We are told that a respectable job is pretty much impossible now days without a college diploma. The phrase "college degree" conjures up pictures of 4-year institutions, dormitories and extended hours of late-night cramming. All of us want to improve ourselves and get ahead. But not all of us are the university type. Some are not able to agree to four years of school, for financial or personal reasons. However, there are options at your local 2-year college. There are several good-paying careers that require only a two-year associate's degree. Source for this article: Highest-earning jobs with community college education

Registered nurse

RNs are highly employable. Throughout the recession, most of them stayed employed since they are needed. It is pretty common to discover a nurse with a bachelor’s degree. That means getting a job is much harder with only a two-year degree. Are you preparing on working in the profession permanently? Then get a BA. If you work at a place where they want you to get that education, they will typically pay for it. RNs make between $40,000 and $80,000 annually.

Dental hygienist positions

People skill and technical expertise are combined in this career. You can live comfortably in this career although a state license is needed with an associate’s degree and there is no way to move up. You are able to get between $31,000 and $85,000 for a salary.

How do I become a respiratory therapist?

This job can mean irregular schedules and working weekends and extended hours in hospitals. It is a fantastic career choice since only two years of college is needed, and there is plenty of opportunity for advancement and security. Salaries range from $35,000 to $69,000.

Any engineering technician will do

This is a great choice for somebody with superb math skills and a mechanical aptitude. Lots of different engineering specialties are available with different skill sets. Annually, you'll make a lot of cash. You are able to get between $30,000 and $72,000.

Make cash as a paralegal

You are able to try to be a paralegal. You'll have to help out attorneys all day long. It really is not an exciting environment. Much of the time, paralegals are working on paperwork the lawyer doesn’t want to do. The type of office and the need of the company could make a large difference, but you can do well with money. It pays between $26,000 and $65,000 for a salary.

You may be great as a Diagnostic medical imaging and X-ray technician

In the years to come, there will be more of a demand for this industry, according to MSNBC. You could have to be good with individuals and willing to work odd hours. You do have to know a lot beforehand though. You are able to make between $26,000 and $61,000 in this job.

Help fix computers

We live in an increasingly tech-dependent world. Those skilled in finding solutions to computer bugs will discover a lucrative and stable career. For the most part, a computer-support specialist can work anywhere. Many businesses have them. Some cover telephone support lines at a help desk. Some work in busy IT offices. You are able to get paid between $25,000 and $53,000 for this. Not every person should be getting an education. But with so several lucrative job choices available, one doesn't have to be a dedicated scholar to earn a useful diploma and make a great living in today's job market.

Articles cited

MSNBC Monster Career Builder