College can be expensive and take years to finish, which isn’t easy for everyone. That’s why associate degrees are becoming a popular choice. They cost less, take just two years to complete, and teach you skills you can use right away in the workplace.
Plus, the numbers speak for themselves! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an associate’s degree earn a median weekly income of $1,058, which is $159 more than those with just a high school diploma. And it’s not just about money. The unemployment rate for associate degree holders is lower too, at 2.7% compared to 3.9% for high school graduates.
If you want a practical way to reach your goals, an associate degree could be the solution. But how about those interested in the business world? That’s where an associate degree in business can make a big difference.
What Is an Associate Degree in Business?
An associate degree in business is a two-year college program that gives you the skills to jump into a career quickly. It’s a great alternative to a bachelor’s degree, which takes about four years to complete. This means with an associate degree, you save both time and money, getting into the workforce sooner.
During the program, you’ll take courses in key areas like accounting, marketing, and management. You’ll also develop important skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Graduates often land entry-level business jobs or continue their education by transferring to a four-year bachelor’s program.
Whether you choose an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS), this degree gives you options for building a career or deciding to keep learning down the road.
10 Jobs You Can Get With an Associate’s Degree in Business
Here are 10 jobs you can aim for and how your degree will help you succeed:
1. Operations Assistant
Median Salary: $45,000/year
What You’ll Do: Help keep the daily operations of a business running smoothly. This might include organizing schedules, managing supplies, and improving processes. The organizational and planning skills you gain from your degree will be key.
2. Payroll Clerk
Median Salary: $47,610/year
What You’ll Do: Process paychecks for employees, calculate taxes, and keep accurate financial records. Your accounting classes will prepare you for the detailed work this job requires.
3. Customer Service Supervisor
Median Salary: $55,293/year
What You’ll Do: Lead a customer service team, solve customer problems, and make sure your team meets quality standards. Leadership and communication skills from your program will help you excel here.
4. Social Media Coordinator
Median Salary: $50,000/year
What You’ll Do: Manage a company’s social media accounts, create posts, and track how well they perform. Marketing and communication courses will help you stand out in this creative role.
5. Procurement Clerk
Median Salary: $46,453/year
What You’ll Do: Help businesses buy the supplies they need by preparing orders, managing vendor relationships, and keeping records. Your understanding of business processes and finance will be a big advantage.
6. Bank Teller
Median Salary: $36,310/year
What You’ll Do: Assist customers with deposits, withdrawals, and other banking tasks. Your finance knowledge and customer service skills will make you a valuable employee in this role.
7. Sales Representative
Median Salary: $68,284/year
What You’ll Do: Sell products or services to customers by explaining their value and meeting sales targets. Your ability to communicate and understand customer needs, which you’ll learn during your degree, is key to success.
8. Hospitality Coordinator
Median Salary: $47,000/year
What You’ll Do: Organize events, handle reservations, and make sure guests have a great experience. Your management and customer service skills will help you excel in this challenging but rewarding field.
9. Human Resources Assistant
Median Salary: $48,380/year
What You’ll Do: Help with hiring employees, managing payroll, and keeping staff records up-to-date. Courses in business law and ethics will give you a strong foundation for this role.
10. Marketing Assistant
Median Salary: $49,000/year
What You’ll Do: Support marketing campaigns, track performance, and help with promotional materials. Your marketing classes will give you the knowledge to contribute to a team and make campaigns successful.
Start Small, Dream Big: Building Your Future on a Budget
Not everyone has the money to go for a bachelor’s or advanced degree like a PhD, and that’s okay. If you want a good career but can’t afford those bigger commitments, an associate’s degree in business is a smart and affordable option to get started. Entry-level salaries for jobs like these average between $36,000 and $68,000 per year, and many positions offer opportunities for raises and promotions as you gain experience.
This two-year program helps you gain useful skills, find entry-level work, and start earning sooner. It’s a way to take control of your future without ending up in lots of debt. Plus, just because you start small doesn’t mean you stay small. Many people begin with an associate’s degree, then grow their careers and education over time when their finances allow it.
What matters most is that you’re taking action now to invest in yourself. Success isn’t about where you start; it’s about the choices you make and how hard you work to move forward. If funds are tight, this degree can still be your first step toward the career and life you’ve imagined.