Some careers are friendlier to that entrepreneurial spirit than others. If the opportunity to eventually run your own business is important to you, then you need to start your career with the right education. The following 15 degrees can prepare you for the kind of jobs where workers are most likely to be self-employed.

1. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture

A college degree in agriculture, agricultural business or agricultural sciences prepares students for success in the world of farm management. Most agriculture and related degree programs combine studies in business and science with a focus on framing. Coursework in farm management, agricultural economics, sustainable farming practices, plant breeding, dairy science and animal science is common, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. Graduates of agriculture degrees will understand the process of running a farm or a group of farms as a business, from its financial operations to its marketing strategies. They develop familiarity with the laws and policies that govern farming. Some agriculture degree programs include opportunities to gain hands-on experience managing college-run farms and selling the produce. Some programs include a special focus on sustainability in farming. Agriculture degree programs are available at both the associate’s and bachelor’s level and are offered both on campus and online.

An agriculture degree is excellent preparation for a job as an agricultural manager. These professionals oversee the daily operations of farms, ranches and greenhouses. The vast majority of agricultural managers – 70 percent – are their own bosses. In fact, agriculture degree programs often offer required or elective courses in farming entrepreneurship. As bosses, agricultural managers make the decisions about what the farm produces, how it is run and where and for how much to sell the product. While a college degree isn’t an absolute requirement for this job – which often starts with professional experience as a farm worker – an education is becoming increasingly important, the BLS reported. Both efficient farming and effective business management has become more complicated, resulting in the need to know more about both subjects than what can be easily taught on-the-job. Some agricultural managers seek the Accredited Farm Manager certification from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers to demonstrate their knowledge.

Most Likely Job Title: Agricultural Manager

Salary: $64,170

Self-employment by the numbers: 70 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Sustainable Farming 

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Art

When you earn a college degree in art, you take foundational through advanced courses in studio art of various kinds. Coursework often includes study in creating art through drawing, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, painting, photography, sculpting, printmaking and digital design. Creating an extensive portfolio of your work is integral to success in an art degree program as well as your professional life after college, the BLS reported. A strong portfolio contains a collection of the artist’s best work, but it must have pieces that are distinct enough to show the breadth and depth of the artist’s skills and styles. In addition to taking a multitude of art and design classes, students take core general education courses required for graduation. Undergraduate studio art degrees can be categorized as either Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees or Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees. Some art students choose to go on to graduate school and pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.

What can you do with an art degree? You can work for yourself – and still make a decent living doing so. Two of the most entrepreneurial and profitable art jobs are art director and multimedia artist and animator. Half of all art directors and more than half of all animators are self-employed. Some work from home, but many work in the offices of motion picture production companies, advertising agencies, publishing companies and design services companies. Art directors, who earn higher salaries, develop the big-picture design and style of the visual elements used in film, magazines, newspapers and advertising campaigns. They oversee the artists who create those images and visual elements. Multimedia artists and animators, on the other hand, create effects, models and animations used in movies, television shows and video games. Animators work on a project from the storyboard phase to the finished sequences of animation and computer generated images.

Most Likely Job Title: Multimedia Artist, Animator or Art Director

Salary: $63,970 – $89,760

Self-employment by the numbers: 50 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Computer Graphics, Graphic Design 

3. Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science

Degree programs in mortuary science cover the technical skills needed to prepare bodies for memorial services and burials, including restorative techniques and embalming. They also include coursework in the laws and ethics of the funeral services business as well as grief counseling strategies to help funeral service workers in their interactions with bereaved family members. Mortuary science degree programs are available on campus at junior colleges as well as online. Many mortuary science degree programs require students to complete a one-year internship or mandatory clinic embalming assignments in order to gain hands-on work experience as well as prepare for common state licensing requirements. More than 50 mortuary science degree programs are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, which is important because a degree from an accredited program is required for licensure in most states. Associate’s degrees in mortuary science are more common, but bachelor’s degree programs in the subject are also available, the BLS reported.

A mortuary science degree is a good choice for those who aspire to be their own bosses because half of the 60,400 funeral workers in the United States are self-employed, according to the BLS. They may run the business in its entirety, managing the day-to-day operations of the funeral home and handling business decisions like financial planning and staff recruitment and training. They also do the work of meeting with families to plan the memorial service and the burial or cremation, filing legal documents such as death certificates, embalming or otherwise preparing the body of the deceased and writing obituaries. Since funeral service workers are often on call in the evenings and on weekends and must be able to make preparations quickly following a death, being your own boss is beneficial in this industry because it allows for a flexible work schedule to accommodate the needs of the business and its clients.

Most Likely Job Title: Funeral Service Manager or Funeral Director

Salary: $53,390

Self-employment by the numbers: 50 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Funeral Service 

4. Exercise Physiology

If you pursue a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, you’ll take a variety of classes in science and health subjects, including anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, statistics, biomechanics, nutrition and kinesiology. Specific courses in subjects such as introductory exercise physiology, sports injury management, exercise pathophysiology, sports epidemiology and principles of strength and conditioning are common, as well. Programs that have earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs often include required clinical hours in a setting such as a cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation facility. A number of schools offer master’s and even Ph.D. programs in exercise physiology and related studies. While most states don’t currently require exercise physiologists to be licensed, a number of states are considering implementing licensing requirements, the BLS reported. However, graduates from exercise physiology degree programs can seek the Exercise Physiologist Certified certification from the American Society of Exercise Physiologists or the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist or Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist credentials from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Given that around half of all exercise physiologists working in the United States are self-employed, a degree in exercise physiology is a great choice for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, a knack for science and a passion for fitness. The reason exercise physiologists need such a strong background in science and health subjects is that their job responsibilities differ significantly from that of a fitness instructor or athletic trainer. Exercise physiologists are part of the healthcare industry. Doctors often refer patients who have chronic medical conditions to exercise physiologists for the purpose of developing a fitness routine that will help them improve their overall health and work toward recovery. To accomplish this work, an exercise physiologist must understand the patient’s medical history and use medical equipment to conduct tests, check vital signs and develop an exercise plan that works with the patient’s limitations and achieves the necessary health goals, like increasing cardiovascular function.

RELATED: How to Become a Personal Trainer: What Degree Should I Get?

Most Likely Job Title: Exercise Physiologist

Salary: $47,010

Self-employment by the numbers: 50 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Kinesiology, Exercise Science 

5. Music

Degree programs in music can take a number of forms. There are programs in music theory, music composition, music performance and music conducting. Programs exist at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A degree program in music theory encompasses music analysis and research as well as hands-on training in music skills. Composition degree programs include music training and studies in the elements of music and composition techniques with the goal of preparing students to create original music of their own. Degrees in applied music or music performance focus on cultivating a professional level of performance skills in one or more musical instruments. Orchestral conducting degree programs, which are often master’s degree programs, tend to involve a lot of study of musical scores, private lessons in leadership and rehearsal techniques and hands-on experience conducting actual professional choirs and orchestras. Music programs at the college – and especially the graduate – level can be very selective, particularly since these degree programs often include some form of private music lessons.

A degree in music isn’t necessary for all music careers. You don’t need a piece of paper to write a popular hit song or start a band that does local gigs. However, you do need more than a good ear. Professionals who work in the music field need training – like the hands-on music training offered in music degree programs – to learn to play their instruments well. A solid understanding of music theory and the elements of good music composition, whether gained through formal or informal education, is also essential for success at writing original songs. While two out of every five musicians, singers, composers and music directors work for themselves, having a music degree is often essential to get respected and well-paying work in music. For example, musicians who perform classical pieces, sing opera or direct a choir typically need a bachelor’s degree in music, while orchestral conductors often need a master’s degree, the BLS reported.

Most Likely Job Title: Music Director, Musician

Salary: $49,820

Self-employment by the numbers: 40 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Dance, Theatre 

6. Doctoral Degree in Psychology

There are different kinds of psychology degrees that can prepare candidates for different roles. Most psychologists need a doctorate, which typically requires five to seven years of study, to officially use the title “psychologist,” the BLS reported. A Ph.D. in psychology, which is the traditional doctoral degree in the field, focuses heavily on research and studies in experimental procedures and statistics. Students must design the procedures for and conduct their own original psychological research and then present those findings in a written doctoral dissertation. On the other hand, students who want to focus on working with patients in clinical settings may prefer to pursue a Psy.D., a professional program that focuses more on experience through practical work and exams and a yearlong internship. Some professionals in the field of psychology instead pursue a master’s degree, which can often be completed in just two years and typically focuses on clinical psychology, counseling psychology or industrial/organizational psychology.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs

About one-third of the 173,900 psychologists in the United States are self-employed, the BLS reported. Psychologists who run their own practices manage the business aspects of the practice as well as the clinical or counseling work. They may handle administrative tasks like handling billing procedures, insurance company paperwork and appointment scheduling themselves or delegate those tasks to the employees they hire and train. Besides being the boss, self-employed psychologists are responsible for working with patients. Clinical psychologists do the work of diagnosing and treating the mental and emotional health conditions of their patients. Counseling psychologists use the counseling strategies they have cultivated in school and through work experience to help patients cope with and work through problems in their life and relationships. Since psychology professionals without a doctoral degree typically must work under the guidance of licensed psychologists, those with a Psy.D. and a focus on clinical or counseling psychology are most likely to become their own bosses.

