* Certain Healthcare Roles: Some medical assisting, dental hygiene, respiratory therapy, and surgical technology programs may lead to jobs with salaries approaching or potentially exceeding $70,000, *especially* in high-cost-of-living areas or with significant experience. Competition is typically high in these fields.
* Specialized Trades (with experience and certifications): Some skilled trades, like certain types of welding, HVAC/R, or electrical work, could potentially earn salaries in this range after gaining several years of experience and obtaining necessary licenses and certifications. This often means climbing the ranks from apprentice to journeyman or master level.
* Computer-Related Fields (with specific skills): Associate degrees in areas like network administration or certain programming specializations *might* lead to jobs that approach this salary level, particularly with relevant certifications (like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ etc.) and proven experience. Again, competition in IT is fierce.
* Management Positions (after experience): An associate's degree might serve as a stepping stone to management positions in certain industries. However, reaching a $70,000 salary would typically require years of experience and demonstrated success in a supervisory role.
Important Considerations:
* Location: Cost of living significantly impacts salaries. A $70,000 salary in a rural area has much higher purchasing power than the same salary in a major metropolitan area like New York City or San Francisco.
* Experience: Entry-level positions with an associate's degree are unlikely to pay $70,000. Several years of experience are almost always necessary to reach that level.
* Negotiation Skills: Salary is often negotiable. Strong negotiation skills can increase your earning potential.
It's best to research salaries for specific jobs within your location using resources like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and Payscale. Look at salaries for *experienced* professionals in those fields, not just entry-level. Remember that these are just potential paths and the reality can vary greatly. An associate's degree can be a valuable asset, but it's crucial to have realistic expectations about salary potential.