Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Durham, NC: $43,567 (2026)

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

Durham offers a median dental laboratory technician salary of $43,567, which is $1,376 above the North Carolina state average of $42,191. Compared to the national median of $45,860, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $28,500 at the 10th percentile to $66,500 at the 90th percentile — a $38,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior dental laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,600. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,400

$-1,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,650

$-2,350 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$64,600

$-3,400 vs national

Percentile	Durham	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$28,500	$27,600	$30,000
25th Percentile	$34,200	$33,120	$36,000
Median (50th)	$43,567	$42,191	$45,860
75th Percentile	$55,100	$53,360	$58,000
90th Percentile	$66,500	$64,400	$70,000

Percentile

Durham

10th Percentile

$28,500

25th Percentile

$34,200

Median (50th)

$43,567

75th Percentile

$55,100

90th Percentile

$66,500

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in Durham

Education

Most dental laboratory technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Durham

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in Durham, NC? ▼

The median dental laboratory technician salary in Durham, North Carolina is $43,567 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $28,500 (10th percentile) to $66,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in Durham? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $43,567, a dental laboratory technician in Durham earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for dental laboratory technician pay? ▼

Durham's median dental laboratory technician salary of $43,567 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $42,191. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼

Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a dental laboratory technician salary of $43,567 in Durham 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 Durham? ▼

Most dental laboratory technician positions in Durham 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.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Durham, North Carolina