Some jobs that only require associate degrees pay very high.
While college may improve a person's career opportunities and lifetime earning potential, some high school graduates debate on what type of education will best fit their goals and needs. Associate degree programs are viable options that take half the time and cost much less than four-year degrees, according to CNN. Many associate degree holders can land very well-paying positions.
Registered Nurses
Nurses can work in a variety of settings and locations, providing vast opportunities for associate degree holders. Registered nurses work at hospitals, in private practices, government organizations, schools, research laboratories and in prenatal care. Health care is one of the fastest growing fields, and nurses are sought-after professionals. According to Encarta's Degrees and Training website, there are currently more open nurse positions around the globe than there are qualified candidates. The median annual salary for this career in May 2008 was around $65,000 according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, and it is one of the most highly-paid associate degree positions.
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists clean teeth and check for oral diseases. This high-paying career only requires an associates degree and state licensing certification, and may be ideal for people who want a nice paycheck along with a healthy work-life balance. In fact, about half of all dental hygienists work part-time hours. This is one of the fastest growing occupations, and it is expected to grow faster than average because of the increasing demand for dental care. The average salary in 2008 was around $67,000 for full-time dental hygienists. Part-time annual salaries vary depending on hours worked, but the median hourly wage in 2008 was around $32 an hour.
Fashion Designers
People who love clothes and have a flair for sewing or design can earn large paychecks as fashion designers. This profession usually requires a two-year associates degree, with an educational background in trends, colors, patterns, sewing and computer-aided design (CAD). Some fashion designers work for private firms, while others work for large retailers. There are many freelance opportunities, as well as several specialties, such as maternity clothing, sportswear, footwear and jewelry design. The median annual salary for this career in 2008 was around $61,000.
Computer Support Specialists
Computer support specialists support individuals and organizations that utilize information technology. This may include answering help desk questions, providing technical assistance, setting up the office intranet or email system, and solving technical problems or issues. This associate degree position typically requires technical knowledge and a customer-service attitude. Some of these careers start out with computer installation and repair, as well as basic help desk positions, evolving into information technology director positions over time. In 2008, the average yearly salary for computer support specialists was around $46,000.
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