How Much Does an Associates Degree Increase Your Salary

There are a lot of good reasons someone might choose to earn an associate degree. For one, it’s a chance to build specific skills that employers are looking for in fields like healthcare, business, technology, or skilled trades. But more importantly for a lot of potential students, an associate degree can open the door to better-paying jobs.

Benefits of earning an associate degree

People often associate salary increases with a four-year bachelor’s degree. However, people who earn an associate degree can expect to see benefits when it comes to their wages, too. And not just at first: Those increased earnings are likely to accumulate over time. Starting out with a higher salary (or boosting your wages in the middle of your career with a postsecondary degree) can help you make exponentially more over the course of your lifetime.

An associate degree can be an important milestone on the way to a successful career. It can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the workforce, without requiring the four-year commitment of a bachelor’s degree before you can enter the field of your choice. With an associate degree, you can improve your earning potential and open up new opportunities for your future.

2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that workers with an associate degree earn an average of $1,099 each week, compared to the $930 a week earned by workers who have only a high school diploma. That’s a difference of $169 a week, or $8,788 every year … a difference that will likely compound over time.

The earning potential for associate degree holders can also improve based on the job opportunities available. Those with formal education may be more likely to be employed and to qualify for better positions, helping them find (and get) higher-paying jobs.

Tips for choosing a school for your associate degree

While an associate degree can absolutely help you increase your salary and improve your career prospects, not all associate degree programs are created equal. You want to be sure you’re making a sound investment in your future by choosing the school and program that’s right for you.

Here are some tips for choosing a school for your associate degree:

• Make sure the school is accredited. Accreditation is a process by which schools are evaluated and certified as meeting certain standards. Many employers will not consider associate degree graduates from unaccredited schools, so it is important to choose a school that holds accreditation from an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Some schools also receive programmatic accreditation for certain degree programs. Be sure to ask schools you are interested in about their accreditation, or look for this information on their websites.
• Look for programs in your desired field. If you want to obtain an associate degree to improve your career prospects, make sure the school you choose has programs in your desired field. Many associate degree programs are general education degrees, which may not be relevant to the career you want to pursue. Other programs may have generally trained instructors rather than professionals who have experience in the field. Choose a program designed to help you prepare for employment.
• Consider all the costs of education. Associate degrees can be expensive, so it is important to consider all of the associated costs before making a decision. Tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other education expenses can add up quickly. You may also need to factor in other costs of being in school. Consider taking time off work, extra childcare expenses, a longer commute, or other costs incurred while completing your degree. Make sure you have a good idea of what the total cost will be — and how you’ll pay for it — before choosing a school.

Taking the next step to your associate degree

Are you ready to get started? If you want to invest in your own future career with hands-on career training, we can help. The Imagine America Foundation works with a robust network of schools who provide career and technical education for students like you, AND offers scholarships to help you fund your education.

Search our database to find schools that offer associate degree programs online or in your area! And don’t forget to register for free with IAF to apply for scholarships, get useful tips for succeeding in school, and prepare for the workforce.