If you're hunting for a new career that pays handsomely for the amount of time it takes to earn a degree, you're not alone. Careers in technology, healthcare, fashion and law are thriving, pay well, and you can begin applying for jobs as soon as you complete your associate degree. Many two-year degree programs are available online from colleges and trade schools, so you can enroll this fall without disrupting your work or family commitments.
According to the Department of Labor, jobs for paralegals, dental hygienists, nurses, and computer support specialists are among the fastest-growing occupations, with the largest numerical increases in employment for the 2006-2016 decade. Even better, these careers are among the top-ten highest-paying professions where job candidates can apply for openings with as little as an associate degree.
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Here's a breakdown of career training requirements for five fast-rising jobs with good incomes, as well as requirements for two other professions among the top-paying occupations for those with an associate degree:
Paralegals
Lawyers in private practice, corporate law departments and government agencies are tackling a heavy load of backlogged cases. To ease the burden, they're increasingly turning to paralegals and legal secretaries to handle research, document preparation, court transactions and client depositions.
You can prepare for the field in a two-year, associate degree program in paralegal studies and apply for work in civil, criminal or corporate law offices. Job growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), will reach a torrid 22 percent during the 2006-2016 decade. Paralegals earned a median salary of $46,120 in 2008, with top earners taking home $73,450.
Dental hygienists
Hygienists make the most out of their two-year dental hygiene degrees. Working chair-side in dental offices and clinics, they often enjoy flexible hours and great benefits. They belong to the fastest-growing career groups in the land, with an astounding 30 percent rise in job openings projected by the BLS between 2006 and 2016. The median wage for dental hygienists was $66,570 in 2008. Top earnings hit $91,470.
Registered nurses
One of the greatest advantages in completing an associate degree in nursing is the breadth of employment opportunities. While most registered nurses are employed by hospitals, many take jobs in private physicians' offices, clinics, extended care facilities, schools, government health organizations or laboratories. You can also apply for travel nursing jobs, taking temporary positions throughout the United States and around the globe. Following your two-year degree program, you'll need to pass national exams to become registered. In 2008, registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $62,450, with a salary of $92,240 for top earners.
Computer specialists
Find a medium-sized or large corporate enterprise in the land that doesn't employ computer help specialists, and you'll find chaos. Computer specialists assist employees at their work stations, answer calls for technical help, staff phone banks to assist customers or troubleshoot networks. They may install new software or train employees to use email or Internet systems.
Given the number of companies in technology, finance, healthcare and communications that depend on specialists, it's not surprising that job opportunities are predicted to rise by 18 percent between 2006 and 2016. If you complete your associate degree in technology or computer repair, you'll be among the highest-earning professionals who hold a two-year degree. In 2008, computer specialists earned a median salary of $43,450, with top-end earnings at $70,750.
Radiation therapists
Radiation therapists also rank among the fastest-growing, best-paid occupations for graduates of associate degree programs. This is a perfect career for someone who cares about others, since you'll provide necessary treatment for people afflicted with tumors or cancerous conditions.
You'll need to complete a career training program from a college or medical trade school to join the profession, and in many states, you'll need certification by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow by 25 percent between 2006 and 2016. Median annual earnings for radiation therapists in 2008 were $72,910, with top-tier earnings of $104,350.
Fashion designers
While openings for fashion designers are not increasing as fast as those for the previous occupations, the salaries remain in the top-ten for professionals holding an associate degree. Learn about fashion history, current trends, fashion design software and trade skills in your online two-year degree program and take it to the runway…and the bank. You can also earn a two-year degree in fashion merchandising, if selling and marketing is your thing. Fashionistas in design trades took home a median annual income of $61,160 in 2008, with top-end salaries reaching $124,780.
Engineering technicians
Engineering technicians work in laboratories in the private sector, education or in government, assisting engineers with research and development procedures. You may gather data into software, set up and take down lab equipment, and/or learn state-of-the-art skills in quality control and manufacturing. You'll need to complete your associate degree in engineering or technology. Engineering fields that need technicians include environmental, electromechanical, industrial and construction. For techs in environmental engineering, the BLS predicts a 25 percent growth in job openings through 2016. In 2008, the median wage for electrical engineering technicians was $53,240.
There are, of course, other careers that you can enter with as little as an associate degree. But if you're considering training for a new career, mull over the job growth and the pay scale for these hot careers. Many pay higher wages than professions that require applicants to complete four years of schooling.
