A brand new report by the net profession sources platform Resume Genius discovered that now is a good time to carry an affiliate’s diploma (or start the trail to get one).
The median wage for an affiliate diploma holder ($62,180) is greater than the U.S. median salary ($48,060) and profession alternatives for affiliate diploma holders, or these with a two-year diploma, are expected to grow by 6.3% over the subsequent 10 years, in line with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Utilizing the most recent BLS data, Resume Genius compiled a listing, the 2025 High-Pay Associate Degree Jobs Report, that showcases the ten highest-paying jobs that ask for an affiliate diploma.
“In 2025, wages are up throughout the board for each occupation on our listing,” mentioned Eva Chan, profession professional at Resume Genius. “It highlights not solely rising employer demand but additionally the potential to earn extra in fields like healthcare, aviation, and know-how.”
With the intention to be included on the listing, the roles needed to particularly require an affiliate diploma, be projected to both develop (or a minimum of stay regular) over the subsequent decade, and have an annual wage that surpasses the U.S. common.
Listed below are the ten highest-paying jobs for affiliate diploma holders, in line with the report.
1. Air visitors controller
- Median annual wage: $137,380
- Variety of jobs (2023): 24,000
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 4%
- Work expertise required: Should go FAA assessments and coaching
2. Nuclear technician
- Median annual wage: $101,740
- Variety of jobs (2023): 5,400
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 1%
- Work expertise required: On-the-job coaching supplied
3. Radiation therapist
- Median annual wage: $98,300
- Variety of jobs (2023): 17,200
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 10%
- Work expertise required: Licensing or certification could also be required relying on state rules
4. Nuclear drugs technologist
- Median annual wage: $92,500
- Variety of jobs (2023): 17,800
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 8%
- Work expertise required: Licensing required in all states
5. Dental hygienist
- Median annual wage: $87,530
- Variety of jobs (2023): 214,100
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 8%
- Work expertise required: Licensing required in numerous states
6. Diagnostic medical sonographer, Cardiovascular technologist/technician
- Median annual wage: $80,850
- Variety of jobs (2023): 143,400
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 3%
- Work expertise required: Certification could also be required
7. Respiratory therapist
- Median annual wage: $77,960
- Variety of jobs (2023): 133,900
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 11%
- Work expertise required: Licensing required in most states
8. Aerospace engineering and operations technologist/technician
- Median annual wage: $77,830
- Variety of jobs (2023): 11,000
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 7%
- Work expertise required: Varies by place
9. Radiologic and MRI technologist
- Median annual wage: $76,020
- Variety of jobs (2023): 271,200
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 13%
- Work expertise required: Certification is often required for radiologic technologists; expertise could also be required for MRI technologists
10. Plane and avionics tools mechanic/technician
- Median annual wage: $75,400
- Variety of jobs (2023): 163,300
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 7%
- Work expertise required: FAA certification required
Click here for the total report from Resume Genius.