Most Likely Job Title: Psychologist

Salary: $72,580

Self-employment by the numbers: 33 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy 

7. Doctor of Chiropractic

A Doctor of Chiropractic, or D.C., degree is what trains chiropractors in the art of spinal adjustment and manipulation for health benefits. Earning a D.C. usually takes students four years of full-time study. A D.C. is both a professional and postgraduate degree program, the BLS reported. As a professional degree, it prepares students for practical application of chiropractic techniques in a healthcare setting.  You might be surprised to learn that, even though it’s a postgraduate degree program, you don’t necessarily have to have a bachelor’s degree to earn your Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Applicants to D.C. programs need just 90 semester hours, or three years of full-time study, at the undergraduate level to apply. However, many chiropractors do complete their bachelor’s degrees before they begin their chiropractic studies. While there’s no specific major students should pursue to prepare for a D.C. program, studying biology, physics, chemistry and the liberal arts can be helpful. The relatively few Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs that have earned accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education include coursework in biology, anatomy and physiology as well as clinical training in diagnosing and assessing spinal problems and using spinal adjustment techniques.

One out of every three chiropractors is self-employed, the BLS reported. There are definitely benefits to running your own private chiropractic practice. Many chiropractors offer flexible appointment schedules, including evening and weekend appointments, for the convenience of their patients. A self-employed chiropractor can set his or her own hours and determine what days and times the practice should be open. Chiropractors who are their own bosses can also decide if they want to offer additional services, like rehabilitative exercise and massage therapy, and if they want to sell health and wellness products, like sports braces, in their practice. They must also be able to hire, train and oversee the staff working in their office. In order to prepare students for the challenges of running a practice as well as providing chiropractic services, some Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs incorporate coursework in business, particularly in management, finance and billing practices, in addition to traditional chiropractic subjects of study.

Most Likely Job Title: Chiropractor

Salary: $64,440

Self-employment by the numbers: 33 percent

8. Hospitality

Hospitality management is a great field to go into if you want to work in tourism and develop your leadership skills. A hospitality degree program will often combine coursework from a number of disciplines, ranging from business management to laws and ethics and even food safety and nutrition. However, you can’t learn everything there is to know about tourism management from a book or a lecture in the classroom. Because many of the skills needed for success in the tourism industry – and in business management – are practical skills, most hospitality degree programs include hands-on training. Some programs require students to complete internships at hotels, restaurants and tourism destinations. Others run their own on-campus or off-campus lodging and dining establishments, where students can gain hands-on experience in every role of hospitality management. Depending on the school you choose to attend, your hospitality degree program could be part of a business college, human services department, agriculture and life sciences school or even its own distinct department or division.

A hospitality degree can prepare you for a variety of different jobs in the tourism industry, but two of the most common hospitality occupations are also among the most likely to be their own boss. Lodging managers are the professionals who oversee the operations of hotels and resorts. Food service managers run the business sides of restaurants, cafes, and other eating establishments. In both of these vocations, one in three professionals is self-employed, the BLS reported. While a college degree isn’t necessary to work in food service or in a hotel, the business and management skills you learn in a hospitality degree program are invaluable. When you run your own hotel or restaurant, in particular, it’s essential that you know how to make sound financial decisions, keep accurate financial records and manage staff, customer expectations and business logistics. You must also understand the importance of all of the roles involved in the day-to-day operations of a restaurant and hotel – a kind of familiarity you won’t develop just by working as a host, wait staff or concierge.

Most Likely Job Title: Lodging Manager or Food Service Manager

Salary: $48,690 – $49,720

Self-employment by the numbers: 33 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Hotel Management or Food Service Management

9. Film

In a good film and media arts degree program, your coursework will prepare you for a career in the entertainment industry. Coursework often includes studies in subjects such as introduction to film studies, film history, screenwriting, film theory, television, new media, cinematography and video editing software. Some degree programs or concentrations within those programs focus more heavily on cultural topics, like how race and gender are depicted in film, while others emphasize stylistic techniques in film or storytelling through screenwriting. It’s not unusual for a film degree program to incorporate coursework that covers the theoretical foundations and practical applications involved in every part of the filmmaking process, from writing the script to doing makeup and wardrobe and from decorating the set to directing the action on stage or before the camera. Many schools provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills through real experience – as well as their professional portfolios – while working on campus television stations or short film projects and challenges.

A film degree is an excellent starting place if you want to become a director or work as a film and video editor or camera operator. Film editors and camera operators are more likely than directors and producers to become their own bosses. About 30 percent of film and video editors are self-employed, the BLS reported, compared to just 20 percent of directors. Directors and camera operators and video editors work in the film and entertainment industry, but each serves a different role. Directors determine the creative choices that go into producing a motion picture or television show, overseeing the actors and personalities who appear in front of the camera as well as the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing the script to life. As the job title implies, camera operators and video editors do the work of actually recording the stories being told in the film and skillfully editing shots and sequences to tell that story in a meaningful way.

Most Likely Job Title: Film and Video Editors and Camera Operator, Director

Salary: $55,740 — $68,440

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 to 30 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Broadcasting, Acting, Journalism, Communications 

10. Dental School Degree

Completing dental school results in the award of one of three possible degrees: the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), the Doctor of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.) or the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.D.M.). Whether you choose a D.D.S., D.M.D. or D.D.M. degree program, dental school requires a solid background in the sciences, including undergraduate coursework in chemistry and biology. A competitive score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is often necessary to gain acceptance into a program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Once admitted, students learn about anatomy, radiology, use of local anesthesia for dental procedures and periodontics, the study of oral health and diseases, the BLS reported. Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. Dental school students attain clinical experience by diagnosing and treating real patients under the guidance of experienced dentists. After earning their dental school degrees, aspiring dentists must attain a license to practice in their state. Those who wish to specialize must also spend two to four years completing a residency in their intended dental specialty.

One in four dentists – more than 37,800 total – run their own private dental practice, the BLS reported. Some self-employed dentists work alone in their solo practices. Others hire reception staff and dental hygienists to assist with administrative duties and patient care. Still others manage group practices, where they work with partner and associate dentists. A dentist who is self-employed makes the big-picture business decisions. He or she may handle overseeing the day-to-day operations of the practice personally, or may delegate administrative, billing, bookkeeping and staff recruitment and training tasks to an office manager. While the dentist’s primary responsibility is caring for patients’ oral health by fixing and removing damaged teeth and using imaging equipment to check for problems, you can’t ignore the administrative duties when you are the one in charge of keeping the business running smoothly. Opportunities for dentists – and for opening your own dental practice – are increasing rapidly. The BLS expects career opportunities for dentists to increase by 18 percent over a decade, compared just 7 percent job growth expected across all occupations.

Most Likely Job Title: Dentist

Salary: $158,310

Self-employment by the numbers: 25 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: M.D. in Oral Surgery 

11. Interior Design

A degree program in interior design will teach you the fundamentals of developing indoor spaces that are both aesthetically appealing and functional. Most college degree programs in interior design include coursework in drawing and computer-aided design as well as the theories and applications of interior design principles. For example, interior design students may take courses in lighting and textiles to learn about the materials and light fixtures they can choose from when designing a space as well as classes in residential and commercial design practices. They learn to create two-dimensional designs on paper and three-dimensional digital models of their design ideas. As with other fields of study, whether a degree program has earned accreditation from a reputable agency can speak to the quality of the program. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation and the National Kitchen & Bath Association are all agencies that accredit interior design degree programs, the BLS reported.

One-quarter of all interior designers in the United States are self-employed, according to the BLS. Perhaps that’s because several aspects of the career lend themselves to the flexibility of being your own boss. For one thing, interior designers often work non-standard hours, like evenings and weekends, for the convenience of clients who may have a more rigid work schedule. They also need to travel to the space they are designing to understand the location and its advantages and limitations. Interior designers’ success has a great deal to do with the quality of their people skills and design work, so skilled interior designers are often able to make a living working for themselves. As in other art and design careers, interior designers need to show their skills to get paying work – and that means compiling a portfolio of their most impressive designs. Of course, self-employed interior designers still need to handle the management and administrative tasks of keeping their business running.

Most Likely Job Title: Interior Designer

Salary: $48,840

Self-employment by the numbers: 25 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Industrial Design 

12. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A Master of Business Administration degree program typically includes graduate-level courses in a variety of business subjects, including accounting, business law, economics, finance, international business, management and marketing. Often, an MBA degree program will provide students with the chance to specialize in an academic track or concentration that’s of interest of to them in addition to taking core general business courses. MBA programs may combine studies of business theory with practical problem-solving skills developed both in business scenarios explored in the classroom and through hands-on internship experiences. While two years is the typical length of time to complete a full-time MBA degree program, some schools offer accelerated one-year programs, while others offer part-time study options that allow working students to learn at their own pace without leaving the workforce. In addition to traditional MBA programs where classes take place on campus, online MBA programs have become popular among busy students juggling family and work responsibilities.

RELATED: What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Business Administration?

Of course, studying business management is an excellent idea if you’re going to run a business of your own. Such a degree program can teach you important skills, like how to manage your company’s finances, use sound accounting processes to keep accurate financial records, publicize your business to draw in new clients and handle the complicated logistics of coordinating work schedules and supply delivery. However, an MBA degree is particularly valuable for students who aspire to be self-employed because it can also prepare you for profitable business careers that lend themselves to entrepreneurship, like management consultant and management analyst. These professionals use their extensive knowledge of effective business practices to help companies improve efficiency, decreasing wasted time and money and increasing profits. One in five management consultants works for themselves, the BLS reported. They set their own hours and spend much of their worktime with clients at the sites of the businesses they are trying to improve.

Most Likely Job Title: Management Consultant, Management Analyst

Salary: $81,320

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Bachelor’s Degree in Business 

13. Bachelor of Architecture

In the United States, top Bachelor of Architecture degree programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. In dozens of states, having earned your degree from an accredited program is a requirement for obtaining an architecture license after graduation. Undergraduate architecture programs blend studies from a variety of subjects. When earning a Bachelor of Architecture, you can expect to study everything from the liberal arts to the physical sciences, from math to design. Of course, aspiring architects also study more specialized subjects, like construction methods, building structures, foundational theories of architecture, building design, architectural history and the use of computer-aided design software. While what you learn in the classroom is important, much of an architecture student’s development occurs in the design studio, as students develop their own building designs through sketches and three-dimensional models. Unlike most bachelor’s degree programs, a Bachelor of Architecture degree is designed to take five years of full-time study.

Of the 112,600 architects who are working across the United States, 20 percent happen to be their own bosses, the BLS reported. A benefit to entrepreneurship is that self-employed architects get to set their own schedules, which is a substantial advantage in an occupation that often includes tight deadlines and long hours. They may also choose to work from a home office, cutting out the daily commute and making it easier to work odd hours when necessary. Architects already need to be able to balance multiple job duties, such as interacting with clients, creating functional and visually appealing designs, collaborating with other professionals involved in the project and traveling to construction sites to assess the work being done. Those who are also running their own company must expand these existing multitasking and time-management skills to make sure that both the big-picture business decisions and the company’s daily operations are going smoothly.

Most Likely Job Title: Architect

Salary: $76,100

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Landscape Architecture, Engineering

14. Graphic Design

In an undergraduate degree program in graphic design, students take a variety of basic art and design courses. Common coursework ranges from design principles to printing techniques and studio art to computerized design, the BLS reported. Due to the importance and prevalence of computer graphics and design layout software systems, many graphic design programs involve courses that make use of these technologies. Coursework in color theory, typography, digital layouts and web design are also popular. Graphic design students often complete courses to develop their business knowledge, marketing skills and writing abilities, as well. For many graphic design students, cultivating a portfolio of professional-quality designs is nearly as important as the principles and practices they learn in the classroom. The portfolio is what will convey the student’s skills and artistic style to potential employers and clients after graduation. Graphic design degrees are offered at associate’s and bachelor’s degree levels, both on campus and in distance learning formats.

One in five graphic designers is self-employed, the BLS reported. Graphic design and entrepreneurship often go well together. Graphic designers develop the visual elements of publications, advertisements and product packaging. They create the art that conveys meanings and the layouts that organize the visual elements on the page. While some graphic designers are part of a team at a publishing company, advertising firm or design agency, it’s not unusual for a graphic designer to work alone. Graphic designers do, however, meet with clients directly to discuss new projects and the progress of ongoing projects. Being self-employed is an asset in these instances, because the graphic designer is free to alter his or her work schedule as necessary to fit in meetings with clients. Graphic designers who run their own firm often devote at least some time to finding new business by searching for and applying for new jobs, presenting their skills and ideas to potential clients and bidding on contracts for paid work.

Most Likely Job Title: Graphic Designer

Salary: $46,900

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Art 

15. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree isn’t an easy task. To even be admitted to one of these competitive doctoral degree programs, you will most likely need an undergraduate education with a background in science courses such as anatomy, animal science, biology, chemistry, microbiology, physiology and zoology. In a degree program that has earned accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, you will spend four years on your veterinary studies. For the first three years, your learning will take place in the classroom, in the lab and in clinical settings. During the fourth and final year of veterinary school, you will gain hands-on experience as you perform clinical rotations at a veterinary hospital, the BLS reported. Students in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program learn about that anatomy and physiology of various kinds of animals. They receive the training needed to prevent diseases and diagnose and treat medical conditions in pets, livestock and other types of animals.

About one in six veterinarians chooses to become their own boss, according to the BLS. Like doctors who work with human patients, self-employed veterinarians often run private solo practices. Some open group practices where they work with partner veterinarians or hire associate dentists. Self-employed veterinarians may set their own hours, often including occasional weeknight or evening appointments for the convenience of the human owners of their animal patients. Some veterinarians, particularly those who work with farm animals rather than exclusively with companion animals, may have to travel to owners’ homes or workplaces to care for animals that can’t be easily transported, like horses, or with groups of animals, like a brood of chickens. Though rewarding, the work of a veterinarian can be demanding and even hazardous. Sick and injured animals might not react tolerantly to being examined, while interacting with distressed pet owners can be emotionally draining. However, candidates who have an entrepreneurial spirit as well as a love for animals can make the most of a career as a self-employed veterinarian.

RELATED: How to Become a Veterinarian: What Major Do You Need to Be a Vet?          

Most Likely Job Title: Veterinarian

Salary: $88,490

Self-employment by the numbers: 17 percent

Editor’s Note: Of course, no degree or occupation guarantees success in entrepreneurship. However, the degrees and careers listed above are associated with high self-employment rates. Being your own boss can be both challenging and rewarding. For more information on any of the occupations listed in this article, visit the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which was the source for salary, career outlook, education and self-employment data. You can also learn more about entrepreneurship from the BLS Career Outlook article Self-Employment: What to know to be your own boss.

Related Resources:

Do I Need a Degree to Be an Interior Decorator?

Where Are the Best Paying Jobs With a Degree in Interior Design?

What Is the Difference Between a Degree in Interior Design and Interior Architecture?

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

What Are My Degree Choices to Be a Film/TV Producer?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?

Best Major for Dentist: What Major Do You Need to Be a Dentist?

For Further Reading: 

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What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

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What Is an Interior Designing Degree?

Architect vs Engineer: What Is the Benefit of an Engineering Degree Over an Architecture Degree?

The post 15 Degrees That Are Perfect for Becoming Your Own Boss appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

If you’re not put off by the idea of sticking your fingers in strangers’ mouths (while wearing gloves, of course), a career in dental hygiene practice may be the right fit for you. Schools offer dental hygiene education programs at the associate degree, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree levels, often at a great value. The affordable dental hygiene degree options below offer students a way to gain specialized knowledge and practice their technical skills as they complete the clinical hours required to become qualified candidates for licensure.

RELATED: 25 Fastest Online Associates Degree Programs

What Is a Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienist is the title for the non-doctor oral health specialists who examine, clean and polish patients’ teeth. Working alongside and under the supervision of licensed dentists (doctors who specialize in teeth and oral health) and dental assistants, a registered dental hygienist often performs routine dental care tasks.

What Dental Hygienists Do

Some of the work dental hygienists perform in a dental office or clinic might include:

• Using specific X-ray techniques to take X-rays of the mouth,
• Removing stains and tarter on the teeth and gums through advanced scaling techniques
• Applying preventive treatments, like sealants and fluoride, to teeth

Dental Hygienists’ Relationships With Patients in Clinical Practice

Often, a licensed dental hygienist is the first healthcare professional a patient sees when they visit a dental office or clinic. In the course of a regular cleaning and exam, a dental hygienist will typically spend more time with the patient than the dentist does.

Dental hygienists work hard, but they also earn higher salaries than many workers across the United States. As of 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual salary of $77,090 for dental hygienists.

RELATED: Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

Where Dental Hygiene Graduates Work

The vast majority of dental hygienists work in some sort of dental health facility. These facilities include the following:

• Private dental offices
• Dental hygiene clinics
• Public health clinics

Jobs in dentists’ offices accounted for 94 percent of dental hygienist roles in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether they work in a dental hygiene clinic or in a private practice, dental hygienists’ job duties are typically pretty similar.

Dental Hygienist Jobs Beyond the Dental Offices

Some dental hygienists work in other types of settings, including physicians’ offices, hospitals, corporate health facilities, nursing homes and school systems. Most dental hygienists work in professional practice, but some serve primarily in education and research roles – particularly if they hold an advanced degree in dental hygiene.

A dental hygiene program may also prepare you to work in public health agencies. The field of dental public health generally emphasizes the availability, accessibility and affordability of dental health services to populations of patients that are commonly underserved and have unmet health care needs. Dental hygiene professionals who work in public health may focus on areas like the prevention of human diseases and population health management, the process through which health care workers aim to improve clinical patient outcomes.

Whether you want to work in a dental office or a less conventional setting, you’re going to need a degree in dental hygiene. Fortunately, degrees in dental hygiene with affordable tuition are not as difficult to find as you might expect.

Dental Hygiene Education Requirements

Considering the high median annual salary for this career path, the level of education needed is comparably little. Unlike a dentist who must go to school for many years, a dental hygienist typically needs only a few years of study to prepare for entry-level jobs in the field.

RELATED: Best Major for Dentist: What Major Do You Need to Be a Dentist?

However, in addition to the credit hours of classroom and laboratory instruction that are required for associate’s degrees in dental hygiene, clinical hours devoted to experiential learning are required. As part of the practical experience involved in a dental hygiene program, students in their last semester of study may take part in some sort of capstone practicum or another type of capstone project.

To qualify for professional licensure, students should seek out degree programs that have received dental accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation. When a program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, it has proven that it meet a set of high external standards. An aspiring dental hygienist may also want to look for schools that offer small class sizes and courses that cover contemporary issues and are taught by experienced, dedicated faculty.

Dental Hygiene Associate’s Degrees

Typically, you can qualify for a dental hygienist role with only an associate’s degree. In fact, according to O*NET, 75 percent of dental hygienists report an associate degree as their highest level of formal education. However, dental hygiene associate degrees are unique, typically requiring three years of study and plenty of clinical hours, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Earn an Associate’s Degree?

Dental Hygiene Education Beyond the Associate’s Degree

Dental hygienists may also choose to earn a higher level of degree, like a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree. Some BS in dental hygiene programs are offered as degree completion programs, a type of bridge program that allow students with an associate’s degree to build upon their prior coursework to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Are There Cheap Dental Hygiene Schools?

Earning a degree in dental hygiene doesn’t have to plunge you deep into student debt. There are schools across the United States where students seeking degrees in dental hygiene can get an education for just a few thousand dollars per year – well below the national average for annual tuition rates – even without financial aid. That’s well below the average salary for this career, which means that dental hygienists who make at or near the average salary for the occupation over the course of their working life will find that this degree more than pays for itself.

When you factor in the availability of financial aid in the form of  scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and other forms of assistance, financial aid packages make it even affordable to become a dental hygienist.

These schools are often community colleges and public state universities rather than fancy private universities. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of community colleges and public state schools offering dental hygiene degrees. If you want a cheap way to earn your dental hygienist degree, you just need to make affordability a priority in your school search.

Stay Close to Home

When it comes to keeping college affordable, staying in-state and, where applicable, in-district is one of your best options. Many colleges, especially community colleges and public universities, offer discounted rates to local residents. Some community colleges go so far as to offer their best tuition rates to residents of specific counties or districts.

What this means is that an institution may be a “cheap” dental hygiene school for some students but not others, depending on geographic location. Students in-state at a generally affordable school may pay tuition of only a few thousand dollars per year, while students the next state or district over may have to pay three or four times that much for the exact same education (not counting costs to relocate or rent a place to live).

There’s value in seeing and studying in new places, but when your focus is on affordability, you shouldn’t ignore the financial cost of going away to college.

A Note About the Listed Tuition Costs of “Cheap” Dental Hygiene Programs

The dental hygiene school rankings presented here are based on affordability and categorized by degree level. Measures of affordability are based on the most up-to-date tuition data as of 2022 and assume that the dental hygiene student is taking 15 credits per semester over the fall and spring terms.

This annual tuition data does not include fees, room, board, textbooks or other expenses besides tuition and assumes that students are not taking summer or winter classes. Annual tuition rates at most schools change each year, so prospective students should visit intended schools’ most up-to-date tuition page or talk to an admissions counselor about current tuition rates and costs of attendance.

Can You Earn an Online Dental Hygiene Degree?

Studying online is a great option to save money on a degree, especially if the alternative would require you to leave your job and move to a new geographical area. However, online tuition rates aren’t always cheaper, and sometimes schools tack on extra fees on online learners.

It is possible to get a dental hygiene degree online, but only in certain situations. Since in-person clinical experience is essential for preparing to be a dental hygienist, you typically can’t earn your associate degree in this field fully online.

Online dental hygiene degrees are most commonly reserved for established dental hygienists who have already finished their associate’s degree and earned their licenses. As such, you are more likely to find fully online bachelor’s degree options, or even an online dental hygiene degree at the master’s level, than online options at the associate’s degree level. An online bachelor of dental hygiene can add to the existing qualifications of a practicing dental hygienist.

The Best Cheap Associate’s Degree Programs in Dental Hygiene

1. Maricopa Community Colleges System (Mesa, Rio Salada, Pheonix)

For an associate’s degree that will help you prepare for the licensing process in Arizona, as well), consider applying to the Maricopa Community Colleges system. Three colleges in this system – Mesa Community College, Phoenix College and Rio Salado College – offer dental hygiene programs at the associate degree level.

Residents of Maricopa County and counties with reciprocal agreements pay just $85 per credit, which puts the total tuition cost of the 92- through 102.5-credit degree program (not counting fees) at under $8,000. However, residents of other counties and out-of-state students will pay considerably more – 401 per credit hour and 241 per credit hour, respectively.

In the Associate of Applied Science programs in dental hygiene, students complete general education courses such as English composition, college mathematics, psychology and sociology. Science classes in microbiology and in human anatomy and physiology – including classes that focus on neck anatomy and on oral anatomy – are an important part of the curriculum.

Major coursework consists of oral pathology, dental radiology, dental radiography, dental materials and periodontics, the dental specialty that focuses on gums and the structures that support the teeth. Other dental hygiene courses in this degree program focus on the administration of dental anesthesia, the prevention of dental disease, the practice of dental hygiene patient care in medical emergencies, principles of practice management and methods for community oral health.

The dental hygiene degree programs of all three of these community colleges are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $2,550.00

2. Tyler Junior College

Students can pursue either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree completion program in dental hygiene at Tyler Junior College in Texas, as well as a dental assisting certificate program. At a dental clinic located directly inside the school’s Robert M. Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Center, dental hygiene students can develop the clinical skills to perform examinations, cleanings, X-rays and sealants on patients from the community.

Prospective dental hygienists pursuing their Associate of Applied Science degree can expect to take preclinical and clinical classes in dental hygiene as well as courses in preventive dental care, oral pathology, periodontology, dental materials, dental pharmacology, community dentistry, dental nutrition and more. This degree path is intended to prepare students for licensing exams.

The bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene at Tyler Junior College is meant for practicing dental hygienists who are already licensed but want to expand their knowledge and skills with a four-year degree. As such, applicants must have an associate’s degree already, and their coursework builds upon the foundation of college study they already possess.

This one- to two-year degree completion program is available online. This program incorporates coursework that ranges from current issues and advanced ethics in dental hygiene and periodontics to administrative leadership and cultural competence in oral health care.

Tuition costs for students taking 15 credit hours per semester range from $1,481 for in-district students to $2,381 for out-of-district students and $2,741 for out-of-state students. The AAS program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $2,962.00

3. Mississippi Delta Community College

An affordable option for aspiring dental hygienists in the Magnolia State is Mississippi Delta Community College. The AAS degree program at this Moorhead community college doesn’t only meet the educational standards required for dental hygienist licensure in Mississippi but also prepares students to take the other state board exams administered by the National Board of Dental Examinations. (If you’re thinking of working out-of-state, check your intended state’s licensing requirements.)

In this dental hygiene technology associate degree program, students will complete 24 academic hours of coursework and 51 hours of dental hygiene classes. Over the course of the curriculum, dental hygiene students will develop competencies in health promotion, disease prevention, patient care, community involvement, ethics and professional growth.

Mississippi Delta Community College’s program, too, has attained programmatic accreditation from the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. The tuition rate for full-time students – those taking 12 to 21 credit hours per semester – is $1,545, while part-time students pay $130 per credit hour. Out-of-state students are subject to an out-of-state fee of $1,100 per semester.

The low student-to-faculty ratio and the state-of-the-art primary clinical education facility where students can gain real-world practical experience, in and of themselves, make this program appealing for more than its affordability. For nearly a decade, the school’s graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on Mississippi state board exams and on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $3,090.00

RELATED: What Associate’s Degrees Are Good for a Career in the Health Care Industry?

4. Ivy Tech Community College

Offering both dental assisting and dental hygiene degrees, Ivy Tech Community College offers courses at 48 locations across the state, plus online. Dental hygiene students at this Indiana institution can choose from three Ivy Tech campuses: Anderson, South Bend and Elkhart. Courses are structured in eight-week terms, and tuition for full-time in-state students is charged at a flat per-semester rate of $2,243.25.

One of the first things students should know about this affordable, American Dental Association Commission-accredited program is that getting in won’t be easy. This selective admission program admits only a limited number of students every year, contributing to the small class sizes it is able to maintain.

If you’re determined to apply, you first need to be accepted into the community college under its healthcare specialist program. In your first few semesters as a healthcare specialist major, you will complete prerequisite coursework in areas like English composition, public speaking and psychology, as well as basic science courses in biology, chemistry and anatomy and physiology. Then you can follow a separate application process, which includes taking the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) standardized test.

In this Associate of Applied Science in dental hygiene program, students get plenty of hands-on clinical experience using the most recent advances in dental technology in the cutting-edge dental clinic where they treat real patients from the local community.

This primarily daytime program will keep students engaged in classroom, laboratory and clinical work throughout the workweek. During the two-year program, students should be prepared to devote between 16 and 26 hours per week to their on-campus commitments, not counting homework and studying.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $4,486.50

5. Utah Valley University

In addition to affordability, Utah Valley University offers small class sizes with a student-to-faculty ratio of just 4-to-1 in its associate’s in dental hygiene program, and 99 percent of its graduates pass the state licensing boards. The Orem, Utah, program is big on community outreach, including providing preventive dental care to students at local Title One elementary schools on a weekly basis.

You might expect a program with these benefits to be super selective, but in fact, the dental hygiene program accepts all kinds of students – nontraditional students and those fresh out of high school, career changers and parents balancing family obligations – through its open enrollment policy. Practicing dental hygienists can pursue the BS in Dental Hygiene, an online bachelor’s degree completion program.

Tuition rates for 12 or more credit hours of coursework are $2,684 for in-state students and $8,225 for out-of-state students. Although non-resident students pay a not-so-affordable $16,450 in tuition only for the fall and spring terms, residents get by with a reasonable $5,368 for the year.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $5,368.00

6. Pueblo Community College

In addition to offering both an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree completion program, Pueblo Community College offers a three-credit mini-certificate program in the administration of local anesthesia, nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation.

The Colorado school charges per-credit tuition rates of $399.15 for residents and $638.30 for non-residents for the associate’s degree program. Assuming around 30 credit hours per year (split between fall and spring semesters), this adds up to $11,974.50 for Colorado residents and $19,149. However, Colorado residents qualify for an additional discount through the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend, which knocks off another $94 of tuition cost per credit hour. In-state students end up with a tuition rate of $305.15 per credit or $9,154.50 per year. In this accredited Associate of Applied Science in dental hygiene program, students devote 64.5 credits to their core dental hygiene courses, plus 28 credits to general education courses that include science classes. Core coursework for students in this program includes clinical theory and practice of dental hygiene, advanced clinical skills, applied pharmacology, a sequence of courses in periodontics and studies in the administration of local anesthesia, nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation.

This dental hygiene program features the opportunity to take optional but recommended courses in two subjects: clinical dental roentgenology and national boards examination review.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $9,154.50

The Best Affordable Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene Programs

7. Dixie State University

Dixie State University in St. George, Utah, offers a 124-credit Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene degree that aligns with licensure requirements in the Beehive State. Notable courses in the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene curriculum include dental hygiene theory, tooth morphology, pain control methodology, restorative dental hygiene and advanced theory and practice.

Classes like research methodology, public health administration and care of medically complex patients make this curriculum well-rounded, so students are ready to work in clinical practice, research or public health roles.

