What careers are in high demand that only require an associate degree and isn't competitive?

I think you were on the right track with both teaching and nursing: both provide a good career path. Maybe its different in NJ, but most places both are highly employable as well. The nurses earn a bit more, but the teachers usually have a 9 month contract which has its perks as well (off in the summer). However, I'm a little confused with the question b/c neither of which can be done with only a 2 year degree...Stay in school, keep pushing for one of those two degrees. There aren't many jobs out there with only an associates, especially paying $40K, and thats even in an economy like NJ which has higher pay rates than many areas of the country. Here is what I can think of: - truck driving - general trades (electrician, carpenter, plumber, etc.) - sales (insurance, real estate, cars) However, all of the above require some sort of training: cdl, apprenticeship, passing an exam, etc.

repair copy machines repair vending machines repair computers auto mechanic if you are female and don't like working with tools... accounting (yes, i know it's 4 years, but sometimes you can do bookkeeping or a 2 year accounting program instead) medical transcriptionist or similar healthcare related jobs skilled trades (some of them aren't dirty and dangerous)