An associate of applied science, or AAS, is a great degree to consider if you want to get started working in your field as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes about two years to earn an AAS, which will prepare you for lower-level jobs in your field of choice. After earning an AAS, you can go on to get your bachelor’s degree in that major with just an additional two years of study, which some students choose to do as they are working. While you won’t earn as much with an AAS as you will with a bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree, the fact that you can start working more quickly, is definitely an advantage. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to earn by going through an AAS degree program.
Average Hourly Rate for AAS Graduates
As opposed to bachelor’s degree graduates, who are more commonly offered salaried positions, many AAS graduates take jobs that come attached to hourly rates. Rates start at around minimum wage and go up to $35 per hour, which works out to around $70,000 annually. This is a huge difference in what you can earn, with the main factor that plays a role in the bottom line being your job title. Some of the highest-paid fields for those with an AAS degree include nursing and other medical-related careers, such as becoming a dental hygienist, physical therapist, or occupational therapy specialist.
Other Factors Affecting Salary
While your specific degree and job title affect your salary the most, a number of other factors can also affect the money you’re offered. Location is a major factor, for example. Jobs in some industries are higher in demand in certain areas than others, so if you move to one of these locations, you’ll make more money. In other words, it pays to know your industry! In general, you can also earn more by moving to metropolitan areas, though keep in mind that that cost of living will be higher in these areas as well.
Perks and Benefits
Along with salary, you should also consider the benefits you’re offered as part of your job. If you aren’t a full-time employee, you may or may not be offered these perks, which include health and dental coverage, paid vacation days, and tuition reimbursement. All of these can drastically increase the overall price you’re paid for a job. Sometimes the higher salary isn’t better.
