Healthcare Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median dental laboratory technician salary in Des Moines, IA is $42,191 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$42,191
vs State Avg
+$1,376
vs National
$-3,669
Cost of Living
92%

Dental Laboratory Technician Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median dental laboratory technician salary of $42,191, which is $1,376 above the Iowa state average of $40,815. Compared to the national median of $45,860, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental laboratory technicians in Des Moines spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $64,400 at the 90th percentile — a $36,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,440, while senior dental laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,560. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $29,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,440
$-2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,240
$-3,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,560
$-5,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $33,120
Median (50th) $42,191
75th Percentile $53,360
90th Percentile $64,400

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$43,567
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$40,357
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$39,440
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$38,522
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in Des Moines

Education

Most dental laboratory technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa 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 Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Laboratory Technician Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open dental laboratory technician positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median dental laboratory technician salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $42,191 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $64,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,191, a dental laboratory technician in Des Moines earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for dental laboratory technician pay? ▼
Des Moines's median dental laboratory technician salary of $42,191 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $40,815. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a dental laboratory technician salary of $42,191 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental laboratory technician in Des Moines? ▼
Most dental laboratory technician positions in Des Moines 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.