National Median

• While there's no hard recent data on the average starting salary for people who hold associate's degrees, there is data as of 2008 that reflects the national median. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the 2008 national median salary for those who held associate's degrees was $36,000. Since the median takes into account salaries of all employees who have an associate's degree, including inexperienced and experienced workers, the dollar figure is more than you will likely earn when you first start out. Count on making $6,000 to $12,000 less when you land your first job. Your salary will increase as you become more experienced.
  
  

Comparison to Those With a High School Diploma

• With an associate's degree, you will start out making more than someone who has a high school diploma, but the difference is not significant. Workers with high school diplomas earned a national median of $30,000 annually in 2008, which is $6,000 less than the median annual wage for employees who had an associate's degree, according to the NCES. However, you will start out making significantly more than someone who does not have a high school diploma, as those who did not graduate high school earned an annual median of $23,500. Median annual wages for employees with and without high school diplomas has dropped nearly every year since 1980, so the wage gap will likely increase.
  
  

Comparison to Other Degrees

• Graduates who hold an associate's degree generally make considerably less than students who graduate with a bachelor's degree or higher. The National Association of Colleges and Employers says that those with a bachelor degree earned an average starting salary of $48,351 in 2010, which is $12,000 more than the median starting salary for associate's degree holders. However, since you can attend community college to complete most associate degree programs, you can save thousands of dollars over those who choose to pursue a bachelor's degree. Four-year colleges typically cost over $9,000 a year, according to CollegeBoard.
  
  

Historic Wages for Associate's Degree Holders

• The average annual earnings for those who hold an associate's degree has gone down since 1999, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 1999 saw full-time employees who had an associate's degree earn an average of $38,200 annually. Other degree holders have experienced similar results, with either nominal drops or hikes in salary.