Psychology Jobs: Opportunities with an Associate’s Degree

Career opportunities in the field of psychology involve working to improve the lives of others. From becoming a substance abuse counselor to a child psychologist, careers in psychology can prove to be fulfilling and rewarding in many ways.

While many professions require varying degrees of undergraduate- or graduate- level higher education, there are several growing opportunities for those who hold an associate degree in psychology. Enrolling in the online Associate of Arts (AA) in Applied Psychology program from Florida Institute of Technology can be the first step in pursuing several career paths, including the opportunities listed below.

Jobs With an AA in Psychology

Career paths in psychology span a wide array of job roles. Professionals in these positions have varying job responsibilities and may work with distinct populations or the general public.

Further, these positions can serve as a starting point for more advanced education and professional roles in psychology as well as related fields, such as sociology, social work, criminology and organizational leadership. Considering this, the following are five unique jobs for professionals with an AA in applied psychology, all of which can lead to higher-level psychology education and careers.

1. Addiction Rehabilitation Assistant

Professionals in this role support patient recovery efforts within hospitals, substance abuse centers or private rehabilitation facilities. Addiction rehabilitation assistants aid in implementing clinical services according to treatment plans developed by mental health professionals, such as substance abuse counselors. Duties vary depending on the facility; however, they may include assisting patients with daily tasks, including helping them participate in social and recreational activities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors, a broader occupational category, will increase by an estimated 19% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The position of addiction rehabilitation assistant is an entry-level job in this growing field and may be available to candidates with an associate degree.

BLS reports that the median annual salary for professionals in this occupational category was $59,190 in 2024, with the lowest-paid 10% of earners making $39,090 and the top 10% making more than $98,210. Entry-level positions will likely pay toward the lower end of this salary range, though professionals can increase their earning potential and career opportunities with experience and additional education.

Salary potential and employment opportunities may also vary due to factors such as regional market conditions. Prospective students should conduct independent research to determine actual earning potential.

2. Psychiatric Technician

While education and training requirements vary for psychiatric technicians and aides, many positions are available for those who hold an associate’s degree. Psychiatric technicians and aides work with people who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They typically work in psychiatric hospitals, mental health facilities and related healthcare settings. Duties include monitoring and reporting patients’ physical and emotional well-being as well as collaborating with and assisting doctors, psychologists, rehabilitation therapists and other mental health workers.

BLS projects job growth for psychiatric technicians will be 17% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for these professionals was $42,590 in 2024.

3. Social and Human Service Assistant

Social and human service assistants provide client services in a variety of fields. Areas of employment may include psychology, rehabilitation and social work.

BLS reports that a growing elderly population paired with rising demand for social services and substance abuse treatment programs is the cause for an 8% projected increase in social and human service assistant positions between 2023 and 2033. While the minimum educational requirement for those in this role is generally a high school diploma, employers may prefer to hire candidates with higher education, such as an associate degree. According to BLS, the median annual wage for this profession was $45,120 in 2024.

Professionals in this role work in clinics, hospitals, group homes and shelters. Duties include helping clients identify and access benefits and services, as well as working with clients and other professionals to develop treatment plans. Additional responsibilities may consist of coordinating services and helping clients complete paperwork to apply for assistance programs. Social and human service assistants work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, group homes and shelters.

4. Child Care Provider

Child care providers play an important role in a child’s development and well-being. As such, earning an associate degree in applied psychology can provide the knowledge and skills needed to work with children effectively.

Many child care providers work in a self-employed capacity, while others work in child care centers. Childcare workers are generally responsible for taking care of the basic needs of a child, including supervising and monitoring safety, organizing learning activities, and designing and following a curriculum based on the child’s age, developmental level and other factors. Additional responsibilities include observing and identifying signs of emotional or developmental problems and alerting parents to any concerns.

According to BLS, employment of child care workers will decrease by 1% between 2023 and 2033, due to declining birth rates and the rising cost of child care. However, with the consistent demand for these services, BLS estimates there will still be roughly 162,500 child care job openings per year.

The median wage for child care providers was $15.41 per hour in 2024, equating to a $32,053 annual salary for full-time providers. BLS notes that workers with higher levels of education generally earn more than those with a high school diploma. The top 10% of earners in this profession made more than $21.42 hourly in 2024, equating to $44,554 per year for full-time workers.

5. Youth Counselor

Generally, youth counselors work with children and adolescents who may be facing mental or physical issues, including substance abuse issues, disabilities and more, but roles and responsibilities vary depending on the work environment. Settings include community and youth services agencies, hospitals, correctional facilities, and religious organizations.

For example, community or youth services may require youth counselors to work in after-school or summer programs for local children. In such roles, a youth counselor would work closely with children by assisting with any development or implementation of curriculum, including physical fitness-based activities. While educational requirements for youth counselors vary depending on employer, candidates with at least an associate degree may have a competitive advantage when it comes to employment opportunities and earning potential.

Discover Great Jobs With an AA in Psychology From Florida Tech Online

Florida Tech’s AA in Applied Psychology online program provides students with an understanding of major concepts in applied psychology. Students study methods to identify, understand and develop practical solutions for individuals facing a variety of challenges.

The curriculum explores principles of human behavior, social dynamics and effective research. Students develop critical-thinking, communication and problem-solving skills. With the qualification, knowledge and skills gained from this 100% online program, graduates have the preparation to excel in numerous psychology-based career pursuits.

Learn more about Florida Tech’s online Associate of Arts in Applied Psychology program.

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