🏥 Healthcare
↑ 5% growth · Average
Dental Laboratory Technician
Dental lab techs fabricate crowns, dentures, bridges, veneers, and implant restorations — precision craftsmanship that sits at the intersection of art and science. Digital dentistry (CAD/CAM) has made this an increasingly tech-forward specialty.
$47,520
Median Salary
42K
US Jobs
2 years
Training
$8,000–$25,000
Typical Cost
💰 Salary & Earning Potential
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.
📈 Job Outlook
5%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
42K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
CDT
Required Credential
CDT (NBDL) Certification
🎓 Training & Education
Typical Program
Dental Lab Technology AAS
Program Length
2 years
Typical Tuition
$8,000–$25,000
Work Setting
Commercial dental labs, dentist-owned labs, implant centers
🏆 Credential Required: CDT (NBDL) Certification
☀️ Day in the Life
A typical day as a Dental Laboratory Technician involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Commercial dental labs environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✅ Strong job security
- ✅ Rewarding work
- ✅ Clear career progression
- ✅ Growing demand
Challenges
- ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
- ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
- ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region
🗺️ Dental Laboratory Technician by State
See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:
FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC