Associate of Arts Degree Jobs for 2023
Are you researching an associate of arts degree and wondering what jobs you can pursue?
An associate degree in the liberal arts is a great way to launch your career. It can open up job opportunities in many sectors, from business to healthcare to education.
This article will explore in-demand associate of arts degree jobs for 2023. We’ll look at the skills employers are looking for and the benefits of pursuing an associate degree.
You can tackle the job market with the knowledge of what’s in demand and how to take advantage of your associate degree.
What is an associate of arts degree?
An associate of arts degree, or AA degree, is a two-year academic program focusing on the liberal arts. It provides students with a foundational understanding of subjects such as philosophy, literature, history, and language.
An associate of arts degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of general education and liberal arts classes. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Overall, the program's goal is to prepare students for success in a wide variety of industries.
Completing an associate of arts degree program ensures graduates have a well-rounded skill set and the knowledge and experience to help them in almost any career. A degree is a great way to demonstrate commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm to potential employers, and it can also contribute to higher salaries.
As of February 2022, the unemployment rate for people with some college or associate degree was 3.8 percent, compared to 4.5 percent for high school graduates without college. This highlights how beneficial an associate of arts degree can be regarding job opportunities.
That's not to say that having an associate of arts degree guarantees success, as many other factors are at play. However, it does provide an excellent foundation for launching your career.
Advantages of pursuing an associate of arts degree
There are numerous advantages to pursuing an associate of arts degree, as it is a great stepping stone to further higher education or a new career path. Let's look at some of these benefits in more detail.
Affordability
An associate of arts degree is an excellent option for students who may not have the financial resources to attend a four-year college or university. Programs like these are usually more affordable than traditional four-year degrees and can provide a pathway to higher education without the heavy financial burden.
Timely completion
An associate of arts degree is designed to be completed in two years or less. With a shorter program of study, you can get the education you need much faster and start gaining experience more quickly. This is great for those looking for a quick, efficient way to enter the workforce. There's really no right or wrong way to go about it, so the important thing is finding what works best for you.
Practical training
The associate of arts degree supplies students with practical training for the workplace. Courses focus on problem-solving and communication skills, as well as creative thinking. This training is invaluable in a competitive job market, as employers are looking for candidates who can think on their feet and develop innovative solutions. There are many scenarios where these skills come in handy, from sales to customer service positions.
Flexible paths
The associate of arts degree is also an excellent way for students who are unsure about their career goals to explore different options. The degree provides a broad overview of the liberal arts, which can open students up to various career paths. This gives students the freedom to choose what they want to specialize in pursuing their passions.
Job opportunities
Having an associate of arts degree makes you a more attractive job candidate and gives you an edge over other applicants. The knowledge, skills, and experience offered by the program give you an advantage when it comes to getting hired. Plus, employers are often more likely to employ those who have completed a degree program and been certified in their field.
In 2019-2020 alone, over two-thirds of the approximately one million associate degrees conferred in the United States were concentrated in three fields: liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities. This equates to just over 400,000 degrees, demonstrating the significant potential for career opportunities with an associate of arts degree.
What jobs can I get with an associate of arts degree?
There are many high-paying, in-demand jobs you can get with an AA degree. Some of the most popular associate of arts degree career paths include:
Administrative assistant
Administrative assistants are responsible for performing a variety of administrative tasks, such as answering phones, preparing documents, maintaining records and databases, organizing files and folders, and assisting with scheduling meetings.
This is a great entry-level position for those with an associate degree, as it requires strong organizational, computer, and communication skills. The median pay for this position is $39,680 annually, though salaries vary widely depending on experience and the specific industry.
Paralegal
Paralegals assist lawyers with research, filing documents, preparing legal briefs, and other tasks. This type of role is ideal for candidates interested in the legal field but who don’t necessarily want to pursue a law degree. With an associate degree in the field, you can gain valuable experience working for a law firm or other legal organization.
The average salary for paralegals is $56,230 annually, and the job outlook is expected to soar with a 14% growth through 2031. You can also find higher-paying opportunities in corporate law, immigration law, patent law, and intellectual property.
Accounting clerk
An accounting clerk is responsible for preparing financial reports, maintaining records, and reconciling accounts. This position requires strong math skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of accounting software and best practices.
