In short
The best-paying associate degree jobs in May 2025 BLS data include air traffic controllers, radiation therapists, nuclear technicians, nuclear medicine technologists, dental hygienists, sonographers and MRI technologists, many with medians near or above $95,000. Most are in healthcare and require clinical training and a license or credential.
Ranked by median pay
| # | Job | Median pay | Typical way in | Growth 2025 to 2035 | Openings a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air traffic controllers (BLS) | $148,080 | Associate degree | 1.7% | 2,100 |
| 2 | Nuclear technicians (BLS) | $110,240 | Associate degree | 1.1% | 900 |
| 3 | Radiation therapists (BLS) | $105,310 | Associate degree | 2.8% | 700 |
| 4 | Nuclear medicine technologists (BLS) | $101,370 | Associate degree | 4.4% | 800 |
| 5 | Dental hygienists | $98,100 | Associate degree | 8% | 15,000 |
| 6 | Diagnostic medical sonographers | $96,590 | Associate degree | 13.9% | 6,000 |
| 7 | Magnetic resonance imaging technologists | $95,480 | Associate degree | 7.7% | 2,300 |
| 8 | Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians (BLS) | $82,890 | Associate degree | 11.9% | 1,100 |
| 9 | Respiratory therapists | $82,280 | Associate degree | 8.5% | 8,600 |
| 10 | Radiologic technologists and technicians | $80,110 | Associate degree | 5% | 13,000 |
| 11 | Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians (BLS) | $78,190 | Associate degree | 2.4% | 8,100 |
| 12 | Electrical and electronics drafters (BLS) | $76,870 | Associate degree | a decline of 3.4% | 1,400 |
| 13 | Computer network support specialists (BLS) | $76,220 | Associate degree | 1.2% | 9,000 |
| 14 | Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (BLS) | $74,510 | Associate degree | 1.3% | 3,100 |
| 15 | Cardiovascular technologists and technicians | $74,310 | Associate degree | 3.7% | 3,400 |
| 16 | Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians (BLS) | $73,900 | Associate degree | 2.6% | 1,400 |
| 17 | Occupational therapy assistants | $72,300 | Associate degree | 21.5% | 8,100 |
| 18 | Mechanical drafters (BLS) | $71,550 | Associate degree | a decline of 6% | 2,900 |
| 19 | Physical therapist assistants | $68,380 | Associate degree | 23% | 18,500 |
| 20 | Health information technologists and medical registrars (BLS) | $68,020 | Associate degree | 15.9% | 3,000 |
| 21 | Calibration technologists and technicians (BLS) | $67,820 | Associate degree | 4.8% | 1,500 |
| 22 | Architectural and civil drafters (BLS) | $66,150 | Associate degree | 5.2% | 9,100 |
| 23 | Industrial engineering technologists and technicians (BLS) | $66,120 | Associate degree | 3.1% | 6,600 |
| 24 | Civil engineering technologists and technicians (BLS) | $64,950 | Associate degree | 3.2% | 6,100 |
| 25 | Hydrologic technicians (BLS) | $64,790 | Associate degree | a decline of 1.3% | 400 |
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 (Table 1.2), May 2025 median wages, retrieved 2026-10-09. Openings include jobs that open up when people retire or switch fields.
Choosing a program
Healthcare associate programs are often competitive with science prerequisites. Check graduates' licensing pass rates and earnings on College Scorecard.
Questions people ask
What is the highest-paying associate degree?
Air traffic control tops the list, but hiring is through the FAA with strict rules. Radiation therapy and nuclear medicine lead healthcare.
Are associate degree jobs in demand?
Many healthcare ones are projected to grow through 2035.
Can I get an associate degree online?
Some parts, but healthcare programs require in-person clinical training.