26 High-Paying Jobs That You Can Get With An Associate's Degree

No college experience required

Business Insider

Avionics technicians: high median salary, no bachelor's degree required.

By Jacquelyn Smith

Don't have the time or money to get a bachelor's degree? It turns out that plenty of two-year associate's degrees have a high return on investment.

According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the 26 highest-paying jobs that require only an associate's degree. Each has a median annual salary of at least $50,000.

This is an update of a story originally written by Vivian Giang.

26. Mechanical Drafters

Median annual wage (2012): $50,360

Projected job openings (through 2022): 8,900
Work experience: None
Description: Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
> Find a job as a mechanical drafter

25. Industrial Engineering Technicians

Median annual wage (2012): $50,980

Projected job openings (through 2022): 14,100
Work experience: None
Description: Help industrial engineers implement designs to use personnel, materials, and machines in factories, stores, healthcare organizations, repair shops, and offices.
On-the-job training: None





Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

24. Electromechanical Technicians

Median annual wage (2012): $51,820

Projected job openings (through 2022): 4,300
Work experience: None
Description: Install, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems, like robotic assembly machines.
On-the-job training: None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
> Find a job as an electromechanical technician


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