We could all use a bit more in our monthly paycheck. But what if a salary boost could be a two-year degree away? With an associate degree, you may find the financial freedom you've been looking for.
It's true that education boosts salaries. Whether you earn a doctorate degree or a certificate, you're adding to your earning potential as you boost your knowledge. If you've been putting off an education because you're worried about the time commitment, you might consider a shorter associate degree.
An associate degree gives you the focused training you need to enter the workforce with efficiency. Check out just a few careers possible with an associate degree, with salary statistics and perks for each.
Dental hygienist
Working closely with dentists to perform clinical tasks, dental hygienists have their patients' comfort and safety in their hands. If you're interested in working in health care but worried about the educational commitment required, earning an associate degree in dental hygiene is one option. Hygienists are needed in dentist offices, clinics and research laboratories.
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- Healthy salary: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that dental hygienists saw mean annual wages of $64,910 in 2007. Between the paycheck and the great dental benefits, you'll really have something to smile about.
- Unique career perks: Free dental floss is just one fun perk of having an employer who doubles as the family dentist.
Nurse
Put your empathy to good use by training to become a nurse. An associate degree is one of three paths towards the profession, the other two being a bachelor's degree and a diploma. With the associate degree plus certification, you can become a registered nurse and practice in a range of health care backgrounds.
- Strong wages: The BLS notes that in 2007, nurses earned mean annual wages of $62,480. With more education, specialization and even higher wages may be possible.
- Unique career perks: The broad health care knowledge you gain as a nurse means less guesswork when treating stuffy noses and sore throats at home.
Electrical engineering technician
Think of working as an electrical engineering technician as having a true behind-the-scenes job. Wherever communication devices, computers, medical monitoring, and other electrical devices are being developed, maintained, and monitored, electrical engineering technicians are there. The work of technicians is more application-oriented than that of engineers, giving you a chance to really focus.
- Big earnings: Electrical engineering technicians saw mean annual earnings of $52,470 in 2007, the BLS reports. Go on to receive your bachelor's degree and enjoy even higher earnings.
- Unique career perks: Bringing testing equipment home from work to figure out why the microwave keeps randomly switching off.
Fashion designer
Do you have a passion for fashion? Training to become a fashion designer gives you a chance to look closely at the industry you love. Courses in patternmaking, textiles, marketing and other aspects of the industry helps you find focus in the field.
- Great salary: The BLS reports that fashion designers earned mean annual wages of $71,170. Earnings vary greatly by position and location; be ready to work your way up the ladder.
- Unique career perks: Getting a sneak peek at the hottest runway picks keeps your style at the cutting edge for every season.
Paralegal
Whether you're interested in eventually working your way into law school or you're simply fascinated by the criminal justice system and interested in working behind the scenes, a career as a paralegal may be right up your alley. An associate degree in paralegal studies gives you the basic law instruction you'll need.
- Wage upgrade: Paralegals saw mean annual earnings of $47,600 in 2007, the BLS reports. While that figure is the average for all states, your location could easily bump you over the magic $50,000 mark.
- Unique career perks: Gratis legal advice is one perk of having a lawyer as a boss. Another could be the letters of reference you get for law school or other careers in the criminal justice industry.
Computer support specialists
Working as a support specialist means you're the guru everyone goes to with their network and computer system questions. While some support careers may require a bachelor's degree, an associate degree is a common choice for many technical and support careers.
- High earnings: In 2007, computer support specialists earned mean annual wages of $45,300, according to the BLS. With overtime, freelance work, and side projects, earning over $50,000 could be a breeze.
- Unique career perks: Imagine never again being puzzled by an issue on your personal computer. If you find a support job in retail, sales discounts could be another bonus.
Online associate degree training
While no associate degree program can guarantee a particular career or salary, hiring managers in the above fields typically prefer or require formal training at the associate degree level. Attending school online makes it easier for you to schedule school around your current life, easing the transition into an education.
The results of a short associate degree program could be a satisfying career, a higher salary and a higher standard of living. If you've been thinking about an education for a while, an associate degree may be the best place to start.
