Dental Laboratory Technicians
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians make or repair dentures, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and related products.
Is dental laboratory technicians a good career?
It scores 9/100 and ranks #728 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($49,610 vs $61,390)
- Employment is projected to decline (-4.7% through 2034)
What dental laboratory technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. dental laboratory technicians earn between $40,420 and $62,070 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live dental laboratory technicians jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. High school students interested in becoming a dental or ophthalmic laboratory technician or medical appliance technician may benefit from taking classes in science, mathematics, and art.
Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree. Some community colleges and technical schools offer programs in dental or ophthalmic laboratory technology in which students gain experience completing specific tasks, such as surfacing and finishing prescription eyewear. Community colleges and technical schools also may offer programs in medical appliance technology fields, such as orthotics and prosthetics technology.
Most dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians learn their skills through on-the-job training. They may begin as helpers and learn more advanced skills as they gain experience. For example, dental laboratory technicians may start out making models from impressions and progress to designing and fabricating crowns and bridges.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although optional, certification may demonstrate a level of competence and professionalism that makes candidates more attractive to employers. It also may increase opportunities for advancement.
Advancement
In large facilities, dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians may work their way up to a supervisory level and train new technicians. Some go on to own their own laboratory.
Important qualities
Detail oriented. Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians must follow work orders and prescriptions precisely. They also need to be able to recognize and correct any imperfections in their work.
Dexterity. Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians must work well with their hands to use precision instruments.
Interpersonal skills. Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians must be able to work effectively with others. They may be part of a team of technicians working on a single project.
Problem-solving skills. Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians may encounter challenges when constructing or repairing medical devices. They need to be resourceful in finding solutions.
Technical skills. Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians need to understand how different tools and materials work. They also must know how to operate automated machinery and may need proficiency in design software.
Related occupations
How much do dental laboratory technicians make?
The national median wage is $49,610 a year, with the middle half earning between $40,420 and $62,070 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is dental laboratory technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 9 of 100 and ranks #728 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -4.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a dental laboratory technician?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do dental laboratory technicians earn the most?
Among states, Massachusetts pays the highest median ($72,800). Local pay for every state and metro is below.