In order to get a high paying job, you need to have a good education. This is true for white collar jobs, and blue collar jobs as well. You see, even the best paying blue collar jobs, like those in the trades, generally require you to have spent time in either trade school or an apprenticeship (or both).
Like we said, a good education.
And, as you probably know, people with college degrees generally make more money than people with no college credits (or career-school training) at all. In fact, recent data show that people with a bachelor’s degree earn a median of $77,636 a year, while people with only a high school diploma earn a median of $46,748.[1]
So, if the potential to earn more money is something you’re interested in, then advancing your education should be a priority (even if you choose to do so while working).
But get this…
While bachelor’s degree holders can earn a great living, you may not need a four year degree to earn big bucks. You see, there are a lot of jobs out there that pay very good (some with six figures, in fact), that only require an associate degree, or similar length-education.
Today, FindYourJobNow.com will share some jobs that pay up to 6-figures… that only require an associate degree at most…
And we’ll show you how to find one too!
Ready?
Let’s get to the jobs![2]
Air traffic controller: If you’ve watched the news at any point during the past couple of years, you probably know that we have a big shortage of air traffic controllers. Because of this, salaries can be very, very good. The median salary for an air traffic controller is about $144,000 a year.
Nuclear technician: This sounds like a job that would require you to have a PhD. But it’s not! With an associate degree as your starting point, you could end up making a median salary of about $104,000.
Radiation therapist: Another job that sounds like you need a doctorate, radiation therapists can make a median salary of about $101,000 with just an associate degree and some special certifications.
Powerplant operator: By keeping “the juice” flowing, you could make a median salary of about $94k a year.
MRI technologist: median salary $87k a year.
Software developer/engineer: With your associate degree, you can generally expect to make about $67k a year, but as you gain more experience in the field, a mid-career median salary would be around $112,000.
Commercial pilot: When you think of pilots, you probably think of airline pilots. But non-airline commercial pilots (cargo, etc.), can make a great living too, with a salary generally ranging between $91k and $165k.
Instrumentation/Control Engineering Tech: By installing and maintaining complex control systems, you could earn a median salary of about $101,000.
Master plumber: A wonderful trade job that can pay really well, master plumbers make a median salary of about $100,000 a year.
Boilermaker: Another great trade job that pays. Boilermakers make a median salary of about $75k, but some make over $100k a year.
Fire chief: Yes, fire chiefs need education beyond “field training.” And with your associate degree (and yes, a lot of experience) you could end up making a median salary of around $105,000.
Network support specialists: Keeping computer systems running smoothly, the median salary enjoyed by these pros is about $122,000.
Dental hygienist: Clean teeth, make a median of $94k a year.
Electrical line installer/repairer: Yes, it’s dangerous, but you could earn a median salary of about $82,000 a year.
Construction manager: Earns a median of $133,000 a year.
Now, if you already have an associate degree in any of the career fields above, and are looking for a job right now…
Simply visit our homepage at FindYourJobNow.com.
Finding a job there is pretty self-explanatory. Just use the advanced job search toolbar!
However, if you don’t have an associate degree, but are looking to earn one so you can qualify for the big bucks, head over to SchoolMatchPro.com. They can help connect you with a degree program to get you on track, asap.
As we said, and just showed, having an education, even a two year education, can lead to a really good paying job.
So, always keep that in mind!
[1] College Graduate Salaries: 2025 Projections | Bankrate
[2] 15 Jobs That Pay $100K or More With An Associates Degree