3 Jobs You Can Get With an Associate Degree

One of the best kept secrets in education is that you can land a great job in a competitive industry with an associate’s degree. A growing number of people are interested in careers that don’t require the completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree, for both practical and financial reasons. It’s also true that in some industries, on-the-job experience is more valuable than classroom instruction. If you are looking for a reliable vocation that only requires an associate’s degree, look no further. Just keep reading to find out about three of the best jobs you can get with an associate’s degree.

1. Plumber

Plumbers who have an associate’s degree in applied science will have a lot of options in the plumbing industry. These jobs may require some on-the-job training, but plumbers with a degree generally have a higher starting salary and more chances for advancement than those who only have a high school diploma. Some of the most common places that plumbers work are in hospitals, schools, office buildings, and retail stores. If you are interested in a career as a plumber, contact your local trade school or community college to find out more about their plumbing programs.

With many parts of the United States experiencing significant population growth, plumbers are going to be increasingly in-demand. One great example is Albuquerque, New Mexico. If Albuquerque’s number of residents continues to expand, more plumbers will be needed to take care of repairs and maintenance for both commercial and individual customers. With more people comes the need for more housing, more businesses, and more schools. That leads to more wastewater that must be handled by the city’s plumbing systems. These conditions suggest that reputable and trustworthy plumbers in Albuquerque could be able to find more work, and may be able to receive a higher rate for their services.

2. Paralegal

Paralegal associates and legal assistants help lawyers prepare for cases by doing legal research, organizing and managing evidence, and drafting pleadings and other legal documents. They may also be involved in client interviews and witness preparation. Since paralegals have a wide range of duties, you will never get bored with your job, and you will constantly be learning new things. To become a paralegal, you need an associate degree in paralegal studies or a related field, such as legal assistant or law enforcement. You also need to pass a certification exam.

Paralegals are in high demand in many different locations. Jobs can be found in large cities, small towns, and everywhere in between. This means that you will likely be able to find a job that matches your interests and skills in a place where you want to live. Paralegals are able to work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and many other settings. Not only that, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in the industry is projected to be well above the national average from 2020 to 2030.

3. Social Worker

Social workers help people cope with challenges in their lives, such as mental illness, addiction, abuse, or poverty. They work with individuals, families, and groups to provide support and guidance, and may also offer counseling and therapy. Some social workers specialize in a particular area, such as addiction, child welfare, or mental health. You may want to consider working as a social worker at a nonprofit organization, or you may want to become a caseworker for a government agency. An associate’s degree in social work will give you the foundation that you need to thrive in this field.

There are many different types of degrees, and it’s possible for anyone to be able to pursue incredibly fulfilling opportunities without a four-year college degree. There are many associate’s degree programs that can lead to high-paying jobs in a variety of industries. Some of the most popular associate’s degrees include associate’s degrees in plumbing, paralegal studies, and social work. Earning a degree is a great way to start or advance your career. There are many programs available at community colleges and online schools that can fit your needs, you just need to find the one that aligns with your personal and professional goals.