More education usually brings more professional opportunities, and is correlated with lower unemployment and higher salaries.  But a four-year education isn’t always the ticket to a swollen bank account.  The following jobs – ranked by the BLS as the highest-paying jobs typically held by those with associate degrees – pay more than many jobs requiring a bachelor degree:

1. Computer specialist — $59,480
Depending on the employer, computer specialists perform a variety of functions, ranging from technical support to coordinating network security.

2. Nuclear technician — $59,200
Nuclear technicians monitor radiation and operate nuclear test and research equipment. They may also assist nuclear engineers and nuclear physicists with their research projects.

3. Dental hygienist — $58,350
One of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation, dental hygienists provide routine dental services including cleaning teeth, taking X-rays and preventative care.

4. Radiation therapist — $57,700
Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy to patients afflicted with tumors or cancer.

5. Nuclear medicine technologist — $55,840
Nuclear medicine technologists administer diagnostic tests that involve using radioactive materials to monitor organ functions.

6. Fashion designer — $55,840
Fashion designers study current fashion trends, sketch out new clothing designs, select the colors and fabrics and oversee the production of their items.

7. Aerospace engineering and operations technician — $52,500
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians construct, test and maintain aircraft and space vehicles.

8. Diagnostic medical sonographer — $52,490
Diagnostic medical sonographers – also known as ultrasonographers – administer diagnostic imagining technology used during pregnancy and to diagnose some diseases.

9. Registered nurse — $52,330
Registered nurses treat sick, injured and convalescent patients, and provide education on post-treatment care.

10. Engineering technician — $49,440
Engineering technicians perform a variety of research- and development-related tasks, including building and setting up equipment, conducting experiments, collecting data and recording results.