10 Top In-Demand Careers Requiring an Associate Degree

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Earning a high school diploma or GED is a great accomplishment—but now what? You may want to pursue further education to increase your career options, but might not want to commit to 4 more years to earn a bachelor’s degree. 

Pursuing an associate degree could be a great solution for you. You could typically complete a program in 2 years, and many jobs requiring an associate degree are in high demand. In this article, we explore the top 10 in-demand careers that require an associate degree and provide information about which industries these careers are in most demand. The rankings that follow are based on the number of projected jobs in 2031, not growth rate. See the infographic for information about the fastest-growing jobs that require an associate degree. 

Also make sure to check out our article “10 Top Top-Paying Careers Requiring an Associate Degree.”

Top 10 In-Demand Careers

1 Computer Support Specialist

Industries with the highest levels of employment in Computer Support Specialists, 2022:

IndustryEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
Computer Systems Design and Related Services 160,800$59,700
Employment Services43,800$55,230
Management of Companies and Enterprises38,150$62,970 
Elementary and Secondary Schools 35,360 $54,450
Software Publishers 29,570 $70,960 

What They Do:

Provide technical support to computer users; maintain networks

Employment, 2021

875,700

Projected employment, 2031

932,100

2 Preschool Teacher

Industries with the highest levels of employment in Preschool Teachers, 2022:

IndustryEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
Child Care Services 290,870$34,480
Elementary and Secondary Schools75,700$53,200
Individual and Family Services 12,530$39,470
Religious Organizations 7,240$40,960
Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OEWS Designation) 6,490$45,140

What they do:

Care for and teach basic skills to children who have not yet entered kindergarten

Employment, 2021

483,100

Projected employment, 2031

556,000

3Paralegal/Legal Assistant

Industries with the highest levels of employment in Paralegals and Legal Assistants, 2022:

IndustryEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
Legal Services 263,170$60,570 
Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OEWS Designation) 16,420$61,190 
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) 15,080 $76,310 
State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OEWS Designation) 10,850 $52,900 
Management of Companies and Enterprises 6,890 $84,260 

What they do:

Assist lawyers in conducting research, writing drafts and reports, and maintaining files

Employment, 2021

352,800

Projected employment, 2031

402,700

4Radiologic and MRI Technologist

Industries with the highest levels of employment in Radiologic and MRI Technologists, Postsecondary, 2022:

IndustryEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals125,430 $71,260 
Offices of Physicians 40,390 $62,220 
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories 16,060 $70,460 
Outpatient Care Centers 15,050 $81,530 
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) 5,980 $78,160 

What they do:

Perform diagnostic tests on patients with equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners; adjust and maintain equipment

Employment, 2021

264,000

Projected employment, 2031

281,000

5Dental Hygienist

Industries with the highest levels of employment of Dental Hygienists, 2022:

IndustryEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
Offices of Dentists 203,330$85,110
Employment Services 2,630$88,670
Offices of Physicians 2,080$77,070
Outpatient Care Centers 1,850$86,580
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) 870$69,450

What they do:

Clean and polish teeth, look for dental disease, educate patients about oral health

Employment, 2021

214,000

Projected employment, 2031

214,000

6Physical Therapist Assistant/Aide

Industries with the highest levels of employment in Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, 2022:

IndustryEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
Offices of Other Health Practitioners 44,900 $59,970 
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 17,640 $63,430 
Home Health Care Services 11,810 $78,360 
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) 8,950 $72,800 
Offices of Physicians 4,810 $59,310 

Typical entry-level education

Master’s degree in social work

Employment, 2021

179,500

Projected employment, 2031

199,300

7Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

IndustryEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 45,770 $84,340 
Offices of Physicians 20,220 $82,890 
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories 8,510 $78,190 
Outpatient Care Centers 3,240 $113,680 
Employment Services 920 $79,550 

What they do:

Conduct tests and create images using sonography equipment

Employment, 2021

140,400

Projected employment, 2031

155,100

8Respiratory Therapist

Industries with the highest levels of employment in Respiratory Therapists, 2022:

IndustryEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 97,800$74,240 
Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals 7,720 $72,600 
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) 4,950 $69,770 
Employment Services 3,280 $108,330
Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers 2,490 $63,610 

What they do:

Master’s degree from a physician assistant program

Employment, 2021

135,800

Projected employment, 2031

154,200

9Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist/Technician

Industries with the highest levels of employment in Veterinary Technologists and Technicians, 2022:

IndustryEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
Veterinary and Photography Services 109,230 $40,300  
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools 2,850 $47,680 
Social Advocacy Organizations 2,200 $39,310 
Other Personal Services 1,560 $39,180 
Scientific Research and Development Services 740 $62,030 

What they do:

Aid veterinarians in conducting tests, examining, and caring for animals

Employment, 2021

122,800

Projected employment, 2031

146,900

10Medical Equipment Repairer

Industries with the highest levels of employment in Medical Equipment Repairers, 2022:

IndustryEmploymentAnnual mean wage 
Elementary and Secondary Schools24,070 $63,790 
Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance 10,770 $59,060 
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 6,630 $71,320 
Rental and leasing services (5322, 5323, and 5324 only) 4,180 $43,500 
Outpatient Care Centers 3,600 $56,280 

What they do:

Repair and maintain medical equipment such as ventilators, anesthesia machines, electric wheelchairs, and hospital beds

Employment, 2021

59,100

Projected employment, 2031

69,100

 

Source: https://www.bls.gov/

Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Accessed 8/9/2023. 

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