Living Wage Salaries by Program of Study

Are you looking to increase your earning potential and boost your career? One way to do this is by earning a two-year degree, diploma, or certificate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified many high-paying jobs that only require a two-year degree or less. By investing in your education and training, you can open the door to a successful and lucrative career.


If you're looking to make more money quicker, obtaining a high-paying diploma or certificate may be a good option for you. There are a variety of diplomas and certificates that can lead to high-paying jobs in a range of industries.


HIGHEST PAYING 2-YEAR DEGREES

2021-2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Registered Nurse - Nursing
Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021)-In Georgia $64,840

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 9%
Web Developers – Computer Programming
Industry - Computers/Marketing

Median Annual Salary (2021) $64,000

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 23%
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians - Electronics Technology
Industry - Architecture and Engineering

Median Annual Salary (2021) $63,640

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 0%
Radiologic and MRI Technologists - Advanced Medical Imaging
Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $61,980

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 6%
Drafters - Engineering Graphics
Industry - Architecture and Engineering

Median Annual Salary (2021) $60,290

Per hour $28.99
Industrial Engineering Technicians - Mechatronics Technology
Industry - Architecture and Engineering

Median Annual Salary (2021) $60,220

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 3%
Civil Engineering Technicians - Civil Engineering Technology
Industry – Architecture and Engineering

Median Annual Salary (2021) $58,320

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 0%
Computer Support Specialists - Computer Support Specialist
Industry - Computer and Information Technology

Median Annual Salary (2021) $57,910

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 6%
Medical Equipment Repairers - Bio-Medical Technology
Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $49,910

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 17%
Surgical Assistants and Technologists - Surgical Technology
Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $48,510

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 6%
Reference

HIGHEST PAYING DIPLOMA AND CERTIFICATE LEVEL

2021-2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Electrician - NCCER Electrical Construction
Industry - Construction

Median Annual Salary (2021) $60,040

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 7%
Lodging Manger - Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism
Industry Hospitality

Median Annual Salary (2021) $59,430

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 18%
Advertising Sales Agent - Marketing Management
Industry - Business and Retail

Median Annual Salary (2021) $52,340

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) -8%
Chefs and Head Cooks - Culinary Arts
Industry Hospitality

Median Annual Salary (2021) $50,160

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 15%
Firefighter - Fire Science Technology
Industry - Public Safety

Median Annual Salary (2021) $50,700

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 4%
Diesel Technician and Mechanic - Diesel Equipment Technology
Industry - Transportation

Median Annual Salary (2021) $48,690

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 4%
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers - Air Conditioning Technology
Industry - Construction

Median Annual Salary (2021) $48,630

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 5%
CDL Truck Driver - Commercial Truck Driving
Industry - Transportation

Median Annual Salary (2021) $48,310

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 4%
Carpenters - NCCER Carpentry
Industry - Construction

Median Annual Salary (2021) $48,260

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 2%
Licensed Practical Nurse - Practical Nursing
Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $48,070

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 6%
Masonry Worker - NCCER Masonry
Industry - Construction

Median Annual Salary (2021) $48,040

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) -2%
Automotive Body Repairer - Auto Collison Repair Technology
Industry - Transportation

Median Annual Salary (2021) $47,020

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 3%
Welders, Cutters and Solders - Welding & Joining Technology
Industry - Construction and Metal

Median Annual Salary (2021) $47,010

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 2%
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics - Automotive Technology
Industry - Transportation

Median Annual Salary (2021) $46,880

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 1%

Medical Records Specialist - Health Information Management Coding

Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $46,660

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 7%
Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerk - Accounting Technology
Industry - Business and Accounting

Median Annual Salary (2021) $45,560

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) -5%
Travel Agent - Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism
Industry - Hospitality

Median Annual Salary (2021) $43,810

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 20%
Dental Assistant - Dental Assisting
Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $38,660

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 8%
Phlebotomists – Phlebotomy
Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $37,380

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 10%
Medical Assistants - Medical Assisting Technology
Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $37,190

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 16%
EMTs and Paramedics - Paramedicine and EMT
Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $36,903

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 7%
Pharmacy Technician - Pharmacy Technology
Industry - Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $36,740

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 6%
Nurse Assistant - Accelerated Nurse Aid
Industry Healthcare

Median Annual Salary (2021) $30,290

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) 5%
Reference


Academic Year 2023 Reporting on 2022 Graduates Placement Rates

PROGRAM TOTAL PLACEMENT RATE IN-FIELD PLACEMENT
AAS-Technical Studies 100% 100%
Accounting 100% 100%
Air Conditioning Technology 100% 85.30%
Auto Collision Repair 100% 88.90%
Automotive Technology 100% 100%
Barbering 100% 96%
Building and Facilities Maintenance 100.0% 100% 100%
Business and Office Technology 99.30% 87.50%
Carpentry 100% 88.20%
Civil Engineering Technology 100% 100%
Commercial Truck Driving 99.20% 93.90%
Cosmetology 100% 98.90%
Criminal Justice 100% 96.10%
Culinary Arts 100% 90.90%
Cyber and Related 100% 88.10%
Dental Assisting 100% 100%
Diesel Equipment Technology 100% 100%
Distribution-Materials Management 100% 100%
Drafting 100% 100%
Early Childhood Care and Education 100% 96.60%
Electrical Construction and Maintenance 100% 100%
Electronics and Telecommunications 100% 100%
Electronics-Computer Engineering Technology 100% 100%
Environmental Horticulture 100% 100%
Fire Science Technology 100% 100%
Hotel-Restaurant-Travel Managementad 100% 88.90%
Industrial Systems Technology 100% 100%
Management‑Supervisory Development 100% 99.50%
Marketing Management 100% 100%
Media Production 100% 75%
Medical Assisting 100% 66.70%
Medical Laboratory 100% 91.70%
Nursing 100% 100%
Paramedic Technology 100% 100%
Pharmacy Technology 100% 100%
Practical Nursing and Related Programs 100% 97.10%
Radiologic Technology 100% 100%
Surgical Technology 100% 100%
Welding and Joining Technology 100% 100%

Source:
Technical College System of Georgia
Knowledge Management System Database (TCSG KMS Database)
Reports-TEC0145 & TEC0112
Placement of AY 2022 Graduates as of September 2023