Healthcare Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median dental laboratory technician salary in Columbia, SC is $41,274 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$41,274
vs State Avg
+$459
vs National
$-4,586
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median dental laboratory technician salary of $41,274, which is $459 above the South Carolina state average of $40,815. Compared to the national median of $45,860, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $63,000 at the 90th percentile — a $36,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior dental laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,300
$-4,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $32,400
Median (50th) $41,274
75th Percentile $52,200
90th Percentile $63,000

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$48,153
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$45,860
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$43,567
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$42,191
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in Columbia

Education

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

Find Dental Laboratory Technician Jobs in Columbia

Browse open dental laboratory technician positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Columbia

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median dental laboratory technician salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $41,274 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $63,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,274, a dental laboratory technician in Columbia earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for dental laboratory technician pay? ▼
Columbia's median dental laboratory technician salary of $41,274 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $40,815. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a dental laboratory technician salary of $41,274 in Columbia 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 Columbia? ▼
Most dental laboratory technician positions in Columbia 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.