As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dental Laboratory Technicians earn an average of $47,320 per year, while Dental Hygienists earn an average of $81,360 per year. Therefore, the salary for Dental Hygienists is much higher than that of Dental Laboratory Technicians.
However, it's worth mentioning that wages can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. As an example, Dental Laboratory Technicians who work in New York (with salary averaging $58,890) may earn more than those who work in Tennessee ($38,600). And Dental Hygienists in California earn 112% more on average compared to those in Alabama.
Dental Laboratory Technicians vs Dental Hygienists overview
Dental Laboratory Technicians and Dental Hygienists are essential to the Health Care Services industry. There is a common interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, as well as the average salaries for each.
Dental Laboratory Technician job description
Dental Laboratory Technicians construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
Dental Laboratory Technician education and experience
Most Dental Laboratory Technicians (52%) have completed a High School Diploma. But this field also includes some employees who have a Post-Secondary Certificate (18%) and a Less than a High School Diploma (13%). With regard to experience, about a quarter of Dental Laboratory Technician occupations require a 1 to 2 years of previous work-related experience. A smaller number of roles (24%) do not require any previous experience.
Dental Laboratory Technician average salary
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 34,150 Dental Laboratory Technicians in 2021 and they earned an average of $47,320 per year. The lowest earning 10 percent made $29,600 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $71,740 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has risen by 4.6%.
Do Dental Laboratory Technicians make good money?
Dental Laboratory Technicians are not typically highly paid, since their mean salary is 19% below the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make 17% less than the mean earnings of the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry ($57,100).
Dental Laboratory Technicians are not typically highly paid, since their mean salary is 19% below the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Dental Laboratory Technicians job growth
In 2021, there have been 3,350 more Dental Laboratory Technician roles than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a growth of 10.9%. The average job growth rate for the past 3 years has been 0.1%.
Dental Hygienist job description
Dental Hygienists administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
Dental Hygienist education and experience
The majority of Dental Hygienists (75%) have obtained an Associate's Degree. However this occupation also includes some employees who have a First Professional Degree (13%) and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (9%). With regard to experience, about a half of Dental Hygienist jobs do not require any previous experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (20%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.
Dental Hygienist average salary
As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 207,190 Dental Hygienists in 2021 and the mean income they earned annually was $81,360. The lowest earning 10 percent made $60,100 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $100,200 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has grown by 4.2%.
Do Dental Hygienists make good money?
Dental Hygienists usually receive good salaries, as their average salary is 40% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they earn 16% more than the average wage of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).
Dental Hygienists usually receive good salaries, as their average salary is 40% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Dental Hygienists job growth
In 2021, there have been 12,360 more Dental Hygienist positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 6.3%. The average job growth over the past 2 years has been -2.9%.
FAQ
Do Dental Laboratory Technicians or Dental Hygienists make more?
The average earnings of Dental Hygienists are 72% higher than those of Dental Laboratory Technicians. The average annual salary for Dental Laboratory Technicians is $47,320, compared to $81,360 for Dental Hygienists.
How long does it take to become a Dental Laboratory Technician vs Dental Hygienist?
Becoming a Dental Laboratory Technician generally only requires a High School Diploma. In contrast, becoming a Dental Hygienist generally requires an Associate's Degree. Completing an Associate's Degree most often takes around 2 years of study.
Is it harder to become a Dental Laboratory Technician vs Dental Hygienist?
Becoming a Dental Hygienist is harder than becoming a Dental Laboratory Technician, since an additional 2 years of education are necessary.