Dental Laboratory Technician Salary 2025: $49,610 Median, -4.7% Decline
Dental Laboratory Technicians earn a median salary of $49,610 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to about $24 an hour, with the typical range spanning $36,660 at the 10th percentile to $76,940 at the 90th. The mean annual wage is $54,290.
How much Dental Laboratory Technicians earn
Pay scales with experience and location. Entry-level techs often start near $36,660, while the top 10 percent earn above $76,940. Most technicians work full time in dental labs, with some in offices of dentists or in medical equipment manufacturing.
The national median of $49,610 is a solid middle-class wage for a skilled trade that doesn't require a four-year degree. But the range is wide enough that where you work matters almost as much as what you do.
Pay by state
Massachusetts pays the best, with an average annual wage of $72,800. North Dakota ($67,580), Maine ($64,020), Colorado ($61,220), and New Hampshire ($60,610) round out the top five. These states have fewer labs but higher demand for skilled technicians.
On the low end, Delaware ($38,500), Louisiana ($38,490), and South Carolina ($37,170) trail behind. The difference between the highest and lowest state is nearly $36,000 — more than a full entry-level salary in some areas.
How to become Dental Laboratory Technician
Most technicians learn on the job, starting as helpers and advancing through experience. A high school diploma is the typical minimum requirement, though some attend community college programs or technical schools offering certificates or associate degrees in dental laboratory technology.
Certification from the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) is voluntary but widely preferred by employers. You can earn credentials in specific areas like crowns and bridges or ceramics. No state license is required, but some employers may ask for it.
- Complete high school or equivalent
- Gain entry-level experience at a dental lab (or complete a formal program)
- Earn optional NBC certification to improve job prospects
- Specialize in areas like ortho, ceramics, or dentures to boost pay
Job outlook
Employment of dental laboratory technicians is projected to decline by 4.7 percent from 2024 to 2034, a loss of about 1,600 jobs. However, roughly 3,900 openings are still expected each year due to workers retiring or leaving the occupation. The decline stems from digital dentistry and CAD/CAM automation reducing the need for manual labor.
Technicians who master digital design and 3D printing will have better prospects. Traditional mold-and-pour skills are becoming less in demand, but the aging U.S. population still needs dentures, crowns, and bridges.
Frequently asked questions
Do dental lab technicians make good money?
Median wage is $49,610, which is close to the U.S. average for all occupations. Top earners make over $76,000, especially in high-paying states like Massachusetts.
How long does it take to become a dental laboratory technician?
You can start with on-the-job training right after high school. A formal certificate program takes about one year; an associate degree takes two years. Certification can be earned after a few years of experience.
Is dental lab technician a dying career?
It's shrinking (-4.7% decline projected), but not disappearing. Digital skills are replacing some manual tasks, yet 3,900 openings per year mean jobs still exist, particularly for those who adapt to new technology.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Dental Laboratory Technicians data.