For students taking 12 to 20 credits, undergraduate tuition rates range from $2,532 for the semester for in-state students to $8,094 for non-residents. Dixie State University offers a “Good Neighbor Tuition Rate” that applies for certain students from certain Arizona and Nevada counties, under which students save on the non-resident tuition rate but pay 150% of the resident tuition rate.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $5,064.00

8. Clayton State University

At Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia, students can pursue a dental hygiene BS degree accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. In addition to this licensure track program, the school offers a bachelor’s degree completion program, the RDH-BSDH, for students with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene.

Bachelor’s in dental hygiene programs in dental hygiene include more extensive studies in both general education courses and major coursework. On top of the classes commonly required for an associate degree, this Bachelor of Science degree program encompasses coursework in transitional dental hygiene, advanced dental hygiene, advanced periodontics, interactive communication and management and marketing in a dental environment.

Per credit hour, Clayton State University charges its in-state dental hygiene students tuition rates of $169.33 and its out-of-state students $616.07. This means the in-state tuition cost is just $5,079.90, even though out-of-state students pay more than $18,000 a year to pursue this Bachelor of Science degree.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $5,079.90

9. Wichita State University

You’ll find two Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene options at Wichita State University in Kansas. The entry-level bachelor’s degree program leads to licensure, while the fully online bachelor’s degree completion program allows experienced health professionals to advance their dental hygiene education. The school recently celebrated its Class of 2020 graduates achieving a 100% pass rate on their National Written and Regional Clinical Boards licensing examinations.

Tuition rates at Wichita State University get a little complicated, with six different rates depending on students’ residency. Undergraduate resident students pay $228.09, and that cost climbs all the way up to $540.27 for non-residents who don’t fit into any tuition discount program. Still, a year of coursework at a four-year university for under $7,000 is surprisingly affordable.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $6,842.70

10. Indiana University at South Bend

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at Indiana University at South Bend is offered through the Vera Z. Dwyer College of Health Sciences. Within this program are pathways for a variety of students: new college students seeking a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, students whose bachelor’s degrees are in an unrelated field and professional dental hygienists pursuing a bachelor’s degree completion program.

Students of this accredited, affordable bachelor’s degree program gain hands-on experience providing care at the Indiana University South Bend Dental Hygiene Clinic. As part of the school’s strong curriculum, students complete a capstone course. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue both dental hygiene licensure and local anesthesia certification in Indiana.

In-state undergraduate students at this institution pay a per-unit tuition rate of $239.01 or a flat rate of $3,584.92 per term if they take 12 to 18 credit hours in a semester. For out-of-state students, those prices rise to $675.90 or $10,138.52 per term.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $7,169.84

11. Minnesota State University at Mankato

If you’re wondering about the value of earning a bachelor’s degree in a field that only requires an associate’s degree, check out the Bachelor’s in dental hygiene program at Minnesota State University at Mankato. As part of their high-quality education, students in the Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited program learn advanced clinical and technology skills.

Students in the bachelor’s in dental hygiene program gain direct experience using electronic health records and other computer-based technologies, like intraoral cameras and digital X-rays. Additionally, students in these dental health programs learn how to place fillings – a skill you typically won’t learn at a community college program – and practice this skill through training that takes place at the school’s on-campus dental clinic and at local community health clinics.

Minnesota State University at Mankato is also an option for students looking to earn an online dental hygiene degree. Like other online colleges for dental hygienists, the online bachelor’s degree program at Minnesota University accepts students who are already working as registered dental hygienists.

Besides their in-state tuition rate of $315.65 per credit or $4,036.25 per semester with a full course load, Minnesota State University has reciprocity agreements and compacts with certain states that allow for discounted tuition.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $8,072.50

12. Augusta University

Augusta University’s dental hygiene degree program includes both a bachelor’s in dental hygiene track designed to prepare students for initial licensure and a bachelor’s degree completion program option. Major coursework requirements make up 65 of the 129 credits required for graduation and consist of classroom, clinical and laboratory work.

While Georgia residents will find this dental hygiene program affordable, non-residents will not. In-state students of August University pay undergraduate tuition rates of $295.47 per credit hour or $4,432.00 per semester that includes 10 or more credit hours of study. For out-of-state students, those rates climb to $945.93 per hour or $14,189.00 per semester.

This program is a “2+2” program in which the first two years, which are devoted to prerequisites and general education coursework, can be taken at any accredited college. Out-of-state students can save money by meeting these requirements at an in-state school and then transferring to Augusta.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $8,864.00

13. Northern Arizona University

For a dental hygiene program that emphasizes public health, consider the Bachelor of Science program offered by Northern Arizona University. On top of more traditional studies in dental hygiene, students in this program complete classes in ethics and law in healthcare, oral health research, oral health outcomes, assessment and program planning and program implementation and evaluation.

In addition to undertaking clinical rotations at several local health centers, students can pursue a summer externship – domestically, in areas like Phoenix and Camp Pendleton, or abroad, in countries like Peru and Ghana.

Northern Arizona University doesn’t break down the cost of attendance between tuition and fees, but students can expect to pay $10,650 in-state or $25,396 out-of-state in tuition and fees. Under the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), students from 14 other states can save 40% on the non-resident tuition rate.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $10,650.00

The Best Affordable Master’s Degree Programs for Dental Hygienists

14. West Virginia University

Master’s degrees are uncommon in the clinical practice of dental hygiene, but many dental hygienists pursue these advanced degrees to prepare for a role in research, teaching, administration or management. The Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program at West Virginia University can prepare an experienced dental hygienist for any of these paths.

Tuition rates for graduate students range from $499 per credit or $4,491 per semester for in-state students to $1,407 per credit or $12,663 per semester for out-of-state students. The program requires 37 semester hours of study, plus a thesis. Students complete coursework in health policy foundations, teaching and research methods, applied biostatistics and issues in health care, as well as electives in areas like business, education, medicine and community health promotion.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $10,332.00

15. Eastern Washington University

The Master of Science in dental hygiene program at Eastern Washington University is intended for health care professionals who already have experience providing dental hygiene care in clinical environments. In this online dental hygiene program, students are required to visit the Spokane, Washington, campus on two occasions. However, the classes required for this degree – which include studies in healthcare leadership, dental hygiene instructional methods and curriculum design, public health promotion and healthcare policies – can be completed fully online.

Besides its master’s degree, the school also offers dental health education at the certificate, bachelor’s and bachelor’s degree completion levels.

Graduate students at Eastern Washington University pay $12,723 in-state tuition or $28,776 out-of-state tuition. For the online Master of Science degree, all students pay in-state tuition. Undergraduate tuition rates are $7,104 for residents and $25,464 for non-resident students.

View program website.

In-state yearly tuition cost: $12,723.00

What Else to Look for in Degrees in Dental Hygiene

Before you take the first step to a career as a licensed dental hygienist, make you are considering your future career goals and where you are now.

Are you looking for an accelerated option that allow you to complete the full program faster than is typical for this three-year degree, or would a school offering part-time options for working students be a better fit for you personally?

Does attending a school with residency requirements and plenty of hands-on instruction make sense for you, or are you looking for strictly online learning, other than the necessary clinical component?

Do you want to focus exclusively on your dental hygiene training, or are you willing to take the liberal arts and general education courses that you would encounter in a bachelor’s program and potentially be prepared to work in practice management roles in dental offices?

When you’re choosing a school to become a dental hygienist, there’s a lot more to think about besides the annual tuition.

Conclusion

Dental hygienists are a critical part of a dental health team, and the career includes a positive job outlook, high earning potential and fulfilling work in patient care. No matter which level of degree you’re pursuing, looking at school rankings like ours can help you focus your school search and find affordable options to further your education in dental hygiene.

Related Resources 

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Dental Hygienist?

What Major Do You Need To Be a Dentist?

What Can I Do With a Dentistry Degree?

How Much Can I Make With a Degree in Digital Marketing?

The post 15 Affordable Degrees in Dental Hygiene (Associate’s and Beyond) appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Dentists are often placed in their own category of medicine, and many potential students in the science don’t know exactly where to begin.

With all that said, dentists and other dental support workers play a critical role in functioning medical system. They are employed in a wind range of medical settings, from solo practices to large hospital systems and in government organizations.

Dentistry careers can provide amazing career prospects, standard of living, and purpose. A range of support careers within dentistry boast some of the highest salaries among associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. And doctors of dental medicine have strong earnings in a variety of employment settings.

Related Resources

• What Degree Do You Need To Be A Dentist?
• The 20 Best Jobs Without a 9-to-5 Work Schedule
• The Top 50 Online Medical Degrees
• 15 Affordable Degrees in Dental Hygiene (Associate’s and Beyond)

If you think you may have what it takes to enter the ranks of this rewarding and lucrative career be sure to read through our guide on how you can enter a dental degree program and what you can do a with a dental degree below.

Table of Contents:

• What Dentistry Degrees Are Available?
• Can I Pursue a Dentistry Degree Online?
• How Do I Gain Admission to a Dentistry Degree Program?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Dentistry?

What Dentistry Degrees Are Available?

Dentistry is the science of dental and oral medicine. This branch of science encompasses a wide range of preventative, maintenance-related, and emergency medical services. While you likely primarily think of dentists within the field of dentistry, there are actually a wide range of common careers that can be entered at the associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels of study in dentistry.

Some of the most common dentistry roles include:

• Dental Assistants
• Dental Hygienists
• Dental Technicians
• Dental Therapists
• Dentists
• Oral Surgeons

Even among those with the same title, there are at times different academic routes that may be taken to obtain the same job. For example, some dentists may hold a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (DDM) while others may hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery.

Below we’ll work through some of the most common degree types that can lead to a career in dentistry, starting with associates degrees.

Associates degrees in dentistry may be used to prepare for positions including dental hygienist and dental assistant positions.

Dental technology degrees are primarily offered by community colleges and help prepare students to work as dental technicians in lab settings. These degrees require 1-3 years for graduation (depending on whether you pursue schooling part-time, full-time, or in an accelerated manner).

Curricula for dental technology degrees include general education requirements which comprise roughly half of the course of study. The aim of general education requirements is to ensure that graduates have certain baseline skills in quantitative and verbal reasoning, writing, and comprehension. Common courses taken as general education courses include:

• College-level natural sciences
• College-level mathematics courses
• College-level humanities courses
• Courses in ethics, philosophy, or religion
• Courses in writing
• College-level statistics
• And social science courses such as psychology

Once students have worked their way through general education requirements, will begin to start on major courses.

Within a digital technology degree, students will learn

• The terminology of dentistry as well as dentistry technology
• Anatomy of the oral cavity
• Skills related to prosthodontics
• Techniques to restore occlusal surfaces
• Methods for infection control
• The creation and maintenance of dental ceramics

A second common associates-level degree in dentistry is that of associate of applied science in dental hygiene. This degree type typically requires three years for completion and can lead to jobs as a dental hygienist. Though there are bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dental hygiene, there are generally more rare and not needed to gain employment in this area. Dental hygiene is commonly known as one of the most lucrative careers one can enter into with an associates degree.
Similarly to associates in dental technology degrees, students will begin with general education requirements. Many dental hygiene programs also require additional prerequisites in chemistry, biology, and math. Once students have worked their way into major courses, they often study the following:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry and microbiology
• Pathology, pharmacology, and nutrition
• Morphology of teeth
• Oral pathology
• Radiography
• Periodontology
• Pain Management
• Oral Health
• Education and counseling in dentistry
• Health promotion
• Health ethics
• Clinical dental hygiene
• Services for special needs or illnesses
• Dental emergencies

It is important to note that those seeking to work as a dental hygienist should pursue academic programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

At the bachelor’s level, students can pursue a number of degrees related to dentistry. Some of the most common include bachelor’s in dental hygiene, bachelor’s in pre-dentistry studies, and other bachelor’s in science degrees.

Bachelor’s in dental hygiene degrees typically cover everything listed in the previous associate’s degree section and leave some additional room for electives or more in-depth study. Bachelor’s degrees aren’t necessary to become a dental hygienist, but may lead to greater career prospects or pay.

Bachelor’s in pre-dentistry studies are one of the most common routes used to prepare for advanced dentistry degrees. These baccalaureate programs typically require 4 years for completion and are viewed as one of the more rigorous undergraduate courses of study.
Students in pre-dentistry programs are typically required to take the following coursework beyond general education requirements:

• Chemistry I and II
• Biology I and II
• Genetics
• Biochemistry I and II
• Vertebrate Biology
• Physics I and II
• Cell Biology
• Microbiology
• Organic Chemistry
• And a collection of electives

Generally speaking, pre-dentistry programs are very similar to pre-med programs. They are often geared towards students seeking admission to dentistry programs at the graduate level at local universities and seek to match admissions requirements.

Finally, as with students pursuing other advanced nursing or medical degrees, students may pursue bachelor’s of science degrees in related natural sciences. Some of the most common degrees used for the purpose of graduate school admission in medical fields include bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and physics.

While there are master’s-level degrees in dentistry, most students interested in post-graduate coursework go straight for a professional doctoral program such as a doctor of dental medicine or doctor of dental surgery degree.

At the doctoral level, dentistry degrees include doctor of dental medicine (DDM) degrees as well as doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degrees.

Both doctoral dentistry degrees follow a format similar to medical school. Two years of classroom-based instruction are followed by two years of hands-on clinical training.

All graduates of U.S. dental programs are expected to pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) which is comprised of two parts. By looking at the requirements of the NBDE, one can see the topics that are commonly required for didactic or clinical study within dentistry school.

The NCBE part one includes questions on human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, dental anatomy, dental occlusion, and pathology.

The NCBE part two includes questions on pain control, pharmacology, operative dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, pedodintics, oral pathology, prosthodontics, and radiology.

While you are generally considered licensed to practice after completing your four years of coursework and passing both component parts of the NCBE exam, a growing number of dentists stay on for a round of residency to specialize even further.

Some of the most common residency programs within the field of dentistry include:

• General Practice Residencies
• And Advanced Education in General Practice Residencies

Both of these programs typically require one year for completion, with some programs offering an optional second year. The key differences between these types of residencies include the fact that general practice residencies are commonly held in hospitals, while advanced education in general practice residencies are typically held in dental school settings. General practice residences typically require residents to cycle through different departments within a hospital to see ways in which dentistry interacts with other fields of medicine. Common areas in which those in this residency may work within a hospital include internal medicine, anesthesia, or emergency medicine.

Advanced education in general practice residencies, on the other hand, typically focus on particularly complex dental cases and educate dentists in the treatment of these cases in a comprehensive manner.

If you’re seeking a doctoral degree in medicine, you will need to choose between one of the two most common degree types at this level. These degrees include doctor of dental medicine and doctor of dental surgery options. So what are the key differences?
In short, there aren’t any! Both degrees are viewed as equivalent and both meet prerequisites for board licensure pending your licensure exams. The difference in names comes down to a difference in a tradition in naming degrees. Some schools chose to name the degree in Latin, which translated more closely with doctor of dental surgery. Others chose the English doctor of dental medicine.

Can I Pursue a Dentistry Degree Online?

Online education can be a fantastic option for many students. While it’s not for everyone, many degree programs now at least offer the option to take courses online.

As far as dental degrees, there are many degree programs that offer didactic courses online. Though clinical and lab learning is very seldom offered not-in-person.

This makes the choice somewhat easier as far as what type of program to pursue. Generally speaking, prerequisites and large portions of undergraduate dentistry degrees are available online. If you want to take your dentistry degree to the next level, you’ll need to attend dentistry school.

While undergraduate courses within dentistry programs are available online at times, it’s important to note that there are some definite trade-offs when taking a degree online. Some of the most commonly cited pros and cons of online education include the following:
Pros of Online Education

• Fees are often lower than in-person degrees.
• Many programs are accelerated.
• Asynchronous online courses allow you to log on when you can.
• No need to move or switch jobs to pursue a degree.
• The same degree in the end.

Cons of Online Education

• A greater need to be a self-starter with online ed.
• More difficulty in “meeting” classmates and professors.
• Some programs don’t have as many online support services.
• Harder to meet up for networking or career development events.

How Do I Gain Admission to a Dentistry Degree Program?

Number wise, dentistry programs primarily fall at the associates and doctoral levels. As one may expect, admission criteria are quite different depending on the level of the program being entered.

At the associate’s level dentistry degrees may be pursued at community colleges or universities. Many community colleges (and some universities) have open admission policies. This means all first-time students are accepted, though students must maintain a minimum GPA and satisfactory progress to remain in the degree.

For students attending community college-based programs in dentistry-related fields, many community colleges also offer free or greatly-reduced tuition for in-district or in-state residents. This can make community college programs in lucrative dentistry fields great “bang for your buck” degrees.

For students attending universities for an associates or bachelor’s in a dentistry-related fields, the common elements required for admission include standardized test scores, your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, and application essays. Most universities have basic entry requirement thresholds including a minimum high school GPA and minimum standardized test scores.

If you’re looking to obtain a doctoral education in dentistry, applications are a bit more involved.

Doctoral level dentistry degrees do not require one prerequisite degree. In fact, many only require 3 years of undergraduate education for entrance. Though the most common route is to complete a bachelor’s degree.

No matter what subject you pursue as an undergraduate, admission to doctor of dental medicine and doctor of dental surgery degrees can be accomplished with prerequisite courses in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, statistics, calculus, organic chemistry, and English.

Additionally, students seeking to apply to a dentistry program should plan on taking the dental admissions test (DAT), a test similar to the MCAT (medical college admission test).

What Can I Do With a Degree in Dentistry?

We’ve already alluded to a number of careers that can be entered with dentistry-related degrees. But we haven’t looked at many of the most important stats you’ll want to know before you pursue a degree. Namely, salaries, number of job openings, responsibilities at work, and future prospects.

For those seeking the quickest entry into dentistry related fields, the job of dental assistant can be prepared for with two years of an associate’s degree. Despite the common misconception, dental assistants and dental hygienists are actually different roles.

Some common job responsibilities of dental assistants include:

• Making patients feel comfortable within the office
• Making sure patients are in the right location for treatment
• Collecting key pieces of information as well as dental records
• Work as a pair of “second hands” for dentists or hygienists at work
• Take dental X-Rays or perform basic lab tests on patients
• Help out administratively in the office

Working conditions for dental assistants most commonly occur in small private dentistry practices. 9 out of 10 dental assistants receive paid time off as well as insurance and receive average earnings of $41,111

A second role often requiring a three-year community college or associate’s program is that of dental hygienist. Dental hygienists perform some of the tasks of dental assistants, but also perform a range of more medically and education-involved roles within dentistry clinics and care settings.

Some of the most common job descriptions for dental hygienists include:

• One-on-one consultations with patients
• Doing routine cleaning tasks of teeth and gums
• Educating patients about oral self care or medications
• Doing screening exams before passing the patient along to the dentist
• Take impressions of teeth or collection of teeth for dental implants or orthodontic procedures

As one may expect with the greater range of medical responsibilities at play in a dental hygiene role than in a dental assistant role, pay is substantially higher. In fact, dental hygienist positions are some of the most lucrative positions among all that just require an associate’s degree. The average earnings for dental hygiene positions are presently over $71,000 a year.

Finally, dentists are some of the most specialized job titles within the field of dentistry. In most practice settings, they have the final say when it comes to oral health care. In larger settings or hospitals, they may work on a consultative basis or in teams of other specialists.

