at least remain stable) over the next decade, and have an annual salary above 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
- Change in payment (2022–2023): 4%
- Required Work Experience: Must pass FAA evaluations and training
2. Nuclear engineer
- Average annual salary: $101,740
- Number of jobs (2023): 5,400
- Change in payment (2022–2023): 1%
- Required work experience: On-the-job training is provided
3. Radiation therapist
- Average annual salary: $98,300
- Number of jobs (2023): 17,200
- Change in payment (2022–2023): 10%
- Required Work Experience: Licensure or certification may be required based on state regulations
4. Nuclear medicine technologist
- Average annual salary: $92,500
- Number of jobs (2023): 17,800
- Change in payment (2022–2023): 8%
- Required Work Experience: Licensure required in all states
5. Dental hygiene
- Average annual salary: $87,530
- Number of jobs (2023): 214,100
- Change in payment (2022–2023): 8%
- Required Work Experience: Licensure required in various states
6. Diagnostic medical sonographer, cardiovascular technologist/technician
- Average annual salary: $80,850
- Number of jobs (2023): 143,400
- Change in payment (2022–2023): 3%
- Work experience required: Certification may be required
7. Respiratory therapist
- Average annual salary: $77,960
- Number of jobs (2023): 133,900
- Change in payment (2022–2023): 11%
- Required Work Experience: Licensure required in most states
8. Aerospace engineering and operations technologist/technician
- Average annual salary: $77,830
- Number of jobs (2023): 11,000
- Change in payment (2022–2023): 7%
- Required Work Experience: Varies by position
9. Radiological and MRI technologist
- Average annual salary: $76,020
- Number of jobs (2023): 271,200
- Change in payment (2022–2023): 13%
- Required Work Experience: Certification is typically required for radiologic technologists; Experience may be required for MRI technologists
10. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic/technician
- Average annual salary: $75,400
- Number of jobs (2023): 163,300
- Change in payment (2022–2023): 7%
- Experience Required: FAA certification required
Click here for Resume Genius’ full report.