The Job Market
The AS degree will qualify you for many entry-level mechanical technician positions or technical support positions in the industrial and technology environment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (1), machine operators, assemblers, and inspectors in the Bay Area earn approximately 14.97 per hour.
(1) U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA National Compensation Survey April 2003 Washington: 2003. Hourly wage is for all workers, total mean, category of "Machine operators, assemblers, and inspectors."