Careers that only require an associates degree

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What In-Demand Jobs Can I Get With an Associate Degree?

The list below describes 20 in-demand jobs you can get with an associate degree. These careers boast projected growth rates that far exceed the 3.7% average projected growth for all U.S. occupations, according to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2019-29.

While you may be able to land some of these positions with only a high school diploma or a postsecondary certificate, earning a two-year degree can give you an advantage during the job hunt and prepare you for bachelor's completion later on, should you choose to return to school.

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Wind turbine service technician is the fastest-growing occupation in the United States. These professionals inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines, particularly the nacelle, which holds the gears, brakes, and generator.

Windtechs also service auxiliary components like fiber optic sensors and underground transmission systems. Additionally, they gather turbine data for analysis by personnel at a central office.

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Also called PV installers, these professionals set up systems (usually located on rooftops) that turn sunlight into energy. They configure these systems according to client needs, building support structures and weatherproofing as necessary. PV installers work with electricians to activate these energy systems, checking for proper grounding and wiring.

Occupational Therapy Assistants

With the guidance of licensed occupational therapists, these assistants lead patients through exercises that help them recover from injury and maintain the physical skills they need for daily life. These professionals may also support children with developmental disabilities, facilitating activities that build coordination and social skills. In addition to therapists' offices, occupational therapy assistants work in nursing care facilities and hospitals.

Home Health and Personal Care Aides

These professionals help older adults and disabled individuals perform daily tasks like bathing, buying groceries, and washing their clothes. While personal care aides are limited to nonmedical tasks, home health aides can check a client's vitals and give them medication as directed by nurses or other healthcare practitioners.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Also known as PTAs, these professionals work under licensed physical therapists to help patients recover from illness or injury. Physical therapist assistants lead patients through exercises designed to lessen pain and strengthen mobility. They also educate patients on how to use equipment like walkers and stretch bands, as required by their treatment plans.

Derrick Operators

Derrick operators usually work in the oil and gas industry, using drilling rigs and pumps to extract natural resources from far beneath the Earth. These professionals oversee every component of the derrick, including the console that displays performance and progress information. Derrick operators can also work on construction crews, handling cranes and towers to move heavy equipment.

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists patrol residential and public outdoor areas to look for potential hazards, including human-made and naturally occurring wildfire risks. These professionals report conditions back to their central command, preparing to address the hazards as necessary. The majority of inspectors and preventionists work for government agencies at the local and state levels.

Restaurant Cooks

Restaurant cooks prepare a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. At the beginning of their careers, cooks typically work at a single station on the line, learning how to handle a grill or other kitchen instrument. As they gain more experience, restaurant cooks may advance into the position of head cook or chef, creating the restaurant's menu and managing daily staff activities.

Animal Caretakers

Animal caretakers water, feed, bathe, groom, and exercise pets and nonfarm animals. They also perform routine checkups, looking for signs of illness or injury and recording the information on detailed reports. About a quarter of animal caretakers are self-employed, with the remaining professionals working for pet stores, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and zoos.

Massage Therapists

By strategically manipulating a client's muscles and other soft tissues, massage therapists relieve stress and pain and improve bodily circulation. Through their work, these professionals can even help their clients recover from illness and injury. Experienced massage therapists are skilled in multiple techniques, including deep tissue, sports, and Swedish massage.

Extraction Worker Helpers

As part of their apprenticeship, extraction worker helpers assist derrick operators, earth drillers, and explosives workers. They gain the hands-on experience required for certification and licensure by cleaning work areas and preparing necessary equipment. These professionals also assist with loading and unloading heavy equipment, conducting routine maintenance, and making emergency repairs.

Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists support patients with emphysema and asthma, as well as infants whose lungs have not fully developed. They can also work as part of an emergency care team, treating people suffering from shock and heart attacks. Respiratory therapists collaborate with doctors to develop treatment plans, which can include treatments like aerosol medications and chest physiotherapy.

Manicurists and Pedicurists

These beauticians shape, clean, and decorate fingernails and toenails according to their clients' wishes. Using clippers and cuticle tools, manicurists and pedicurists trim nails, remove calluses, and moisturize skin. They also teach their clients to maintain healthy nails and promote the sale of beauty products like lotion and nail polish.

Medical Assistants

Medical assistants perform clerical and administrative duties like answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and updating patient records. They may also help physicians during examinations by measuring vital signs, giving medication, and preparing blood samples for laboratory analysis. While the majority of medical assistants work in doctors' offices, these professionals can also find employment with hospitals and outpatient care centers.

Flight Attendants

Flight attendants ensure airline passengers have a safe and comfortable trip by providing routine services (like drinks and snacks) and responding to emergencies (like prolonged turbulence). Before the flight begins, these professionals gather for briefings with pilots. After all passengers depart the aircraft, flight attendants check cabin conditions and report any issues to management.

Phlebotomists

These healthcare professionals draw blood for donations, testing, transfusions, and scientific research. Before the procedure, certified phlebotomists talk with patients to confirm their identity and help them feel less nervous. Afterward, they ensure the blood samples are properly labeled and update patient information in an electronic database.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

These professionals use imaging equipment to examine organs and tissues through ultrasounds and sonograms; physicians use imaging results to diagnose diseases. Many diagnostic medical sonographers also help surgeons prepare for procedures. Sonographers can specialize in an area of the body (like the abdomen, blood vessels, or heart) or a patient group (like women or infants and children).

Social and Human Service Assistants

Social and human service assistants help individual clients and families access government resources and community support. They can work in local and state government agencies, community centers, nursing care facilities, and nonprofit organizations. These professionals collaborate with social workers to determine client needs, create treatment plans, and coordinate relevant services.

Skincare Specialists

Skincare specialists treat their clients' bodies and faces to enhance their appearance and boost their self-esteem. They clean the skin, remove unwanted hair using laser and wax treatments, and help clients maintain a routine using appropriate cleansers and creams. About half of skincare specialists work for personal care services like beauty salons and day spas.

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Working under the guidance of licensed veterinarians, these professionals conduct procedures like X-rays, blood counts, and urinalysis to diagnose animal illnesses and injuries. Veterinary technologists and technicians also assist with surgical procedures, administering anesthesia and monitoring the animal's condition. Technicians usually work in private practices, while technologists typically focus on laboratory research.

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