Shigoto Zukan
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How to become dental laboratory technicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$49,610
25th–75th pct. $40,420–$62,070
Top pay (est.)
$100,000
Top 10% $76,940
Pay in 5 years
$55,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$63,000est.
$54,200–$73,100
Outlook score
38/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
53%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−5.9%
3,600 openings / yr

How to become dental laboratory technicians

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Dental Laboratory Technicians

Key skills

Critical Thinking
3.4
Active Learning
3.0
Time Management
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Learning Strategies
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Operations Monitoring
3.0
Monitoring
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Education and Training
4.1
Design
4.1
Production and Processing
3.9
Administration and Management
3.6
Medicine and Dentistry
3.6
English Language
3.4
Computers and Electronics
3.2
Mechanical
3.2

What the work involves

Thinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsControlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkProcessing InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Important abilities

Near VisionFinger DexterityControl PrecisionOral ComprehensionVisualizationArm-Hand Steadiness

Education of workers

High school diploma
52%
Post-secondary certificate
18%
Less than high school
13%
Some college
7%
Master's degree
6%
Associate's degree
2%
Bachelor's degree
2%

Training before entry

1–2 years
21%
3–6 months
15%
6–12 months
12%
Up to 1 month
11%
4–10 years
11%
1–3 months
10%
2–4 years
9%
Over 10 years
6%
None / short demo
6%

Related work experience

1–2 years
26%
None
24%
2–4 years
13%
4–6 years
13%
Over 10 years
12%
Up to 1 month
6%
6–12 months
6%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as dental laboratory technicians

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.