How much does a dental lab technician make?

In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, optional certification, and skills in specialties such as implants or digital design. Location, the kind of lab or employer, and hours worked can matter too.

Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances. Excludes “Dental Assistants” (31-9091).

What's a typical day like?

They read a dentist’s instructions and a tooth impression or digital scan, then build a crown, denture, or brace in a lab. They polish each piece and test its bite and fit.

In the U.S., a high-school diploma is usually enough to start, and technicians learn on the job; training often takes 1–12 months. State licensing rules vary, and optional CDT certification requires written and practical exams after qualifying education or experience.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out.

Dental labs can use 3D printers to make personalized crowns, bridges, dentures, and even surgical guides from digital images.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.