With that said, a vast majority of dentists do work in small private practices. Common job responsibilities within this setting include:

• Meeting with patients to discuss and manage dental concerns
• Performing dental medical procedures like extractions, root canals, and surgeries
• Applying medical agents to teeth including whiteners and sealants
• Operating tools that relate to tooth diagnosis and repair
• Keeping vital oral health records
• Making professional medical calls, forwarding patients to other specialists when needed<?li>

While dentists may work for governmental agencies, in large hospitals, and in private practice, a majority of dentists work in smaller private practices. In this setting, the average salary for a dentist is presently $165,110. This range can vary a great deal depending on the size of the practice worked in and the location, however. By state, dentist salaries range between $124,000 a year in North Carolina, to $174,000 in New York state.

Related Resources

• What Degree Do You Need To Be A Dentist?
• The 20 Best Jobs Without a 9-to-5 Work Schedule
• The Top 50 Online Medical Degrees
• The 15 Most Affordable Associates in Dental Hygiene Degrees

The post What Can I Do With a Dentistry Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1. Doctor

If you have a knack for science and an interest in helping people as well as a preference for a nonstandard work schedule, consider becoming a doctor. Physicians and surgeons are some of the highest-payed professionals in the workforce, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition to the earning potential of hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, the best doctors enjoy the fulfilling nature of helping patients get or stay well. Of course, they also make sacrifices. Physicians spend many years preparing for the career, earning a bachelor’s degree, attending medical school and completing residencies and internships to gain hands-on training. This preparation requires candidates to invest a lot of time, work and money into their future career.

Exactly how nonstandard a doctor’s work schedule is depends on his or her place of employment. Hospitals require staffing 24 hours a day, so physicians who work in these settings may be more likely to work early or late shifts (and often, long shifts). Even in private practices, though, many offices are increasingly offering evening and weekend appointments for the convenience of their patients who do work a regular schedule and can’t come in during the day.

Salary: $241,273 to $411,852 or more

Education: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO)

2. Dentist

Like doctors, dentists are increasingly working nonstandard hours to meet the needs of their patients. For many dentists, this means offering occasional or regular evening and weekend hours. While dentists may not have to worry about covering overnight shifts like an emergency room physician does, they may have to deal with dental emergencies that require urgent attention.

Of course, work schedule alone isn’t reason enough to pursue a career in dentistry. However, if you’re already interested in the field and you consider a nonstandard work schedule – one that you set yourself, if you own your own dental practice – to be a plus, that’s a good combination. Keep in mind that you will need to do a lot of preparation for your career. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree (typically in a science-related subject of study) and getting a competitive score on the Dental Admission Test, you will need to graduate from a dental school program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation, the BLS reported. Still, for the right candidate, the high earning potential, schedule and work itself are well worth the preparation.

Salary: $154,640

Education: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)

3. Petroleum Engineer

While a lot of the best jobs with nonstandard schedules do happen to be in the healthcare field, not all of them are. Petroleum engineers are a great example. These engineering professionals – who have a six-figure median salary – develop new ways to extract oil and natural gas from existing wells and underground deposits, the BLS reported.

What kind of work schedule can you expect as a petroleum engineer? When traveling to a dig site, it’s not unusual for petroleum engineers to spend 84 hours on duty and then be off duty for another 84 hours, the BLS reported. While working for a full three and a half days might sound like a crazy schedule, the job has its perks, especially for adventure-seekers. Visiting drilling sites means that petroleum engineers have plenty of opportunity to travel the world during their careers.

Salary: $130,050

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering

4. Air Traffic Controller

At every hour of the day and night, someone somewhere is traveling by airplane. Keeping those in flight – and taking off or landing – safe means having a trained professional on the clock 24/7. Air traffic controllers fill this role, communicating instructions, weather pattern information and emergency information to pilots in the air and on the ground. They play a crucial role in getting planes full of passengers and airline workers safely and efficiently to their destinations. Being responsible for managing the safety of multiple planes at a single time can be stressful, but for those candidates who can cope well with the demands of the job, an early retirement is a major benefit of this career, the BLS reported. So is the six-figure salary.

RELATED: How to Become an Air Traffic Controller: What Degree Do I Need?

If you’re considering embarking on a career as an air traffic controller, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree unless you have years of relevant experience working in the aviation industry, according to the BLS. Look for a school that offers an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program intended to meet guidelines set by the FAA. These degree programs typically cover subjects like airspace, aviation weather, reading maps, clearances and federal aviation regulations. Candidates must also pass the eight-hour Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (AT-SAT) and a personality test before then can undergo air traffic controller training through the FAA academy. If you’re specifically looking for a job with a nonstandard schedule, then you will want to find employment at a large, busy airport that has flights going on all day and night, including on weekends and holidays.

Salary: $122,340

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, FAA Academy Training Course and a Passing Score on the AT-SAT

5. Pharmacist

The last six-figure salary career on our list of the top 20 jobs without a 9-to-5 schedule is, again, in the healthcare industry. Pharmacists are the highly educated professionals who fill and dispense the medications physicians and surgeons prescribe. They not only order and administer the medications, but they also make sure there will be no negative – and potentially dangerous – drug interactions among patients who have to take multiple medications. Pharmacists instruct patients on how to take their medications, answer questions about side effects and allergic reactions and handle the paperwork necessary to bill patients’ insurance companies, according to the BLS. In some states, they even administer vaccinations.

Today, many pharmacies – especially those that are part of major retail stores – offer extended hours to better serve customers and patients who work a 9-to-5 schedule. This means pharmacists increasingly need to work evening and weekend hours. The 19 percent of pharmacists who find employment in hospitals may also need to work nonstandard hours to keep pharmacy departments staffed at all times.

Salary: $120,950

Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

6. Physical Therapist

Physical therapist is yet another healthcare job where a nonstandard work schedule is common. After earning a doctoral degree – which is no easy feat, requiring advanced studies in subjects like anatomy, physiology and biomechanics as well as months of clinical experience – physical therapists work directly with patients to help rehabilitate them after an injury or illness. Through methods such as exercises, hands-on therapy, stretching maneuvers and the use of equipment, physical therapists help patients achieve goals like pain reduction and increased mobility.

Many physical therapists do work during regular business hours, the BLS reported, but there are also plenty of opportunities to work outside the 9-to-5 schedule at facilities that offer evening or weekend appointments for the convenience of their patients. Besides the possibility of a flexible work schedule, there are plenty of other benefits to a career in physical therapy. A median salary well over twice that of all occupations, an expected job growth rate nearly five times that of all occupations, and of course, the rewarding nature of the work are just a few of the advantages.

Salary: $82,390

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

7. Architect

If you’re more interested in developing building designs than treatment plans, architect is another great job with the potential for a flexible work schedule. Architects are the professionals who plan, design and sketch scaled drawings of indoor and outdoor building structures that range from single family homes to apartment complexes and massive office buildings. They need creative, technical, analytical and visualization skills to thoroughly plan and design a building or space that doesn’t yet exist. If you’re thinking about becoming an architect, expect to be in the career for the long haul. Not only does an undergraduate degree require five years of full-time study, but candidates must also spend years gaining job training through a paid internship and pass the Architect Registration Examination before they can finally attain a license.

Architects begin their days bright and early. In fact, more than a third of employees in the architecture industry are already at work before 7 a.m., according to the BLS. This makes the job a good choice for candidates who are natural early risers as well as good communicators, visualizers and creators. Keep in mind, though, that architects must also work longer hours if necessary to meet deadlines. Work schedules are most flexible among the 20 percent of architects who work for themselves, according to the BLS.

Salary: $74,520

Education: 5-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree or Master of Architecture Degree

8. Dental Hygienist

If a career in dental health interests you but the prospect of spending years upon years earning a doctoral degree doesn’t, consider a career as a dental hygienist. These professionals use hand, power and ultrasonic tools to clean patients’ teeth, the BLS reported. They take X-rays, administer treatments like sealants and fluoride and evaluate patients’ oral health before they see the dentist. They earn a median salary twice as high as that of all occupations – and they do it all with an associate’s degree.

Check out these 15 affordable degrees in dental hygiene (associate’s and beyond).

Dental hygienists work nonstandard schedules for the same reasons dentists do – to offer convenient appointment times to patients who need extended office hours. If you’re specifically looking for the opportunity to work a flexible schedule, seek employment at a dental office that doesn’t just operate 9-to-5.

Salary: $71,520

Education: Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene

9. Producer or Director

If you’ve got a passion for drama or filmmaking, a nonstandard work schedule is typical. Producers and directors are the professionals who create performing arts productions that range from onstage plays to movies and television shows, the BLS reported. While directors and producers start with a written script (which they often select themselves), they choose the cast and crew, manage design decisions, make sure the production stays within budget and supervise the entire preproduction, production and  postproduction process. Directors have a bigger role in the creative aspects of a production, while producers are more involved in the show’s finances, but both are critical to the success of a performing arts venture.

Most producers and directors find work in either the motion picture industry or the television and radio broadcast industry, but some work in performing arts creating live productions. In either case, expect to put in odd hours during your career as a director or producer. If you create live theater performances, you’re likely to find that many show times take place on evenings, weekends and even holidays. Even if you’re not working on a production that is broadcasted live, you may have to work long hours to meet deadlines. Many producers and directors also travel, either to film on location or take a performance on tour.

Salary: $69,100

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Film

10. Nurse

The last healthcare career to make our list of the best jobs with a nonstandard work schedule also happens to be the largest career in the entire healthcare industry, according to the BLS. Registered nurses, or RNs, care for patients under the supervision of doctors in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and doctors’ offices to nursing homes, home health services and even schools. With three different education paths into the career, aspiring nurses have plenty of options to get started.

