Dental Assisting at Texas State Technical College
with a mid-sized student body of 9,153 in Waco, TX.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $24,017/yr fall 34% below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 45.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 24% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.
At $5,500 in median debt against $24,017 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #275 out of 513 programs, Texas State Technical College's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $24,017 to $31,347 shows 31% 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.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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.
Compare & Explore
Dental Assisting Overview
Dental Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Texas State Technical College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.