Ten Great Job Options for 2-Year Degree Holders
Jobs and Hiring Trends
These jobs for 2-year degrees are based on their industries’ strong showings. Health and medical care jobs, accounting and computer technology occupations, and the educational sector emerged as those least affected by unemployment in the trend of job loss statistics.
Find out if any of these well-paying jobs suit you or match your interests in life, and then take up a two-year college course. It could be an associate’s program for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree or technical course work headed to some engineering or science degree.
However, be sure to check out the educational institution’s full accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), in case you will be taking your 2-year study at independent colleges or schools. Do this by locating the school’s accreditation status in the ACICS Member Directory. This particular step is important in order to get credits for the college subjects that you intend to study.
Have a headstart early-on by knowing the nature of the job in order to get a clear picture of what it requires. Today’s hiring trend is not just a matter of filling a vacant post. Employers hire those who have a definite goal and purpose because the aspirant has the potential to provide meaningful work that would lay the foundation for a long-term plan. In addition, it is important that the aspirant’s interests are aligned with the company’s core values and visions.The ability to work with a team and to provide excellent customer or patient service are traits regarded as valuable by most hiring companies.
Jobs in Medical & Health Care Industries
1. Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed Vocational Nurses are known as Licensed Practical Nurses in some US states. LVNs are as in demand as the registered nurses, because most LVNs are the first line of applicants who can easily fill the supply gap for registered nurses. They are important to hospitals to provide the basic care and needs of their patients. Hence, skill working with people is a vital factor because health care clinics and hospitals cater to patients that need tender loving care.
National Pay Data for Hourly Salary Rates: $16.23 - $21.62
Two-Year College Course Options:
(1) LVN or LPN Certification (2) Nursing Diploma (3) Associate’s Degree in Nursing and (4) Vocational Certification
Top Industry Hirers and Their Salary Offers:
(1) Healthcare - $17.45 - $23.32
(2) Long-term Care/Rehabilitation - $18.04 - $23.67
(3) Hospital - $17.70 - $23.39
(4) Home Health Care - $17.58 - $23.87
(5) Nursing Home - $17.80 - $23.73
Popular Employers:
(1) DaVita Inc. (2) The U.S. Veterans Administration (3) Maxim Healthcare (4) Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospitaland (5) Odyssey Hospice
This job is popular in the following US cities:
- San Antonio, Texas $16.22 - $22.49
- Houston, Texas $14.92 - $21.59
- Austin, Texas $18.42 - $23.40
- Dallas, Texas $15.72 - $22.90
- Los Angeles, California - $15.33 - $24.22
- Atlanta, Georgia - $16.42 - $21.49
- Tulsa, Oklahoma - not enough data available
Image Credit: L. Lartigue for Wikimedia
2. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienist occupations require the successful completion of the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and of the regional or state clinical board examination before a degreed candidate is allowed to practice the profession.
Dental hygienist jobs require human skills not only toward the patients but also to the health care or hospital facility’s caregivers for their in-training sessions. Interpersonal skills are also important because they have to perform as a member of a team. Their functions usually include the management of the patient’s account, the coordination of service delivery, the handling of informational sessions and communicating to the patient’s family members the updates of the clinic’s or the hospital’s provided services to sustain the patient’s oral well-being.
National Pay Data for Hourly Salary Rates: $24.68 - $36.09
Two-Year College Course Options:
(1) Associate of Science (AS), Dental Hygiene, (2) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) (3) Certified Dental Hygienist and (4) Associate of Science (AS)
Top Industry Hirers and Their Salary Offers:
(1) Family Dentistry $27.15 - $36.21
(2) Dental Prosthetic Services $23.80 - $35.01
(3) Healthcare $27.31 - $36.56
(4) Pediatric Office $25.34 - $34.50
(5) Health Clinic $25.36 - $34.83
Popular Employers:
(1) Family Dental (2) Aspen Dental (3) Dr. David Goodchild DDS (4) Kool Smiles PC. (5) Dental Associates
This job is popular in the following US cities:
- Atlanta, Georgia - $25.43 - $36.93
- San Antonio, Texas - $19.33 - $31.28
- Charlotte, North Carolina - $25.47 - $34.81
- Chicago, Illinois - $34.01 - $40.20
- Jacksonville, Florida - $24.40 - $29.76
- New York, New York - $27.47 - $40.00
- Houston, Texas - $28.90 - $36.58
Image Credit: Barbaricino for Wikimedia
3. Medical Assistant
Most employers require that an entry-level medical assistant has at least passed the National Certification Examination as well as possess the training and actual experience in administering venipuncture, EKG, injections and CPR ( with certification). Human skills, flexibility and the ability to communicate well are essential to the job because it entails working under pressure in certain medical situations.
Basically, the main functions of a medical assistant is to maintain all the patient-care related documents and medical records, plus various secretarial, clerical and receptionist activities that may be assigned by the health care clinic or medical facility.
National Pay Data for Hourly Salary Rates: $10.76 - $14.52
Two-Year College Course Options:
(1) Medical Assistant Certificate (2) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) (3) Certificate of Completion and (4) Associate of Science (AS)
Top Industry Hirers and Their Salary Offers:
(1) Family Medicine - $11.04 - $14.41
(2) Medical Office - $11.00 - $14.42
(3) Healthcare - $11.16 - $14.76
(4) Health Clinic - $10.89 - $14.31
(5) Internal Medicine - $11.04 - $14.55
Popular Employers:
(1) Concentra Medical Center Inc. (2) Planned Parenthood (3) Ob Gyn Associates (3) Kaiser Permanente and (4) Internal Medicine Associates
This job is popular in the following US cities:
- Houston, Texas - $10.12 - $13.62
- Chicago, Illinois - $10.85 - $14.82
- Dallas, Texas - $10.83 - $15.04
- Atlanta, Georgia - $11.54 - $15.00
- San Antonio, Texas - $10.01 - $12.88
- San Diego, California - $12.13 - $15.74
- Phoenix, Arizona - $11.58 - $14.70
Image Credit: [George Armstrong](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FEMA_-_15563_-_Photograph_by_George_Armstro ng_taken_on_09-04-2005_in_Georgia.jpg) for Wikimedia
4. Medical Sonographer
A medical sonographer is a key member of a health care team because his main task is to create and interpret images from inside the human body, using high-tech instrumentation. His images are used by physicians in making their medical diagnoses.
His human skills are essential for providing one-on-one care to patients who may be simply undergoing routine check-ups (as in pregnancy) or those who have been diagnosed as critically ill. Due to the complexity of his job, he or she must have a life-long commitment for learning. A medical sonographer has to keep his knowledge and expertise abreast with the current developments in the medical field.
National Pay Data for Hourly Salary Rates: $22.52 - $31.96
Two-Year College Course Options:
(1) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) (2) Associate of Science (AS)
Top Industry Hirers and Their Salary Offers:
(1) Healthcare - $23.05 - $32.13
(2) Hospital - $23.03 - $32.26
(3) Obstetrics & Gynecology - $24.17 - $33.48
(4) Diagnostic Imaging - $24.68 - $32.80
(5) Medical Services - $23.01 - $32.38
Popular Employers:
(1) The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2) HCA, Inc.(3) Huntsville Hospital (4) Kaiser Permanente (5) Radiology Imaging Associate_s_
**This job is popular in the following US cities:**
- Houston, Texas - $19.20 - $29.60
- Orlando, Florida - $20.99 - $30.50
- Atlanta, Georgia - $20.00 - $28.97
- Los Angeles, California - $22.37 - $35.29
- New York, New York - $27.00 - $35.00
- Dallas, Texas - $25.43 - $33.11
- Chicago, Illinois - $28.33 - $36.46
Image Credit: [Gislaug Thorsteinsson](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sonographer_doing_pediatric_e chocardiography.JPG) for Wikimedia
_Keep reading for career options in the business field.
_
Best Jobs with 2-year Degree in the Business Sector
5. Bookkeeping, Accounting or Auditing Clerks
This entry-level job is a good training ground for would-be accounting technicians and accountants, as a means to gain actual hands-on experience in analyzing, recording and summarizing the daily transactions and in balancing the debit and credit entries of account balances.
In small- to mid-sized companies, bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks could have the opportunity of acquiring exposure for all types of transactions covering the entire accounting cycle. In large companies, tasks are often specialized according to the general ledger account assigned, i.e. accounts receivable, accounts payable, loans, sales, etc. Policies for job rotations provide the opportunities for the bookkeeper or accounting clerk to gain experience in handling another type of account.
National Pay Data for Hourly Salary Rates: $12.31 - $17.40
Two-Year College Course Options:
(1) Associate’s Degree, Accounting and (2) Associate’s Degree, Business
Top Industry Hirers and Their Salary Offers:
(1) Accounting, Auditing and Tax Services - $12.03 - $17.07
(2) Real Estate Property Management - $12.30 - $16.53
(3) Construction - $12.62 - $17.69
(4) Manufacturing and Distribution - $12.73 - $17.82
(5) Auto/Car Dealership - $11.74 - $16.65
Popular Employers:
(1) Wal-Mart Stores, Inc (2) The Home Depot Inc. (3) Lowe’s Home Improvement Inc. (4) Uheaa and (5) Accountemps
**This job is popular in the following US cities:**
- Houston, Texas - $12.77 - $17.21
- San Diego, California - $12.72 - $21.13
- Chicago, Illinois - $11.97 - $17.25
- Las Vegas, Nevada - $13.62 - $18.99
- Seattle, Washington - $12.77 - $17.35
- Los Angeles, California - $15.48 - $23.25
- Minneapolis, Minnesota - $10.32 - $18.35
Image Credit: Ipb at en.wikibooks
Please proceed to the next page for more of the ten best jobs with 2-year degree in the business sector.
6. Computer/Network Support Technician
This job demands solid basic knowledge of hardware and software components including TCP/IP and their application for networking concepts which require hands-on skills in setting up networking systems.
National Pay Data for Annual Salary Rates: $33,586 - $49,564
Two-Year College Course Options:
(1) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) (2) Associate of Applied Science (AAS), (3) Computer Information Systems (CIS_),_ and (4) Associate Degree, Computer Science
Top Industry Hirers and Their Salary Offers:
(1) Information Technology (IT) Services - $33,009 - $48,709
(2) Education, K-12 Schools - $32,453 - $47,926
(3) Education, College/University - $32,375 - $46,440
(4) Healthcare - $33,249 - $48,124
(5) Computer Hardware/Software - $33,810 - $50,976
Popular Employers:
(1) U.S. Air Force (USAF) (2) Northrop Grumman Information Systems (3) U.S. Army (4) U.S. Navy (5) Dell, Inc.
**This job is popular in the following US cities:**
- New York, New York - $40,146 - $60,809
- Houston, Texas - $35,675 - $51,881
- Chicago, Illinois - $35,814 - $49,086
- Atlanta, Georgia - $36,555 - $51,594
- Dallas, Texas- $34,727 - $45,813
- Boston, Massachusetts- $42,866 - $60,276
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - $32,970 - $49,219
Image Credit: Gregory F. Maxwell for Wikimedia
7. Computer Repair Technician
This job requires basic computer knowledge, skills in configuring and troubleshooting errors, plus knowledge of slow computers, viruses, printer set-up and computer networking. Repair jobs may include computer-specific hard drives and different operating systems. Job details may vary since some require call center experience, while others need those with an added ability to demonstrate the features of the products in showrooms or trade exhibit expositions.
National Pay Data for Hourly Salary Rates: - $10.06 - $16.08
2-Year College Course Options:
_(_1) AAS (2) Associate of Science (3) Associate Degree-Computer Science and (3) Computer Information Systems (CIS)
Top Industry Hirers and Their Salary Offers:
(1) Computer Services - $10.41 - $15.95
(2) Computer Repair and Maintenance - $8.95 - $13.59
(3) Computer Hardware/Software - $10.42 - $16.01
(4) Retail Consumer Electronics - $9.76 - $14.87
(5) Retail - $9.70 - $14.69
Popular Employers:
(1) Best Buy (2) Staples, Inc. (3) Geeksquad (4) Unisys Corporation (5) International Business Machines (IBM) Corp.
This job is popular in the following US cities:
- Los Angeles, California - $11.70 - $23.09
- Memphis, Tennessee - $11.28 - $14.94
- Houston, Texas - $10.33 - $14.76
- Dallas, Texas - $13.23 - $16.37
- New York, New York - $12.35 - $23.50
- Chicago, Illinois - $11.47 - $16.28
- Atlanta, Georgia - $11.79 - $22.08
Image Credit: 2nd Class Kilho Park for Wikimedia
_Looking for a job in the education field? See more possible job opportunities on the next page.
_
Best Jobs with 2-year Degree in the Education Sector
8. Teacher Assistant
A teacher assistant basically furnishes assistance to the classroom teacher in a school environment where there are many students. Human skills and dedication are of utmost importance, since services are directed toward the school children’s formative development. His or her main duties include:
- Tutoring and helping the students individually or in smaller groups in order to help them gain mastery of the lessons.
- Supervising students while inside the classrooms, gymnasiums, in the halls, out in the school yards, or during field trips.
- Teaching extracurricular skills such as sports, dancing and handicrafts.
National Pay Data for Hourly Salary Rates: $8.93 - $12.58
2-Year College Course Options:
(1) Associate of Arts (AA) or (2) Early Childhood Education (ECE) (3) Child Development Associate Degree (CDA)
Image Credit: Srand012 for Wikimedia
Please proceed to the next page for the continuation of the Teacher Assistant job–featured as the 8th of the ten best jobs with 2-year degree.
Top Industry Hirers and Their Salary Offers:
(1) Education, K-12 Schools -$9.36 - $12.73
(2) Child Care / Day Care -$8.40 - $11.22
(3) Education -$9.20 - $12.49
(4) School District -$9.42 - $12.80
(5) Non-profit Children’s Services - $8.90 - $11.71
Popular Employers:
(1) Head Start (2) KinderCare Learning Centers, Inc. (3) Childtime Learning Center (4) Goddard (5) YMCA
This job is popular in the following US cities:
- Los Angeles, California - $10.03 - $12.84
- Chicago, Illinois - $9.91 - $14.74
- St. Louis, Missouri - $10.69 - $13.33
- Rochester, New York - $8.57 - $12.77
- Memphis, Tennessee - $10.79 - $14.00
- New York, New York - $9.83 - $15.55
- Charlotte, North Carolina - $10.85 - $11.61
9. Teacher Aide
This teaching profession is different from that of a teacher assistant, since teacher aides are assigned to assist regular K12 teachers in handling special education for children with cognitive deficiencies.
National Pay Data for Hourly Salary Rates: $8.77 - $12.79
2-Year College Course Options:
(1) AA (2) ECE (3) Education Paraprofessional Certificate
Top Industry Hirers and Their Salary Offers:
(See Teacher Assistant)
Popular Employers:
(1) Lyndhurst Board of Education (2) KinderCare Learning Centers, Inc.(3) Board of Education (4) Head Start (5) Childcare Network, Inc.
This job is popular in the following US cities:
- Los Angeles, California - $11.67 - $15.26
- Cincinnati, Ohio - $10.85 - $13.59
- Chicago, Illinois - $8.23 - $13.67
- Phoenix, Arizona $8.94 - $11.76
- Lyndhurst, New Jersey - $9.46 - $11.10
- Buffalo, New York - $7.29 - $11.89
- Houston, Texas - $8.32 - $13.76
Image [3rd Class Jeff Johnstone](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_061026-N-5271J-014_Jennifer_Tonder (right),a_teacher%27s_aide_for_a_3rd-4th_grade_multi-age_class,discusses_the_var ious_books_available_from_the_Reading_Is_Fundamental(RIF)grant_given_to_Sasebo_E lementary_School_with.jpg)
10. Daycare Teacher
A daycare teacher is in charge of planning the activities of a daycare class in accordance with curriculum objectives. Human skills are necessary to meet the emotional, social, physical and cognitive needs of each child. Other tasks include preparation of plan charts, coordinating field trips, individually assessing the children’s development, and informing the parents of their child’s progress.
National Pay Data for Hourly Salary Rates: $8.14 - $11.02
2-Year College Course Options:
- Associate of Arts (AA) or (2) Early Childhood Education (ECE) (3) Child Development Associate Degree (CDA)
Top Industry Hirers and Their Salary Offers:
(1) Child Care / Day Care - $8.36 - $10.79
(2) Education - $8.84 - $11.69
(3) Education, Private K-12 School - $8.91 - $11.86
(4) Church - $8.39 - $10.69
(5) Non-profit Children’s Services - $8.49 - $11.04
Popular Employers:
(1) KinderCare Learning Centers, Inc. (2) Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc (3) Childtime Learning Center (4) Kids R Kids (5) La Petite Academy, Inc.
This job is popular in the following US cities:
- Chicago, Illinois - $9.17 - $12.21
- Houston, Texas - $7.78 - $9.99
- Tulsa, Oklahoma - $7.47 - $9.50
- Columbus, Ohio - $8.48 - $10.97
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - $8.47 - $12.37
- San Antonio, Texas - $7.69 - $9.58
- Atlanta, Georgia - $8.92 - $12.12
Image credit: [1st Class Richard Doolin](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_091218-N-8335D-232_Master-at-Arms_3 rd_Class_Paul_Ellis_dances_with_children_at_the_Kusuzumi_daycare_center.jpg)
When in search of the best jobs with 2-year degree requirements, keep it in mind that it is only a means to gain entry-level positions; it is your dedication to the job that paves the way for career growth. The determination to complete a bachelor’s degree and to pursue a major area of study will bring a person to the top of his or her chosen career field.
Reference:
- Salary Survey for Country: United States — https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Country=United_States/Salary
