Dental Assisting at Carrington College-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 2,262 students in Sacramento, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,060 place Carrington College-Sacramento below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 23% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

With first-year pay of $28,060 far exceeding the $8,975 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #257 out of 513 programs, Carrington College-Sacramento's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,060 to $36,206 shows 29% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

Dental Assisting connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

46 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
46
Score
46
High End
Earnings $28,060/yr (-23% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$380K
6.6% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Median Debt at Graduation
$8,975
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,206
29% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Dental Assisting graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Dental hygienists $94,260 +7.0% 81%
Dental laboratory technicians $48,310 -4.7% 96%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Dental hygienists
$94,260
+7.0% growth 81% AI-proof
Dental laboratory technicians
$48,310
-4.7% growth 96% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Dental Assisting Career Guide

Dental Assisting opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Carrington College-Sacramento

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Dental Assisting at Carrington College-Sacramento?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dental Assisting programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Can you still earn well with Dental Assisting from Carrington College-Sacramento?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Carrington College-Sacramento?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Dental Assisting occupations, such as Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist) and Dental Laboratory Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Dental Assisting from Carrington College-Sacramento?
At 99,500 annual openings, Dental Assisting has a large employment base. Carrington College-Sacramento graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →