Dental Assisting at St Petersburg College
enrolling 18,759 students in St. Petersburg, FL.
Program Analysis
At $62,093 per year, Dental Assisting graduates from St Petersburg College significantly outpace the $36,429 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
The 121.1x 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 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.
The median debt load of $20,737 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Ranked #12 out of 513 programs, St Petersburg College's Dental Assisting program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth is modest: $62,093 to $62,626 over five years (1% 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
Explore what Dental Assisting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 513 programs nationwide.
Compare & Explore
Dental Assisting Overview
Dental Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at St Petersburg College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.