If your teen is planning to pursue higher education, an associate’s degree may be a great option. Students can find good, well-paying jobs with a two-year degree. Here are the top nine according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2016.

Air traffic controllers

Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that all aircraft are a safe distance from each other during flight. They work in control towers, approach control facilities or route centers, often at night, on weekends and on rotating shifts.

• Pitches: The states with the highest concentration of jobs in this occupation are Alaska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Hawaii and Kansas.
• Important qualities needed to do the job: Air traffic controllers have skills in communication, concentration, decision making, math, organization and problem solving.
• Median annual salary: $ 122,950
• How to become an air traffic controller: Air traffic controllers take a 2- or 4-year diploma program under the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, for which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy sets guidelines. They must pass a biographical data test, which is a biographical assessment and a personality test to determine if the person is a good candidate for additional air traffic training.

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Nuclear technicians

Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers and other professionals in nuclear power generation and nuclear research. They also operate equipment used to monitor the levels of radiation that are produced. They work in nuclear power plants, usually in offices and control rooms where they use computers and other equipment.

• Site: The states with the highest concentration of jobs in this occupation are South Carolina, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and North Carolina.
• Important qualities: Nuclear technicians have skills in communication, computer science, critical thinking, interpersonal relationships, mathematics and mechanics. They must have surveillance skills, which means they must evaluate data from sensors, gauges, and other instruments to ensure equipment and experiments are functioning properly and radiation levels are being controlled.
• Median annual salary: $ 80,260
• How to become a nuclear technician: Nuclear technicians generally need an associate’s degree in nuclear science or nuclear-related technology. Nuclear technicians undergo extensive on-the-job training as they must learn the proper manners of operating and monitoring plant equipment, safety procedures, regulations and policies.

Radiotherapists

Radiation therapists treat cancer and other illnesses in patients and provide radiation therapy. They work in hospitals, doctors’ offices and outpatient centers.

• Site: The states with the highest concentration of jobs in this occupation are Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee.
• Important qualities: Radiation therapists are detail-oriented, have interpersonal skills, physical endurance, and technical skills, including working with computers and large technological equipment.
• Median annual salary: $ 80,220
• How to become a radiotherapist: Radiation therapists must obtain an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. Some applicants may qualify for positions by completing a one-year certificate program. In most states, they must be licensed or certified in radiation therapy, which means completing an accredited radiation therapy program and passing the certification exam from the United States Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Nuclear medicine technologists

Nuclear medicine technologists use equipment that takes x-ray images of a patient’s body. They also prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients, which will make abnormal areas of the body appear different from normal areas in the pictures. Most nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, although some work in other medical offices or laboratories.

• Site: The states with the highest concentration of jobs in this occupation are South Dakota, West Virginia, Louisiana, Wyoming and Oklahoma.
• Important qualities: Nuclear medicine technologists have the ability to use technology, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, and compassion. They are also detail-oriented and have physical stamina.
• Median annual salary: $ 73,360
• How to become a nuclear medicine technologist: Nuclear medicine technologists generally need an associate’s degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. Requirements vary by state, but about half of the states require technologists to be licensed.

Dental hygienists

Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide preventative dental care to patients. They also educate patients on improving and maintaining oral health. Almost all dental hygienists work in dental offices.

• Site: The states with the highest concentration of jobs in this occupation are Michigan, Oregon, Connecticut, Idaho and Rhode Island.
• Important qualities: Dental hygienists are detail-oriented and have good critical thinking, compassionate, and interpersonal skills. They also have dexterity, which means they need to be good at working with their hands and working in tight spaces (in the mouth).
• Median annual salary: $ 73,330
• How to become a dental hygienist: Dental hygienists need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Dental hygiene programs are mainly found at community colleges, technical schools, and universities. Programs typically take 3 years to complete and deliver lab, clinical, and classroom instruction.

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