Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in 2026
How Much Do Dental Laboratory Technicians Make?
Dental Laboratory Technicians earn a median annual salary of $48,310 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $36,100 at the 10th percentile to $78,680 at the 90th percentile — a range of $42,580. The highest-paying state is Colorado at $63,170.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,100 |
| 25th percentile | $39,250 |
| Median (50th) | $48,310 |
| 75th percentile | $62,320 |
| 90th percentile | $78,680 |
Dental Laboratory Technician Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Coloradotop | $63,170 |
| Massachusetts | $59,270 |
| Alaska | $59,150 |
| Rhode Island | $57,520 |
| Minnesota | $57,180 |
| Florida | $56,910 |
| North Dakota | $56,540 |
| Washington | $56,360 |
| Vermont | $56,160 |
| Maine | $56,020 |
| New Hampshire | $55,670 |
| New York | $54,140 |
| Connecticut | $51,480 |
| Nevada | $50,620 |
| Montana | $50,540 |
| Illinois | $50,500 |
| Maryland | $49,850 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,750 |
| Kansas | $49,620 |
| North Carolina | $49,460 |
| Nebraska | $49,170 |
| New Jersey | $48,780 |
| Michigan | $48,720 |
| New Mexico | $48,590 |
| Iowa | $48,560 |
| Virginia | $48,510 |
| Oklahoma | $48,480 |
| California | $48,480 |
| Georgia | $48,440 |
| Ohio | $48,250 |
| Oregon | $48,090 |
| Idaho | $47,750 |
| Arizona | $47,560 |
| Indiana | $47,370 |
| Wisconsin | $47,250 |
| Missouri | $46,900 |
| Arkansas | $45,880 |
| Utah | $45,770 |
| South Dakota | $44,610 |
| Tennessee | $43,970 |
| Texas | $41,900 |
| Kentucky | $41,760 |
| Hawaii | $41,600 |
| Alabama | $40,980 |
| South Carolina | $39,920 |
| Mississippi | $37,390 |
| Delaware | $37,320 |
| West Virginia | $36,970 |
| Louisiana | $36,720 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Dental Laboratory Technicians
Dental Laboratory Technician Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$36,100 – $39,250 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$48,310 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$62,320 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $78,680+ |
How to Earn More as a Dental Laboratory Technician
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Dental Laboratory Technicians in Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV earn $64,780 — $16,470 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($62,320) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Dental Laboratory Technician Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Dental Laboratory Technicianthis career | $48,310 |
| Dentists, General | $172,790 |
| Orthodontist | $239,200 |
| Prosthodontist | $239,200 |
| Dental Hygienist | $94,260 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Dental Laboratory Technician requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 51-9081.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.