Nonstandard work schedules are common for many nurses. Of course, hospitals and nursing homes require nurses on staff 24/7 to care for patients who are admitted to the facility overnight, or those who come into the hospital in need of treatment during the evening or early morning. At these facilities, it’s not unusual to work fewer days than a standard workweek, but significantly longer hours than a standard workday throughout. With many private practice medical offices extending their hours to better serve patients, even nurses who intend to work in physicians’ offices may need to work some night or weekend shifts.

Salary: $66,640

Education: Nursing Program Diploma, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)

11. Police Officer or Detective

If you have a drive to protect and serve your community as well as a preference for a schedule outside the typical 9-to-5, you’re in luck. The most fulfilling job you could have also happens to be one where odd hours are common. Crime never sleeps, so law enforcement departments need police officers and detectives on duty round-the-clock.

As a member of law enforcement, you’ll have many serious responsibilities. You will handle patrol and traffic stops, respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, gather evidence and make arrests, the BLS reported. Being a police officer or a detective isn’t easy. The job can be dangerous, and physically and emotionally difficult. For the right candidate, though, knowing that you are saving lives, catching criminals and making your community safer is more than rewarding enough to make up for the challenges of a life in law enforcement.

Salary: $58,630

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice

12. Avionics Technician

If you’ve got an interest in aerospace and great mechanical skills, why not pursue a career as an avionics technician? These trained and FAA-certified technicians maintain and repair planes and other aircraft. Avionics technicians specifically are responsible for the safe functioning of a plane’s electronic instruments, like radar, communication and navigation systems, the BLS reported. To uncover any malfunctions, they review flight test data and use tools and equipment designed for testing electronic flight instruments. They work on and install instrument panels and software.

An associate’s degree in avionics – which includes the studies of computerized flight instruments and aircraft controls – is popular among candidates pursuing the career. Avionics technicians must also earn certification from the FAA.

Avionics technicians need to work nonstandard shifts for the same reasons air traffic controllers do. Travel by aircraft happens at all hours of the day, and it’s necessary to have a professional with the capability to find and repair problems available at all times.

Salary: $56,910

Education: Associate’s Degree in Avionics

13. Telecom Technicians

If you’ve got great mechanical and troubleshooting skills, a career as a telecom technician can offer you a nonstandard work schedule, the chance to put your skills to good use and a median salary well above that of all occupations. You don’t even need to spend several years earning a degree to get there.

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers – telecom technicians, for short – are the professionals who set up, maintain and fix the telecommunications lines used to transmit phone, Internet and cable signals. They work with components like wiring and phone jacks as well as computer hardware and diagnostic equipment, according to the BLS. To develop the mechanical skills and troubleshooting knowledge necessary for success, telecom technicians need an education – but they don’t necessarily need a traditional degree. Some candidates earn a certificate from a technical school, though the BLS reports that telecom technicians with associate’s degrees will have the best employment prospects in this competitive job market.

Not every telecom technician works nonstandard hours. Your work schedule will depend on your employer. If you’re looking for hours outside the 9-to-5 shift, you’ll want to find work with a carrier or contractor that offers 24-hour emergency repair service. You might also find yourself on call in case of equipment malfunctions and emergencies.

Salary: $55,190

Education: Associate’s Degree in Telecommunications

14. Civil Engineering Technician

Early risers with skills in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking can find a great fit in the form of a civil engineering technician career. The job is an especially good choice for candidates who have an interest in civil engineering work but aren’t willing or able to put in the time and money required to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher, complete years of training and attain a license. An associate’s degree is sufficient for aspiring civil engineering technicians to get started in their careers.

Civil engineering technicians work with licensed engineers, and they even handle some of the same tasks, like preparing plans and drawings, estimating costs, monitoring project sites, testing construction materials, analyzing data and using computer aided design (CAD) software, the BLS reported. The only things they specifically can’t do, according to the BLS, are supervising overall engineering projects and approving designs.

Civil engineering technicians tend to start their workdays before 7 a.m., which makes the job ideal for early birds who like to get up with – or even before – the sun.

Salary: $48,340

Education: Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering Technology

15. Real Estate Agent or Broker

If you work well with others and are good at solving problems, you could make a career out of helping people buy, sell and rent homes, business spaces and other real estate properties. Real estate agents and brokers work closely with clients to help them navigate the complex process of making real estate transactions. They show off real estate properties to potential buyers and renters and assist with setting and negotiating prices and preparing contracts, deeds and other essential real estate documents, the BLS reported.

When you’re selling as large a purchase as real estate, it’s essential that you’re available when your clients are. For many real estate brokers, this means working hours in the early evenings and on weekends. On the bright side, you’re not likely to need to work overnight shifts and will probably be done your workday by 10 p.m., if not hours earlier – which means you still have a chance to enjoy the night life or some quality time with loved ones.

Salary: $43,430

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate

16. Chef or Head Cook

A preference for work hours outside the 9-to-5 schedule is ideal for aspiring chefs. After all, chefs and head cooks have to be available to work at the same times when customers are dining out – like early mornings for breakfast, into the evening and even late at night for dinners and snacks and, of course, on weekends.

Of course, chefs and head cooks prepare food. They create recipes, plan menus and design the presentation of a dish. Chefs also order and check ingredients for freshness and make sure equipment and workspaces are clean for food preparation. They are also often responsible for overseeing kitchen staff, from hiring them and training them to coordinating the various tasks necessary to keep a restaurant kitchen operational.

Some chefs attain their position – not to mention their cooking skills – purely through experience and on-the-job training. However, many aspiring chefs seek out formal training through culinary arts education programs at community colleges, technical schools and four-year colleges and universities, the BLS reported.

Salary: $41,610

Education: Culinary Arts Degree

17. Broadcast Technician

Modern television channels and radio stations offer round-the-clock programming. These constant entertainment options wouldn’t exist without trained professionals known as broadcast and sound engineering technicians.

Broadcast technicians handle the audio, video and broadcasting equipment necessary for communication over TV and radio as well as maximizing the sound quality in recorded and live music, the BLS reported. They handle everything from setting up sound and broadcasting equipment to running that equipment during a broadcast and even maintaining and repairing that equipment.

Depending on the medium they focus on and the station, channel, studio or company employing them, broadcast technicians can have very different job duties. Some record music in recording studios or at live performances. Others spend much of their time installing audio and visual equipment in settings like schools, offices and hotels. Those who work in television may be responsible for making sure the dialogue and sound effects used in a program match up correctly with the visual images on the screen.

To keep broadcasting 24/7, radio stations and television networks need to have broadcast and sound engineering technicians on the clock even during nonstandard hours, which is why these professionals tend to work early morning, late night, weekend and even holiday shifts.

Salary: $41,350

Education: Associate’s Degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology

18. Musician

Not every job is easily quantifiable by salary or other factors. Some professional musicians become world-famous stars or celebrities, while many more pursue music as a part-time gig, often while holding other jobs. Overall, the BLS reports that musicians earn a median wage of $24.16 per hour, but there’s plenty of variation in income from one musician to the next.

Likewise, there is also a great degree of difference in education level among musicians. Some musicians have no formal education beyond a high school diploma, while others spend years studying music at the college level to earn a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. What musicians have in common is that they have to spend a lot of time training and practicing to develop their musical talents. They also spend time creating and recording new material and rehearsing for performances.

Live shows are precisely the reason so many musicians work odd hours. Concerts are commonly held on weekends, in the evenings or even late at night. Successful musicians must not only put up with occasional evening work, but deliver energetic and entertaining performances consistently during these nonstandard hours. For most musicians, though, it’s having a passion for their art that makes a career in music fulfilling.

Salary: $24.16 per Hour

Education: Long-Term Music Training, Often a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher in Music

19. Athlete

Given the massive contracts awarded to top athletes in the big leagues, would it surprise you to learn that the median annual salary for athletes according to the BLS is $43,350? Like musicians, professional athletes run the gamut from the rich and world-famous sports stars to more down-to-earth athletes who live normal lives and bring home more modest salaries. While a college degree isn’t a requirement for the career, many professional athletes sharpened their skills playing their sport at the college level.

Still, professional athletes have a couple of things in common. For one, they must work hard at excelling in their sport, which means spending many hours training and practicing. They also work odd and sometimes difficult schedules, often playing on weekends, evenings and holidays. Traveling to compete is typical for professional athletes, which means they may also spend long amounts of time on buses, planes and other forms of transportation, the BLS reported. Like musicians, though, professional athletes tend to dream of their careers for a long time. The best professional athletes play as much for the love of the game as they do for the salary and reputation.

Salary: $43,350

Education: College-Level Playing Experience

20. Actor

Show business is certainly no 9-to-5 job. Like directors, actors and actresses often work unusual hours, whether their performance is live onstage or whether they’re just working overtime to meet a filming deadline. Actors also travel frequently for work, either to take a show on tour or to film on location.

To develop their acting skills, many aspiring actors will take acting classes. Some take these courses as part of their college-level studies to earn a bachelor’s degree, while others take acting classes separately at community colleges or private acting conservatories or film schools, the BLS reported. Relatively few professional actors become world-renowned movie or television stars, but about two-thirds do find full-time acting work, according to the BLS. Others work part-time, often along with other jobs. As with musicians and athletes, actors often pursue the career for the love of the craft rather than an expectation of steady long-term work or consistent earning potential.

Salary: $19.82 per Hour

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre

Editor’s Note:

The salary, education, work environment and career preparation information presented in this article comes from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This article is just a partial list of the many existing careers without a 9-to-5 work schedule. For more information on jobs with nonstandard hours, consult the blog post Careers for night owls and early birds published by the BLS.

For Further Reading: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Are My Degree Choices to Be a Film/TV Producer?

Best Major for Dentist: What Major Do You Need to Be a Dentist?

Do You Need College to Be a Real Estate Agent?

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

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