Accounting clerks typically make between $29,120 and $61,980 per year, depending on experience and the size of the company. With an associate degree, you can be well-prepared to join a team of accountants and move into a more advanced position.
Medical assistant
Medical assistants' duties include administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other medical facilities. They often take vital signs, train specimens for laboratory testing, and educate patients on healthcare topics. It takes a special person to provide this kind of care, and those with an associate degree in the field have the added benefit of preparing for the medical assistant certification.
The median pay for medical assistants is $37,190 per year, with the potential to earn significantly more in specific settings and locations. Some medical assistants also go on to become certified medical coders, which can further increase their earning potential.
Insurance claims specialist
Insurance claims specialists review, validate, and process insurance claims. With an associate degree in the field, you can gain valuable knowledge of federal and state insurance laws, as well as industry best practices. It's a great career path for those who are detail-oriented and have excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
The median salary for an insurance claims specialist is $65,080 annually. It's common for insurance claims specialists to become supervisors or managers, so there’s potential for career growth in the field.
Graphic designer
Graphic design is an in-demand career path for those with an associate degree. Graphic designers work to create visual concepts, designs, and layouts for advertisements, websites, logos, brochures, magazines, and other projects. They often use design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create their designs.
The average earnings for a graphic designer are $50,710 per year. With experience and a portfolio of projects, you can move up the ranks to become a lead graphic designer or even an art director.
Marketing and sales specialist
With this degree, you can become a marketing and sales specialist. This type of role requires strong communication and persuasion skills, as you'll be responsible for identifying potential clients and developing marketing campaigns to reach them. You'll also need to keep up with industry trends and new technologies.
The average pay for a marketing and sales specialist is $76,080 per year. After staying on the job for years and learning more about the industry, you can eventually become a marketing manager or director.
Web developer
Web developers create websites and web applications. They often use programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL to create the desired functionality. Web development is a great career path for those with an associate degree.
The median salary for web developers is $79,890 per year. With some years of experience under your belt and a strong portfolio of projects, you can possibly become a senior web developer or even a director of web development and earn even more.
Food services manager
Food service managers oversee the day-to-day operations of restaurants and other food service establishments. With an associate degree in hospitality management, you can gain the skillset and knowledge needed to become a food service manager.
The median salary for a food service manager is $59,440 per year. An experienced food service manager has the chance to become a regional manager or even an executive chef.
Industrial designer
Industrial designers are responsible for designing and developing products such as furniture, medical equipment, vehicles, and consumer electronics. An associate degree in industrial design can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed for this career path.
The average pay for an industrial designer is $77,030 per year. After putting in the time and developing a strong portfolio of products, you can get a position as a senior industrial designer or become a design director.
No matter what type of career path you’re interested in, an associate degree can give you the foundation you need to start your career. With the right degree and dedication, you can find a rewarding and fulfilling job.
Skills needed to succeed in an associate of arts degree job
If you're ready to find a new job or take your career to the next level, an associate of arts degree can support your goals. Here are some skills that can help you succeed in the types of jobs you can get with an AA.
Excellent communication skills
The backbone of any successful career is strong communication. Your ability to effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas will be essential in any job, especially in an associate of arts degree job. You'll need to be able to present your ideas clearly and confidently, listening carefully to the needs of both employers and customers or clients.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
No matter the industry, problem-solving and critical thinking are key skills for success in any position. By pursuing this type of degree, you'll be able to apply creative solutions to new and complex challenges, as well as analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions.
Organizational skills
The ability to stay organized is essential for any job. With an associate of arts degree, you'll be able to develop your time management and organizational skills, which will help you stay on top of deadlines and complete tasks efficiently.
Ability to work independently and with a team
No matter the job, it's important to work independently and as part of a team. With this degree, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to collaborate effectively with others.
Find an associate of arts degree job today.
No matter what type of job you’re interested in, having an associate of arts degree can give you the foundation you need for a lucrative career. There are several in-demand associate of arts degree jobs ranging from web development to food service management, and having the right skills can help you stand out in the job market.
Check out the Jobcase job board to find your next career opportunity and start making an impact in your field.