associate's are usually a shorter perod of study (about 2 year), and with some programs, can be furthered into a 'normal' or bachelor degree ( 3 or 4 year) program.
which is supposedly is more indepth in whatever particular field
is up to the employer how they gonna pay you, but it may be less than someone with a bachelor most times ( of course, things like experience and relevance may come into play)
check the school an see if the associates can be converted, if you decide to further it.. u doh wanna have to do a extra 3 years in the same fieldm if you decide to do the bachelors
