Highest Paying Associates Degree Jobs 2010

1. Nuclear Medicine Technologist: this career involves the use of radioactive pharmaceuticals to both treat illness and track its progress. Average salary: $66,660
2. Medical Sonographer: earn an associate degree for ultrasound technician and join a fast-growing healthcare profession. Average salary: $61, 980
3. Dental Hygienist: many professionals in this field work in more than one dentist's office and schedule their own hours, in effect functioning as a self-employed contractor. Average salary: $57,148
4. Registered Nurse: Forty two percent of all people entering the nursing profession are still doing it with an associate degree in nursing. Average salary: $55,276
5. Radiologic Technician: an associates' degree in radiography will put you into an interesting medical niche where technology is changing the field. Average salary: $52,210
6. Engineering Technician: this field varies by type of engineering but it's a great two-year education option. An engineering technician degree in aerospace/aviation pays an average of $55,040. For electrical engineering technicians, it's $53,240.
7. Paralegal: trained assistants have become invaluable in most law firms. The median national salary is $50,010.
8. Court Reporter: it takes a degree in court reporting plus experience to become proficient at real-time voice writing. Average salary: $49,710.
9. Respiratory Therapist: exceptional job growth is expected in this field. State licensure is required. Average salary: $52,200.
10. Occupational Therapy Assistant: another field expecting huge job growth; 30% over the next decade. Average salary is $48.230, but those working in home health care and nursing facilities earn over $50,000.