Dental Assisting at San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno
with a smaller student body of 481 in Fresno, CA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $27,039 place San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno 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 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.
With first-year pay of $27,039 far exceeding the $9,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #286 out of 513 programs, San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno's financial outcomes for Dental Assisting trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $27,039 to $31,068 over five years (15% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
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
See the full career breakdown for Dental Assisting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno and 512 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Dental Assisting Overview
Dental Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.