Healthcare San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in San Jose, California

The median dental laboratory technician salary in San Jose, CA is $80,714 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median and 20.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$80,714
vs State Avg
+$13,758
vs National
+$34,854
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median dental laboratory technician salary of $80,714, which is $13,758 above the California state average of $66,956. Compared to the national median of $45,860, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $80,714 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,044. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dental laboratory technicians in San Jose spans from $52,800 at the 10th percentile to $123,200 at the 90th percentile — a $70,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,320, while senior dental laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,680. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $56,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,320
+$24,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,720
+$35,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,680
+$51,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $52,800
25th Percentile $63,360
Median (50th) $80,714
75th Percentile $102,080
90th Percentile $123,200

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in San Jose

Education

Most dental laboratory technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Jose 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 Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Laboratory Technician Jobs in San Jose

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in San Jose

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median dental laboratory technician salary in San Jose, California is $80,714 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $123,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,714, a dental laboratory technician in San Jose earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for dental laboratory technician pay? ▼
San Jose's median dental laboratory technician salary of $80,714 is 20.5% above the California state average of $66,956. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a dental laboratory technician salary of $80,714 in San Jose 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 Jose? ▼
Most dental laboratory technician positions in San Jose 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.