15 Highest Paying 2 Year Degrees In The World

There is a common perception that a traditional college degree is the only path to financial security and wealth for the average person, but that’s not always the case.

There are highest paying 2-year careers, also known as associate degrees, that can earn one a good living.

These certifications are offered through renowned providers in various disciplines. We will connect you with the top 15 that can result in a six-figure salary and even more.

Please read through and learn more about the benefits of these certifications, how much it costs to get them, and their job prospect.

Table of contents

Why a 2-year Degree?

2-year or Associate degrees are certificates or short-term training programs that often take less time to complete. They are generally half the workload of a four-year bachelor’s degree that can help you develop the skills and experiences necessary for a particular job.

 You can choose these degrees if you intend to pursue further education in an area that includes science, such as nursing or engineering.

However, there are many reasons why people consider a 2-year degree. Some of the benefits include the following;

  • Two-year or Associate degrees are Flexible; classes are taught in the evenings, on the weekends, or asynchronously online. 
  • You can earn certificates in as little as a couple of months.
  • 2-year degrees cost less money to enroll in than significant universities and private colleges.

How Can I Find A 2-year Degree That Pays Well?

Choosing to take an associate degree to learn a new skill or even just as a refresher for the skills you already have is very honorable.

Although numerous programs are available online and on campus, not all are worth it. So, always ensure you get all the information you need from a good source.

Below is the guideline on how to get started.

  • Use the CareerOneStop Certification Finder
  • Talk to Your Current Employer
  • Ask Your Contacts
  • Find a school accredited by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education.
  • Find a Program that Works With Your Schedule, and check the program cost and duration.
  • Talk to Alumni
  • Consult your Professional Association or Union

Where Do I Get The Highest Paying 2-Year Degrees Certification?

There is a wide variety of school settings you can obtain a 2-year degree that comes with good pay.

While some people prefer to enroll in accredited Universities, others consider online options, and a few choose Vocational schools and community colleges.

Depending on your field of interest, earning a two-year certification is a more innovative, cost-effective way to gain new skills and quickly enter into a fulfilling career. 

Vocational Schools

 Vocational schools provide skills and knowledge directly related to your chosen vocation.

For instance, if your career choice is electrical technology, the programs will emphasize a real-world experience that constitutes electricity.

Community Colleges

These are schools approved to provide associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. You can transfer to a four-year program upon graduation if you wish.

Online

The online degree has many benefits compared to the more traditional on-campus format. A two-year online course allows for flexibility; you take classes on your schedule and in the comfort of your home. It also saves costs.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A 2-year Degree That Pays well?

Certification costing is based on the type of program you want to do; while few are available for free, most courses are expensive.

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A typical associate or two-year course usually costs between $2,500 and $16,000 to enroll. However, there might be additional fees that constitute Textbooks and course materials.

Before you hurry to pay, let’s quickly look at the certification programs that are best for you.

List of Quick Certificate Programs That Pay Well

You can complete a wide range of 2-year courses depending on the jobs you want to pursue.

With these programs, you to find and acquire a high-paying job in reputable firms. 

We have highlighted 15 certifications that will benefit you. Our selection criteria for these programs are focused on the benefits offered and career outlook. We also considered the quality of education, average earnings of graduates, accreditation, and other relevant factors.

As you read further, you will get detailed information on the various programs offered by the free online schools listed below.

  • Paralegal
  • Telecom Installer
  • Radiation Therapist
  • Electronic Engineering Technician
  • Medical Sonographer
  • Executive pastry chef
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Nuclear Technician
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Aerospace Engineering Technician
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Computer Programmer

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#1 Paralegal

A paralegal is a very profitable career; it generally requires a 2-year or associate degree to enter the field, which most often can be obtained online.

Paralegal certification is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the legal profession if you want to pursue a career in the legal system.

Your responsibilities include organizing files, conducting research, and drafting documents.

Median Salary: $49,500

Career Outlook: 15 percent

Apply

#2 Telecom Installer

Telecom Installer maintains and repairs communication equipment, including internet connections, telephone lines, and communication devices. 

You can obtain an Associate degree in Applied Science in Information Technology/Networking from Purdue University Global.

Salary: $69,430 per year

Employment Outlook: -6%

Apply

#3 Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapy is an essential career in the healthcare field with tremendous expected job growth.

Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases using radiation treatments. They generally work in hospitals but can also be found in physician offices and outpatient centers.

 Median Salary: $80,570

Career Outlook: 13%

You can apply as an Associate in Applied Science in Radiation Therapy at Amarillo College.

Apply

#4 Electronic Engineering Technician

One of the two-year courses that pay well is Electronic Engineering Technology.

These professionals design various equipment, including navigational devices, electrical components, medical technology, and communications tools.

By obtaining an associate degree in this course, you can work in this field for government and private companies.

Salary: $63,660

Employment Outlook: 2 percent

Apply

#5 Medical Sonographer

This is another two-year course that pays well, which you can consider. 

Medical sonographers use special imaging equipment to create images of the body that physicians can use to assess and diagnose patients.

By enrolling in a degree course, you will learn to use an ultrasonic imaging device, which uses sound waves and vibrations to create an image of a specified organ.

