The Best Paying Jobs That Require an Associate's Degree

Dental hygienists are highly paid professionals with associate's degrees.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

The best-paying jobs are attainable without four-year or advanced degrees. Some careers provide on-the-job training and recruit individuals based on their talent or demonstrated skill. Other high-paying positions have minimal education requirements or accept a diploma or associate's degree. Some of the best-paying jobs requiring the least amount of education include fashion designer, professional athlete, dental hygienist and computer specialist.

Fashion Designer

Fashion designers work with the latest trends in dressing and textiles. They create original clothing styles and specialize in women's or men's wear. Some designers work for manufacturing companies whereas others are self-employed. Since most clothing manufacturers produce seasonal clothing trends, fashion designers work throughout the year and create clothing lines for spring, summer, fall and winter. Although some fashion designers attend a four-year college and hold bachelor's or master's degrees, most begin their careers through apprenticeships and on-the-job training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 the average annual salary for a fashion designer was $55,000.

Professional athletes are talented at sports like basketball, football, baseball and hockey; they compete with other teams or individuals for championships and titles. Many professional athletes develop their skill through ongoing training and do not have a formal education; instead they demonstrate exceptional talent and skill. Some athletes develop their skills in high school and are recruited by leading national sports teams. "Sports Illustrated" ranks Tiger Woods as one of the top-paid athletes in the nation: In 2010, his combined salary, winnings, endorsements and appearance fees totaled just shy of $1 billion.

Dental hygienists maintain the oral health of their patients. In addition to cleaning patients' teeth, they perform clinical duties like taking X-rays. Dental hygienists have an associate's degree and are required to hold a state license. They work in private practice or at clinics and hospitals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job prospects for dental hygienists is promising. As of 2009, the salary for dental hygienists was $67,000.

Computer specialists develop, design or provide support services for computer-related problems. While having a college degree helps to break into the field, many computer specialists hold certificates or gain their skills through apprenticeships or by learning about computers on their own. Computer specialists can find work in government offices, businesses or schools. Some computer specialists work for hardware and software manufacturers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for computer specialists is growing rapidly, particularly in the area of support services. Computer specialists must have good problem-solving and interpersonal skills. In 2009, the median salary for computer specialists was $59,000.