Fastest Growing Jobs with an Associate Degree
Ok, so you've got job security on the brain. You want to be sought-after, the next hot commodity, the "Big Shot" who never has to look for work. Right?
Yeah, sounds nice. And, some people might say that this type of dream job doesn't exit anymore. Ah well, don't listen to the naysayers. We've got the list of the fastest growing jobs with an associate degree right here, just for you, Mr. or Mrs. Big Shot.
Now, if you don't mind the smell of blood and have no problem with things like needles, cranky old people, and vomit, then you'd better hurry up and become an Registered Nurse because this field is set for complete explosion over the next ten years, with an estimated job opening rise of over 700%. Yeah, you read that right. We'll say it again so you know it's not a typo: 700%.
With all the Baby Boomers about to retire (and need increased medical attention as they get older) they're going to need nurses to take care of them. Right now there is a shortage of nurses in this country, and the problem is only going to get worse. You know what this means, right? Increased Demand + Short Supply = Much Higher Bargaining Power For You. You'll have the ability to negotiate higher wages and better benefits as an RN. So, you'd better skedaddle on this if you want to start earning a great living doing this. And the same goes for Physican Assistants, Orderlies, and Home Health Aides. All are expected to skyrocket.
Another fast growing job with an associate degree is, surprisingly, preschool teachers. This field is expected to grow 143% over the next ten years.
And you don't have to be a rocket scientist to get this one, but you can't go wrong in the computer industry, especially networking and information management. Because just about every business in the world is now using computers, an IT associate degree has become hot, hot, hot. If you know how to manage a company's electronic information and have the ability to sync computers and troubleshoot, then you'll be one of their Golden Children forever. If you're looking for job security and you have even a marginal interest in computers, then get into this industry.
Another biggie is a Dental Hygienist. These are the people who clean and prep your teeth before the dentist comes in to take a look. This industry is expected to grow by at least 43% over the next 8-10 years. Plus, you can make great money doing this so if you can survive some knarly teeth and have a healthy respect for small talk, this might be a great career for you.
A good rule of thumb is that any career that is involved in medicine, computers, education, and science is going to be a fairly fast mover. Our country's job force is changing rapidly from manufacturing to information, health services, and innovation, so if you want to make great money with a secure future then focus on these areas.
