Healthcare Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median dental laboratory technician salary in Brookings, SD is $39,440 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$39,440
vs State Avg
$-917
vs National
$-6,420
Cost of Living
86%

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

Brookings offers a median dental laboratory technician salary of $39,440, which is $917 below the South Dakota state average of $40,357. Compared to the national median of $45,860, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $39,440 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $45,860 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for dental laboratory technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental laboratory technicians in Brookings spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $60,200 at the 90th percentile — a $34,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior dental laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,480. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,420
$-6,580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,480
$-9,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $25,800
25th Percentile $30,960
Median (50th) $39,440
75th Percentile $49,880
90th Percentile $60,200

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in Brookings

Education

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

Find Dental Laboratory Technician Jobs in Brookings

Browse open dental laboratory technician positions in Brookings, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Brookings

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median dental laboratory technician salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $39,440 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $60,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,440, a dental laboratory technician in Brookings earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for dental laboratory technician pay? ▼
Brookings's median dental laboratory technician salary of $39,440 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $40,357. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼
Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a dental laboratory technician salary of $39,440 in Brookings 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 Brookings? ▼
Most dental laboratory technician positions in Brookings 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.