The 30 highest-paying jobs you can get with an associate degree
USACE HQ/Flickr
Don't have the time or money to get a bachelor's degree?
It turns out that plenty of two-year associate degrees have a high return on investment.
According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the 30 highest-paying jobs that require only an associate degree.
Each has a median annual salary of at least $48,000.
This is an update of a story originally written by Vivian Giang.
30. Respiratory therapy technicians
Medill DC/flickrThey provide respiratory care under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.
Median annual wage (2015): $48,490
Projected job openings (through 2024): 1,100
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
29. Environmental engineering technicians
VideosatNSF via YouTubeThey modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems like waste treatment and site remediation under the direction of engineering staff or scientist.
Median annual wage (2015): $48,650
Projected job openings (through 2024): 6,400
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
28. Paralegals and legal assistants
Stacey Newman/ShutterstockThey do a variety of tasks to support lawyers like maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.
Median annual wage (2015): $48,810
Projected job openings (through 2024): 82,700
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
