20 In-Demand Jobs You Can Get With a Two-Year Degree
Writer & Editor
Editor
Writer & Editor
Editor
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.
A two-year degree can open up a world of opportunities and lead to fulfilling and high-paying careers. Whether just starting your education journey or looking to make a career change, a two-year degree can provide a solid foundation for a successful future.
In fact, there are many high-demand jobs that only require a two-year degree, including dental hygienist, registered nurse, air traffic controller, and web developer.
But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose the right program. We'll explore the top 20 in-demand jobs that you can qualify for with an associate degree, as well as factors you should consider when choosing a program.
Featured Online Associate Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
20 In-Demand Jobs You Can Get With an Associate Degree
1. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational therapy assistants help clients perform exercises related to common daily activities, record their progress, and report to occupational therapists. They provide a range of rehabilitative services to individuals who have physical, developmental, emotional, or mental impairments.
You need an associate degree from an accredited program and a professional license to become an occupational therapy assistant.
2. Veterinary Technician
Veterinary technicians, also known as vet techs, are similar to nurses for animals. They provide basic care, perform lab work, and assist veterinarians with procedures. Vet techs often work in animal hospitals and private clinics, and their work involves hands-on contact with a variety of animals.
An associate degree in veterinary technology is usually required to become a vet tech, along with passing a state-specific credentialing exam.
3. Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapist assistants work under the direction of physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and regain movement. They help patients with exercises, provide treatments, and report patient progress to the physical therapist.
To become a physical therapist assistant, you'll need an associate degree from an accredited program and licensure or certification.
4. Web Developer
Web developers design and build websites, creating the look and feel of a site and ensuring its performance, speed, and capacity. They also integrate graphics, audio, and video and monitor website traffic. For this role, you'll need a good understanding of both graphic design and computer programming.
Education requirements for this role can vary, but it's becoming increasingly common for companies to only require an associate degree in web design or a related field.
5. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers use special imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests that help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. They prepare patients for procedures, operate equipment, and record findings.
An associate degree in sonography is typically required to enter this field. Faster-than-average job growth is projected for this occupation, driven by the healthcare needs of an aging population.
6. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists work with patients who have difficulty breathing. They provide treatment and emergency care for patients suffering from heart attacks, stroke, drowning, or shock. They may also provide long-term care for patients with emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
To become a respiratory therapist, you'll need an associate degree in respiratory therapy. All states, except Alaska, require respiratory therapists to be licensed.
7. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists play a crucial role in oral health care. They examine patients for signs of oral diseases like gingivitis, provide preventive care, and educate patients on proper oral hygiene. Dental hygienists also conduct initial oral screenings, clean teeth, and assist dentists in treating teeth or gum diseases.
To enter this field, you must earn a two-year degree in dental hygiene and become licensed.
8. HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. As current professionals retire or change careers, HVAC technicians continue to be in high demand.
An associate degree in HVAC technology can provide the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to enter this profession.
9. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) are at the heart of healthcare, providing and coordinating patient care in a variety of settings. They assess patient health needs, administer care, and educate patients and the public about health conditions. To become an RN, you'll typically need an associate degree in nursing (ADN), though some states now require a bachelor's in nursing (BSN) to qualify for RN licensure.
10. Computer Network Support Specialist
Computer network support specialists analyze, troubleshoot, and evaluate computer network problems. They play a vital role in the routine maintenance of their organization's networks, including performing file backups and configuring systems to meet the organization's needs.
An associate degree in computer science or a related field is typically required for this role. After earning a degree, you can gain practical, hands-on experience through an internship or entry-level position.
11. Medical Lab Technician
Medical Lab Technicians (MLTs) collect and analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances to determine normal or abnormal findings. They operate sophisticated equipment and instruments to identify these results.
MLTs perform tests and procedures ordered by physicians or other healthcare personnel. They work in doctor's offices, clinics, and diagnostic labs.
An associate degree in medical technology or a related field is typically required to become an MLT.
12. Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists play a crucial role in diagnosing patient conditions. They operate imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, to capture images of the body's internal structures for doctors to examine. Radiologic technologists also prepare patients for procedures, position them correctly, and maintain equipment.
An associate degree is typically required to enter this field, along with licensure or certification in most states.
13. Avionics Technician
Avionics technicians install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or spacecraft. They are responsible for ensuring all avionics equipment functions correctly before takeoff and troubleshooting and repairing any issues encountered.
A two-year degree in avionics or aviation technology, along with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, is typically required.
14. Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular technologists conduct tests on the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. They perform procedures such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, and lung capacity tests. Cardiovascular technologists must be skilled in active listening, critical thinking, and medical terminology. An associate degree is typically required to enter this field.
15. Paralegal
Paralegals support lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and organizing and maintaining files. While they can't provide legal advice to clients, paralegals play a vital role in the legal system.
A two-year associate degree in paralegal studies can provide the necessary knowledge and skills to enter this field.
16. Industrial Engineering Technician
Industrial engineering technicians assist industrial engineers in devising efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service. They prepare machinery and equipment layouts, plan workflows, conduct statistical production studies, and analyze production costs. A two-year associate degree in industrial engineering technology is typically required.
17. Geographic Information Systems Technician
Geographic information systems (GIS) technicians play a crucial role in collecting, storing, and using data to create detailed maps. They produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports using spatial analysis procedures and GIS technology. GIS technicians design and prepare graphic representations of GIS data, maintain or modify existing GIS databases, and provide technical expertise to clients or users.
An associate degree in a related field is typically required to become a GIS technician.
18. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers ensure the safe and orderly movement of aircraft within the global air traffic control system. They guide planes during takeoff and landing, monitor aircraft during flight, and manage the flow of aircraft in the sky.
Air traffic controllers work in airport control towers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and en route center control areas. Although a bachelor's degree is often required, there are FAA-approved associate degree programs that can lead to a career in air traffic control.
19. Civil Engineering Technician
Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers plan and design the infrastructure that supports our daily life — including roads, bridges, utilities, and other public works projects.
They read and review project drawings and plans, estimate costs, prepare reports, inspect project sites, and use software to design detailed project plans. An associate degree in civil engineering technology is typically required.
20. Nuclear Technician
Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear production. They operate special equipment used in these activities and monitor the levels of radiation that are produced.
To enter this field, a two-year associate degree in nuclear science or a nuclear-related technology is typically required. In addition, practical training in the military or on-the-job training can also be beneficial.
What to Consider When Choosing a Two-Year Degree Program
Choosing a two-year degree program requires careful consideration of several factors — your career goals, the program cost, and the program's accreditation.
Career Goals
Whether your goal is to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or use your associate degree as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree, you should choose a program that aligns with your ambitions.
Educational Costs
Tuition, fees, and the cost of books and supplies can add up quickly, so it's important to understand these expenses upfront. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the average cost of tuition and fees for a public two-year in-state college was $3,564, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Program Accreditation
Accreditation is a crucial factor when choosing a two-year degree program. It indicates that the program meets certain standards of quality and can affect your ability to receive federal financial aid, the transferability of credits, licensure eligibility, and even employment opportunities after graduation.
Advantages of a Two-Year Degree
Earning a two-year degree offers several benefits, from a shorter time commitment and lower tuition costs compared to a four-year degree to potential career opportunities and higher earning potential.
Time Commitment
The time commitment for an associate degree is significantly less compared to a bachelor's degree. This makes it an appealing option for those who want to quickly gain the skills and credentials needed to enter the workforce. However, the time it takes to complete a degree can vary based on factors such as your course load and whether you choose to study part-time or full-time.
Financial Benefits
A two-year degree can also lead to significant financial benefits. Not only is the cost of tuition typically lower, but having a degree can lead to higher earnings. On average, those with an associate degree earn more than those with only a high school diploma.
Career Opportunities
A two-year degree can open the door to a variety of career opportunities. Graduates can find work in high-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, and public service. These roles offer good salaries and positive job outlooks.
