Dental Assisting at Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES

Liverpool, NY · Public · Certificate · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a smaller student body of 342 in Liverpool, NY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,253 place Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES 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 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

With first-year pay of $26,253 far exceeding the $5,733 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #317 out of 513 programs, Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $26,253 to $34,926 shows 33% 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.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
44
High End
Earnings $26,253/yr (-28% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$370K
7.4% 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
$5,733
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,926
33% 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 Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES's Dental Assisting program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Dental Assisting. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Dental Assisting at Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES?
At $5,733 in median debt, Dental Assisting graduates from Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Why are Dental Assisting earnings lower at Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES?
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.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Dental Assisting program at Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES?
Yes — 4 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Dental Assisting career paths, including Dental Assistant (Alternate Title: Dental Specialist). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES find jobs?
The large job market (99,500 annual openings) works in favor of Dental Assisting graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →