As the job market evolves, and with the high cost of a four-year degree, a wide array of professions requiring only a two-year degree is becoming more popular, offering opportunities across diverse industries. From assisting in groundbreaking scientific research to supporting legal practices to controlling the movement of aircraft (and much more), these roles demand specialized skills, providing both stability and potential for growth, but only require two years of post-secondary education.
12 High Paying In Demand Jobs Requiring Only a Two-Year Degree
Whether you’re considering a career change or exploring options for the future, this information offers a sample of careers that not only blend innovation and support in today’s workforce, but ones that pay well and will be in demand through the next ten years.
1. Chemical Technicians
Working in this field requires individuals to conduct laboratory tests to analyze the properties of materials.
- Median Annual Pay: $56,750
- Projected Outlook: 5% (As fast as average)
- Number of Openings per Year: 7,300
2. Paralegals and Legal Assistants
In this job, trained individuals support lawyers by performing a variety of tasks including maintaining files, conducting research, and drafting documents.
- Median Annual Pay: $60,970
- Projected Outlook: 1% (Slower than average)
- Number of Openings per Year: 37,300
3. Geologic and Hydraulic Technicians
These technicians work in conjunction with scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring a variety of natural resources.
- Median Annual Pay: $53,440
- Projected Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
- Number of Openings per Year: 1,400
4. Drafters
Drafters translate engineers’ and architects’ designs into technical drawings and blueprints using specialized computer-assisted drawing software.
- Median Annual Pay: $62,530
- Projected Outlook: -1% (In decline)
- Number of Job Openings per Year: 16,900
Note: Even though this field shows it is in decline, they are still projecting 16,900 hires per year for the next ten years to backfill losses and retirements.
5. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Through specialized diagnostic imaging equipment, these trained individuals create images to enable medical professionals to better diagnose medical conditions.
- Median Annual Pay: $80,850
- Projected Outlook:11% (Much faster than average)
- Number of Openings per Year: 9,400
6. Funeral Service Workers
Funeral workers organize and manage the details of a funeral ceremony.
- Median Annual Pay: $60,580
- Projected Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
- Number of Job Openings per Year: 5,800
7. Physical Therapists Assistants
Supervised by licensed physical therapists, these assistants work to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and surgeries.
- Median Annual Pay: $58,740
- Projected Outlook: 19% (Much faster than average)
- Number of Openings per Year: 27,500
8. Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Fire inspectors work to detect fire hazards, recommend prevention measures, and ensure compliance with state and local fire regulations, in addition to investigating the causes of fires.
- Median Annual Pay: $71,420
- Projected Outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
- Number of Job Openings per Year: 1,500
9. Computer Network Support Specialist
These trained specialists maintain computer networks and help users with technical help.
- Median Annual Pay: $60,810
- Projected Outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
- Number of Job Openings per Year: 62,700
10. Avionics Technician
These workers install, test, adjust, and repair aircraft navigation systems.
- Median Annual Pay: $75,400
- Projected Outlook: 5% (As fast as average)
- Number of Job Openings per Year: 13,400
11. Web Developer
Digital designers develop, create, and test websites or interface layouts, functions, and navigation to ensure a good user experience (UX).
- Median Annual Pay: $92,750
- Projected Outlook: 8% (Faster than average)
- Number of Job Openings per Year: 16,500
12. Air Traffic Controller
Controllers use their training to coordinate the movement of aircraft both in the air and on the ground to ensure there are proper distances between them.
- Median Annual Pay: $137,380
- Projected Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
- Number of Job Openings per Year: 2,200
These 12 sample careers illustrate the depth and breadth of opportunities available, each with unique demands, rewards, and growth prospects, catering to varying skills and interests in the modern workforce. In two years or less, you could be in one of these jobs paying more than $50,000 per year or choose from hundreds of others – all requiring only a two-year degree.
