Healthcare San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in San Francisco, California

The median dental laboratory technician salary in San Francisco, CA is $87,134 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median and 30.1% above the California state average.

City Median
$87,134
vs State Avg
+$20,178
vs National
+$41,274
Cost of Living
182%

Dental Laboratory Technician Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median dental laboratory technician salary of $87,134, which is $20,178 above the California state average of $66,956. Compared to the national median of $45,860, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $87,134 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $47,876. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dental laboratory technicians in San Francisco spans from $57,000 at the 10th percentile to $133,000 at the 90th percentile — a $76,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior dental laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $129,200. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,800
+$28,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,300
+$42,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,200
+$61,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $57,000
25th Percentile $68,400
Median (50th) $87,134
75th Percentile $110,200
90th Percentile $133,000

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in San Francisco

Education

Most dental laboratory technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CeramicsCAD/CAMProsthetic DesignAttention to DetailManual DexterityQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Laboratory Technician Jobs in San Francisco

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median dental laboratory technician salary in San Francisco, California is $87,134 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $57,000 (10th percentile) to $133,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,134, a dental laboratory technician in San Francisco earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for dental laboratory technician pay? ▼
San Francisco's median dental laboratory technician salary of $87,134 is 30.1% above the California state average of $66,956. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a dental laboratory technician salary of $87,134 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental laboratory technician in San Francisco? ▼
Most dental laboratory technician positions in San Francisco require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Dental Ceramics, CAD/CAM, Prosthetic Design, Attention to Detail. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.