A brand new report by the web profession assets platform Resume Genius discovered that now is a good time to carry an affiliate’s diploma (or start the trail to get one).
The median wage for an affiliate diploma holder ($62,180) is larger than the U.S. median wage ($48,060) and profession alternatives for affiliate diploma holders, or these with a two-year diploma, are anticipated to develop by 6.3% over the following 10 years, in response to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Utilizing the newest BLS knowledge, Resume Genius compiled an inventory, the 2025 Excessive-Pay Affiliate Diploma Jobs Report, that showcases the ten highest-paying jobs that ask for an affiliate diploma.
“In 2025, wages are up throughout the board for each occupation on our checklist,” stated Eva Chan, profession knowledgeable at Resume Genius. “It highlights not solely rising employer demand but in addition the potential to earn extra in fields like healthcare, aviation, and know-how.”
With the intention to be included on the checklist, the roles needed to particularly require an affiliate diploma, be projected to both develop (or at the least stay regular) over the following decade, and have an annual wage that surpasses the U.S. common.
Listed below are the ten highest-paying jobs for affiliate diploma holders, in response to the report.
1. Air visitors controller
- Median annual wage: $137,380
- Variety of jobs (2023): 24,000
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 4%
- Work expertise required: Should go FAA assessments and coaching


2. Nuclear technician
- Median annual wage: $101,740
- Variety of jobs (2023): 5,400
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 1%
- Work expertise required: On-the-job coaching offered


3. Radiation therapist
- Median annual wage: $98,300
- Variety of jobs (2023): 17,200
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 10%
- Work expertise required: Licensing or certification could also be required relying on state laws


4. Nuclear drugs technologist
- Median annual wage: $92,500
- Variety of jobs (2023): 17,800
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 8%
- Work expertise required: Licensing required in all states
5. Dental hygienist
- Median annual wage: $87,530
- Variety of jobs (2023): 214,100
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 8%
- Work expertise required: Licensing required in varied states
6. Diagnostic medical sonographer, Cardiovascular technologist/technician
- Median annual wage: $80,850
- Variety of jobs (2023): 143,400
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 3%
- Work expertise required: Certification could also be required
7. Respiratory therapist
- Median annual wage: $77,960
- Variety of jobs (2023): 133,900
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 11%
- Work expertise required: Licensing required in most states


8. Aerospace engineering and operations technologist/technician
- Median annual wage: $77,830
- Variety of jobs (2023): 11,000
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 7%
- Work expertise required: Varies by place
9. Radiologic and MRI technologist
- Median annual wage: $76,020
- Variety of jobs (2023): 271,200
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 13%
- Work expertise required: Certification is normally required for radiologic technologists; expertise could also be required for MRI technologists
10. Plane and avionics tools mechanic/technician
- Median annual wage: $75,400
- Variety of jobs (2023): 163,300
- Change in pay (2022–2023): 7%
- Work expertise required: FAA certification required
Click on right here for the complete report from Resume Genius.
