In 2025, a four-year degree isn’t the only path to a six-figure salary with great benefits, says Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius.
Associate degrees, which typically take 18 to 24 months to earn, can be a faster, more affordable alternative, she says.
Associate programs are “designed to help you start working faster,” Chan says, and they’re beneficial for job seekers “looking to save on both tuition fees and time.”
Especially when combined with resume boosters like internships, clinical experience or volunteer work — which are often built into these programs — an associate degree can open the door to roles with high-earning potential, she says.
Resume Genius identified the top-paying associate degree jobs using data and projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The report did not include jobs with median annual salaries below $49,500 or significantly low growth projections.
