Radiation therapist and nuclear medicine technologist are the top-earning medical jobs that require an associate degree or less, according to 2023 rankings by Nursing Process.
Nursing Process, an independent, educational resource site, used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to find the top earning medical positions that require minimal education.
Here are the top 24 medical jobs that require an associate degree with their average salary ranges:
- Radiation therapist: $60,080 to $132,930
- Nuclear medicine technologist: $57,830 to $109,070
- Dental hygienist: $54,200 to $104,420
- Diagnostic medical sonographer: $53,790 to $105,340
- Magnetic resonance imaging technologist: $52,880 to $104,210
- Respiratory therapist: $45,940 to $89,170
- Radiologic technologist and technician: $42,180 to $92,660
- Occupational therapy assistant: $43,180 to $84,090
- Cardiovascular technologist and technician: $30,140 to $96,790
- Hearing aid specialist: $29,960 to $81,170
- Physical therapist assistant: $33,840 to $82,470
- Surgical technologist: $34,120 to $73,110
- Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse: $35,570 to $65,520
- Dental laboratory technician: $27,060 to $67,010
- Dental assistant: $28,940 to $58,390
- Optician: $26,080 to $62,180
- Emergency medical technician and paramedic: $24,650 to $62,150
- Ophthalmic medical technician: $25,830 to $57,900
- Psychiatric technician: $24,960 to $59,020
- Phlebotomist: $26,690 to $50,740
- Medical assistant: $26,930 to $50,580
- Ophthalmic laboratory technician: $24,120 to $51,630
- Pharmacy technician: $25,400 to $50,430
- Nursing assistant: $22,750 to $42,110