What's the Deal: High paying careers with an Associate's Degree

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- If you don't have the time or money to get a 4 year degree, that doesn't mean you can't get a high paying, highly respected job.

"There's been so much talk about student loans for so long and its a huge bubble with something like 1.4 trillion dollars collectively student debt across the U.S.," said Kathleen Garvin from the Penny Hoarder.

And because of those staggering numbers, our friends at the Penny Hoarder say today's students are getting more practical, opting for 2 year degrees that land them well paying, solid jobs.

"It's the benefit of not having to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a college degree and finishing it in 2 years so you can get your career started quicker and pay off those student loans if you have them and really help someone in need," said Garvin.

Those jobs include occupational therapy assistants, where salaries are roughly $59,000 a year.

"It basically helps people either recover from injuries or develop skills they need to live their everyday lives," said Garvin.

Also in the medical field, you can earn the same roughly $60,000 salary as a respiratory therapist helping people breathe.

"You will find these positions mostly in hospitals but again a program you can do for 2 years and come out and get your career started," said Garvin.

The Penny Hoarder says careers in tech are really having a moment now, including web developer, where the median salary is about $66,000.

"This one is great because you don't need an associates degree. This is one is pretty flexible especially if you are someone who can teach themselves these skills," said Garvin.

Most of the jobs on their list are in the medical field, some pay up $80,000 dollars a year.

To read the full story from The Penny Hoarder, CLICK HERE.

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