Dental Assisting at Pensacola State College

Pensacola, FL · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

with a mid-sized student body of 6,725 in Pensacola, FL.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Pensacola State College's Dental Assisting program earn $46,690/yr in their first year — 28% above the $36,429 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 111.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At #41 of 513 programs, this Dental Assisting program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The limited growth from $46,690 to $51,720 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Dental Assisting careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
66
Low End
70
Score
70
High End
Earnings $46,690/yr (28% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$525K
2.6% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
111.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,696
Out-of-state: $18,814
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,720
11% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Dental Assisting careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Dental Assisting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Dental Assisting Overview

Dental Assisting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Pensacola State College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Pensacola State College's Dental Assisting program score?
At 70/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Can I learn Dental Assisting through an apprenticeship instead of Pensacola State College?
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 Pensacola State College.
How many job openings are there for Dental Assisting graduates?
With approximately 99,500 annual openings across mapped careers, Dental Assisting offers a large employment pool. Pensacola State College graduates enter a market shaped by an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →