14 Great Jobs That Require An Associate’s Degrees (And Aren’t In the Healthcare Field) - Page 3

Some months back, we published an article that featured 15 jobs that only required an associate’s degree. With the unpleasant state of student loans nowadays it’s definitely still a relevant topic. But we noticed that quite a few of them were in the healthcare field. Yes, the healthcare industry is growing tremendously but what about us folks that are weirded out by blood? Or as Hail Ants notes in the comments of that story, just don’t want to “touch a bunch of strangers?” Well, here’s a list of 15 great new jobs that only require an associate’s in a variety of fields.

 Salary information was collected from here, here, here, and here.

Early Childhood/Preschool Teacher

The average salary is about $34,000, which isn’t a fortune, but it’s a worthwhile contribution to the family budget. And it’s perfect for working mothers because when your child is home from school so are you. The need for qualified people to teach small children is great.

 A new ranking of the biggest law firms around from The American Lawyer was published last month.

Nuclear Technician

Sounds intricate doesn’t it? The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the job is an assistant’s position where you “operate special equipment used in these activities and monitor the levels of radiation that are produced.” This a growing field as we search for alternative sources of energy. The average salary is $68,090.

Personal Trainer

This is a great career for anyone who loves physical activity and working with people.  Not only do you earn a median salary of $53,559 but chances are, your health insurance will be pretty low too. Moreover, if you really love it, it could set you up for opening your own gym.

Correctional Officer

This is a tough job for tough folks, so this isn’t one to enter into just for the pay. You need to have a commitment to law enforcement or the prison system on top of a need for a career. If you’re up to the challenge you’ll be rewarded with a salary of $55,910.

Loan Officer

Good with numbers and evaluating risk? Then you might be a great loan officer. Given the economy, you have to be OK with not being the most popular person at the party. But, on average, they make about $56,490 a year.

Public Transportation Operator

No matter what, people will always need to get to work. Your job could be getting them there. Transportation operators earn about $57,200 annually.

Hospitality Manger

Do you have a warm smile and the patience of Job? Then you could be an awesome hospitality manager. These are the wonderful people at hotels, resorts, and some upscale restaurants that make sure that guests have a wonderful experience. For the more upscale hotels, that can include some extreme requests from demanding celebrities and wealthy guests. For all of their hard work, they earn about $46,320 annually.

Commercial Pilot

If you enjoy travel and get a thrill from adventure, this is an avenue for you to consider. The pressure is high but so is the salary. With the right skills you can earn about $65,800.

Graphic Designer

With the right combination of talent and skill you can design everything from product packaging to signs. Creativity is key for this profession. The average salary is about $42,400.

Funeral Director

This one’s a little sad but very important. You can be the person that helps a family in their greatest time of need. In exchange you’ll earn about $52,210. If you want to actually embalm the bodies you’ll need additional licensure but you’ll also make more money.

Computer Support Specialist

Computers are the way of the future (and the present) but with all the new technology the general public has more and more questions! With the right skills and tons of patience you could help grandmas email their grandkids, or kick it up a notch and work for an organization that has to manage a network and the technology challenged. The pay is about $44,300.

14. Electrician

Thanks to Edison I don’t see this job going anywhere anytime soon. They earn a respectable $48,250 annually.

Web Developer

Websites are crucial to every small business or organization but not everyone knows how to make them. Learn the right codes and programs and you can take home about $66,100 annually.

Take a second look at your local community or junior college and see what an associate’s degree can do for you. The salaries are nice but having a career that you truly enjoy is priceless.