Healthcare Iowa (IA) Rank #40 of 50

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Iowa

The median dental laboratory technician salary in Iowa is $40,815 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $45,860.

Median Salary
$40,815
vs National
$-5,045
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for dental laboratory technician compensation. Dental Laboratory Technician salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $40,815 per year, dental laboratory technicians in Iowa earn $5,045 less than the national median of $45,860.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $40,815 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $45,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: dental laboratory technicians at the 10th percentile earn $26,700, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $62,300 — a $35,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $43,567.

Nationally, dental laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dental laboratory technicians across the country.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $28,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,520 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,480
$-3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,830
$-5,170 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,520
$-7,480 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $26,700
25th Percentile $32,040
Median (50th) $40,815
75th Percentile $51,620
90th Percentile $62,300

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for dental laboratory technicians in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in Iowa

Education

Most dental laboratory technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CeramicsCAD/CAMProsthetic DesignAttention to DetailManual DexterityQuality Control

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, dental laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Iowa

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in Iowa? ▼
The median dental laboratory technician salary in Iowa is $40,815 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $26,700 (10th percentile) to $62,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,815, a dental laboratory technician in Iowa earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for dental laboratory technicians? ▼
Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for dental laboratory technician pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level dental laboratory technicians earn $28,480, while senior professionals earn $60,520.
How does Iowa compare to other states for dental laboratory technician salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dental laboratory technicians is Hawaii at $81,631. Iowa's median of $40,815 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($41,274) and Wyoming ($41,274).
What is the entry-level dental laboratory technician salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level dental laboratory technician in Iowa earns approximately $28,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $41,830. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $60,520.
What city in Iowa pays dental laboratory technicians the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for dental laboratory technicians, with a median salary of $43,567. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.