The long-term economic benefits of going to college are evident; in fact, those with a bachelor’s degree earn nearly twice what those with just a high school diploma earn annually, averaging a yearly salary of $51,554, according to the Census Bureau (as cited in Anas, 2006). Unfortunately, not every college-aged student has the financial resources or the ability to commit to obtaining a four-year degree. Earning an associate’s degree, though, can provide adequate income, and there are a variety of high-paying career options available to those who pursue a two-year degree.
Radiation Therapists
Requiring only an associate’s degree, radiation therapy presents students with a lucrative career opportunity. According to Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, authors of the 2009 publication 50 Best Jobs for Your Personality, radiation therapists enjoy median annual earnings of $70,010.
Workers in the field collaborate with physicians and other medical professionals, serving to provide therapy via radiation equipment. They are also required to maintain patient records, ensuring that history of radiation treatment is up-to-date.
Registered Nurses
Also involved in the field of healthcare, registered nurses need only an associate’s degree to obtain licensure. They have annual earnings nearly as high as those of radiation therapists, bringing in an average of $60,010 a year (Farr & Shatkin, 2009).
Registered nurses are part of the healthcare team, and they work directly with patients, administering medications and maintaining patients’ medical records. They may provide patients with information regarding wellness and disease prevention, as well as record patient symptoms and vital signs. Registered nurses work with other medical professionals to design and implement patient treatment plans.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants are not paid as well as medical workers with an associate’s degree; however, they still out earn those with only a high school diploma, whose annual incomes average $28,645, according to the Census Bureau (Anas, 2006). Median yearly salaries for paralegals and legal assistants are $44,990, with a medium potential for salary growth (Farr & Shatkin, 2009).
Paralegals and other legal assistants serve to aid lawyers, investigating and gathering facts about court cases and other legal matters. They may also assist in the preparation of legal documents, such as pleadings, contracts, and wills.
Interior Designers
Earning nearly as much as paralegals and legal assistants, interior designers average annual incomes of $43,790, with a high potential for salary increases. A career as an interior designer also offers flexibility, as over a quarter of workers in the field are self-employed (Farr & Shatkin, 2009).
Interior designers plan decorations and furnishings for homes, offices, and other buildings, creating an aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere. They work with clients to design building interiors, ensuring that budget requirements and client preferences are satisfied. They may collaborate with furniture retailers, carpet installers, and design galleries to coordinate all the elements involved in designing an interior.
Interior designers enjoy substantial yearly earnings, much like those employed as radiation therapists, registered nurses, and paralegals. Requiring only two years of studying after high school, these jobs offer above-average income with only half the time and money required to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
References
Anas, B. "Degrees' value adds up." Daily Camera. 2006, Nov. 8.
Farr, M., & Shatkin, L. 50 Best Jobs for Your Personality. Indianapolis: Jist Works, 2009.
Jennifer Long - Jennifer Long holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the Ohio State University and has completed research projects in the field.
