Questions about degree pathing for the Network Tech/Administration field

I'm currently looking at a Network Technology and Administration Associate degree as one option for my college education, and I'm curious as to what the ideal level of education is to find a decent job in this field, particularly in Washington state. I'd like to know if any of you guys are employed in the IT field, what level of education you have, and what you think/know someone would need to have a fighting chance at landing a job. The degree I've been considering would save me a good chunk of cash over a 4-year, and still qualifies me to take several certification exams if I so choose. Would this be adequate to land a job and make it into the 75k-ish pay bracket mid-career?

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