What are the highest paying associate degrees in the US in 2023?
If you don’t want to invest in four years for a college diploma, an associate degree could be a good option. Here are the highest-paying fields of study.

Every year, millions of senior high school students confront major decisions about what to do after graduation. One option for those who don’t want to spend too many years in college is to go for an associate degree. This is usually awarded by community colleges, technical colleges, and some universities after completing a program of study that usually lasts around two years.
It’s equivalent to the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree program, and can be a transitional path between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree.
READ ALSO: 15 cities where home prices are below market
Some students choose to join the workforce right after earning an associate degree, as it qualifies them for certain entry-level positions. These degrees are available in various fields of study, such as business, engineering, and health sciences.
Some associate degrees can lead to high-paying careers, making it an attractive alternative to studying for a four-year degree.
What are the highest paying associate degrees in the US in 2023?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many fields which require an associate degree as an entry-level academic requirement pay at least $30,000 as the average annual wage. Some jobs pay much more than that. Here is a list of some of the top-paying associate degrees in the US this year.
- Air traffic control (average yearly salary: $80,000 or more)
- Nuclear technology (average yearly salary: approximately $80,000 or more)
- Radiation therapy (average yearly salary: approximately $80,000 or more)
- Nuclear medicine technology (average yearly salary: approximately $60,000 to $80,000)
- Dental hygiene (average yearly salary: approximately $60,000 to $80,000)
- Aerospace engineering (average yearly salary: approximately $60,000 to $80,000)
- Funeral services (average yearly salary: approximately $60,000 to $80,000)
- Physical therapy (average yearly salary: approximately $60,000 to $80,000)
- Computer network support (average yearly salary: approximately $60,000 to $80,000)
- Occupational therapy (average yearly salary: approximately $60,000 to $80,000)