Both Human Resource Network (HR) and Economic Modeling Specialists Incorporated (EMSI) name computerSSupport specialist as the highest-paying job that requires only an associate degree. Computer support specialists provide advice and technical assistance to the corporations they work for or clients of those companies. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a publication of the U.S. Department of Labor, the median salary for this job in 2008 was $43,450. There were 565,700 computer specialists employed in the field in 2008. By 2018, the Department of Labor predicts that number to rise about 14 percent to 643,700.
EMSI and HR list engineering technician among the highest-paying jobs requiring an associate degree. Engineering technicians often assist scientists and engineers in research and development, construction, maintenance, manufacturing, or quality control. Specialty areas for these technicians include: aerospace, civil, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering. In 2008, there were 497,300 engineering technicians employed, about one-third of these in electrical or electronic engineering. The number of employed technicians is predicted to be 523,100 by 2018, a growth of about 5 percent.
Another job listed among both HR's and EMSI's top jobs requiring an associate degree is funeral director. The Department of Labor expects funeral director jobs to increase 12 percent by 2018. Funeral directors are responsible for moving a person's remains to the funeral home after death, working with the family to prepare services, and carrying out the final wishes of the deceased. The median salary for funeral directors in May 2008 was $52,210. In 2008, around 30,000 individuals were employed as funeral directors. That number is expected to reach 33,600 by 2018.
While registered nurses often have bachelor's degrees, there are many who complete associate degrees in nursing. These nurses serve many of the same functions as registered nurses with bachelor's degrees. However, those with associate degrees are less likely to obtain positions in nursing management or nursing education. EMSI and HR both list registered nurse among their top 10 highest-paying jobs requiring an associate degree. The median yearly salary for registered nurses in 2008 was $62,450. There were 2,618,700 registered nurses employed as of May 2008. The Department of Labor projects that number will increase 22 percent by 2018, making the number of registered nurses needed approximately 3,200,200.