Living Wage Salaries by Program of Study
Are you looking to increase your earning potential and boost your career? One way to do this is by earning a two-year degree, diploma, or certificate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified many high-paying jobs that only require a two-year degree or less. By investing in your education and training, you can open the door to a successful and lucrative career.
If you're looking to make more money quicker, obtaining a high-paying diploma or certificate may be a good option for you. There are a variety of diplomas and certificates that can lead to high-paying jobs in a range of industries.
HIGHEST PAYING 2-YEAR DEGREES
2021-2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Registered Nurse - Nursing
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $81,220 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 6%
Web Developers – Computer Programming
Industry Computer/Marketing Median Annual Salary (2022) $64,000 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 16%
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist - Radiologic Technology
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $67,180 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 6%
Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technicians - Engineering and Electronics
Industry Architecture and Engineering Median Annual Salary (2022) $66,390 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 1%
Radiologic and MRI Technologists - Radiologic Technology
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $67,180 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 6%
Electro-Mechanical Technicians - Mechatronics Technology
Industry Manufacturing Median Annual Salary (2022) $60,570 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) -3%
Drafters - Engineering Graphics
Industry Architecture and Engineering Median Annual Salary (2022) $60,400 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) -2%
Industrial Engineering Technicians - Mechatronics Technology
Industry Architecture and Engineering Median Annual Salary (2022) $61,210 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 3%
Computer Support Specialists – Computer Support Specialist
Industry Computer and Information Technology Median Annual Salary (2022) $59,660 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 5%
Civil Engineering Technicians - Civil Engineering Technology
Industry Architecture and Engineering Median Annual Salary (2022) $59,6300 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 1%
Medical Equipment Repairers - Electronics Technology
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $57860 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 13%
Surgical Assistants and Technologists - Surgical Technology
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $56,350 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 5%
Reference
HIGHEST PAYING DIPLOMA AND CERTIFICATE LEVEL
2021-2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Electrician - NCCER Electrical Construction
Industry Construction Median Annual Salary (2022) $60,240 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 6%
Lodging Manger - Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism
Industry Hospitality Median Annual Salary (2022) $61,910 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 7%
Advertising Sales Agent - Marketing Management
Industry Business and Retail Median Annual Salary (2022) $58,450 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) -7%
Chefs and Head Cooks - Culinary Arts
Industry Hospitality Median Annual Salary (2022) $56,520 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 5%
Firefighter - Fire Science Technology
Industry Public Safety Median Annual Salary (2022) $51,680 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 4%
Diesel Technician and Mechanic - Diesel Equipment Technology
Industry Transportation Median Annual Salary (2022) $54,360 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 1%
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers - Air Conditioning Technology
Industry Construction Median Annual Salary (2022) $51,390 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 6%
CDL Truck Driver - Commercial Truck Driving
Industry Transportation Median Annual Salary (2022) $49,920 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 4%
Carpenters - NCCER Carpentry
Industry Construction Median Annual Salary (2022) $51,390 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 1%
Licensed Practical Nurse - Practical Nursing
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $54,620 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 5%
Masonry Worker - NCCER Masonry
Industry Construction Median Annual Salary (2022) $49,490 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) -3%
Automotive Body Repairer - Auto Collison Repair Technology
Industry Transportation Median Annual Salary (2022) $47,270 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 1%
Welders, Cutters and Solders - Welding & Joining Technology
Industry Construction and Metal Median Annual Salary (2022) $47,540 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 1%
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics - Automotive Technology
Industry Transportation Median Annual Salary (2022) $46,970 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 2%
Medical Records Specialist - Health Information Management Coding
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $47,180 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 8%
Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerk - Accounting Technology
Industry Business and Accounting Median Annual Salary (2022) $45,860 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) -6%
Travel Agent - Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism
Industry Hospitality Median Annual Salary (2022) $46,400 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 3%
Dental Assistant - Dental Assisting
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $44,280 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 7%
Phlebotomists – Phlebotomy
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $38,530 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 8%
Medical Assistants - Medical Assisting Technology
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $38,270 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 14%
EMTs and Paramedics - Paramedicine and EMT
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $39,410 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 5%
Esthetician - Esthetician
Industry Personal Service Median Annual Salary (2022) 38,060 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 9%
Pharmacy Technician - Pharmacy Technology
Industry Healthcare Median Annual Salary (2022) $37,790 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 6%
Cosmetologist - Cosmetology
Industry Personal Service Median Annual Salary (2022) $33,400 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 8%
Barber - Barbering
Industry Personal Service Median Annual Salary (2022) 33,400 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 8%
Nail Technician - Nail Technician
Industry Personal Service Median Annual Salary (2022) 31,130 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) 9%
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