The occupations where half or more of the workforce who have an associate's degree (or other 2-year degree) play a major role are listed below.
Occupational therapist assistants
Occupational therapist assistants assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. They may also, in accordance with State laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Median Annual Salary: $51,010 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 29.78% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 96.01%
Respiratory therapists
Respiratory therapists assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Median Annual Salary: $54,280 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 20.9% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 82.68%
Transit and railroad police
Transit and railroad police protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.
Median Annual Salary: $54,330 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 5.29% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 79.93%
Physical therapist assistants
Physical therapist assistants assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. They may also, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
Median Annual Salary: $49,690 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 33.28% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 70.59%
Veterinary technologists and technicians
Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. They may also assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Median Annual Salary: $29,710 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 35.77% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 67.75%
Dental hygienists
Dental hygienists clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. They may also educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.
Median Annual Salary: $68,250 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 36.14% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 66.78%
Art directors
Art directors formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications media, such as print, broadcasting, and advertising. Direct workers engaged in art work or layout design.
Median Annual Salary: $80,630 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 11.67% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 65.65%
Avionics technicians
Avionics technicians install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Median Annual Salary: $52,320 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 10.59% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 64.21%
Medical equipment repairers
Medical equipment repairers test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.
Median Annual Salary: $44,490 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 27.19% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 62.3%
Radiation therapists
Radiation therapists provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. They may also assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Median Annual Salary: $74,980 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 27.1% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 58.47%
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. They may also conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests. Includes vascular technologists.
Median Annual Salary: $49,410 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 24.06% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 58.37%
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. They may also work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
Median Annual Salary: $36,280 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 16.09% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 58.1%
Embalmers
Embalmers prepare bodies for interment in conformity with legal requirements.
Median Annual Salary: $43,480 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 5.22% Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 55.09%
Respiratory therapy technicians
Respiratory therapy technicians provide respiratory care under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.
Median Annual Salary: $45,210 Percentage with An Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree): 52.02%
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