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Salary: $65,620

Employment Outlook: 17%

Apply

#6 Executive pastry chef

This career is very lucrative and fun. Executive pastry chefs work at exotic resorts, cruise ships, and for luxury hotels. They are found anyplace where there’s a need to create delicious, beautiful baked goods on a large scale.

An executive pastry chef is one of the highest-paying 2-year degrees

Salary: $102,000

Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 11% – about average

Apply

#7 Speech-Language Pathology

A degree in Speech-Language Pathology comes with a lot of benefits. It allows you to work in the vast field of speech, communication, and swallowing disorders and to specialize in different components of speech and language development.

Many institutions offer two-year courses in this specialization. You can apply at California State University Northridge if you prefer an online option.

Median Salary: $57,884

Career Outlook: 27 percent

Apply

Check out the 10 Best Speech Pathology Graduate Programs Online

#8 Nuclear Technician

Nuclear Technology is an excellent example of a two-year degree job that pays well.

 Nuclear Technicians assist in atomic research and energy production by operating special equipment. They monitor radiation levels, assist engineers, or work with physicists to create safe, reliable nuclear energy.

Although this career has minimal demand, it is very lucrative. You can pick up an Associate degree in Applied Science in Nuclear Technology from Lakeshore Technical College.

Median Salary: $43,600

Career Outlook: 1%

Apply

#9 Nuclear Medicine Technologist

This is another recommendable two-year degree job that pays well.

Nuclear Medicine Technologists work in medical imaging. They use a safe radiation dose to generate information on a patient’s body, which doctors can use to diagnose or administer treatments.

You can obtain an Associate of Science in Radiology Technology from Barton County Community College.

Salary: $75,660

Employment Outlook: 10 percent

Apply

#10 Registered Nurse

If you have a passion for medicine, healthcare, and helping others, a two-year Degree in Nursing is a faster and more affordable option.

You can apply as an Associate of Science in Nursing at Excelsior College.

Salary:$70,000

Employment Outlook: Grow15% from 2018 to 2028

Apply

#11 Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists

Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists help calm patients having neurodiagnostic testing while explaining the procedure. 

They primarily work in clinics or labs, sleep centers, and hospitals. Their job is to monitor patients during surgery.

Salary: $41,070

Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 19%, much faster than normal

Apply

#12 Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists typically work in mental health facilities and medical centers.

They help guide disabled, ill, or injured patients through the activities needed to function correctly.

 If you are interested in this certification, you can get started by obtaining a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.

Salary: $90,182

Career Outlook: 27 percent

Apply

#13 Aerospace Engineering Technician

One of the best two-year degrees to get if you are searching for a career with travel benefits is Aerospace Engineering Technician.

These professionals work with engineers and operators to implement test procedures and can also be involved in the design and construction of test facilities.

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You can obtain an Associate of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Median Salary: $67,240

Career Outlook: Expected to increase 7% faster than normal

Apply

#14 Dental Hygienist

Obtaining dental hygiene training will be a great option if you seek a 2-year course with a good job prospect.

As a dental hygienist, your role is cleaning teeth, talking to patients about proper dental hygiene, and assisting the dentist in whatever form is required.

To obtain this certification, you can apply for an Associate of Science in Dentistry from Barton County Community College.

Salary: $74,070

Career Outlook: Expected to increase by 20%

Apply

#15 Computer Programmer

Computer Programming is one of the highest paying two years degrees with about 300,00 thousand jobs.

The most fantastic thing about this two-year course is that you can earn a certification from your home.

Programmers create code for Computer applications and software. This is a typical degree that can earn you six figures or more. You will find employers willing to hire you, and you can work and pay well as a freelancer.

There are so many institutions across the world that offer this degree; if you would like an online option, get started at Champlain College.

Median Salary: $82,240

Career Outlook: 8%

Apply

You can also enroll in Ongoing 6-months bachelor degrees for International Students in 2024

More Certificate Programs that Pay Well

Check out other 2-year degree programs that can help increase your chances of finding a high-paying job.

2-year Certification that Pays Well in the USA

  • Cloud Engineer
  • Systems Security
  • Dressmaking & Design
  • Restaurant Management
  • Insurance Appraiser For Cars
  • Massage Therapist
  • Language Interpreters
  • Embalming

Information Technology IT

Other Certifications

Conclusion

Acquiring an associate degree comes with a lot of career satisfaction. It entails growing your career at your own pace. Various 2-year courses pay well; you get started with the ones on our list by following the guidelines we’ve provided.

FAQs On Quick Certifications That Pay Well

Yes, you can choose a schedule that fits your job.

In which Area can I get a 2-year program?

You can obtain a 2-year degree in Web development, Assistant doctor, Pet trainer, and many others.

Who can Apply for this 2-year Program?

A 2-year program is open to anyone, including those currently employed. You can choose a course that will benefit you.

References

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I’m Queen Ojukwu, a professional SEO content writer at Silicon Africa Technologies. I'm also an on-page SEO technical expert with over 4 years of experience. I'm a fan of technology, reading, and writing, and also interested in web development. You can hit me up for business by clicking any of my social media handles.

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