Dental Assisting at Tyler Junior College

Tyler, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Dental Support Services and Allied Professions

enrolling 9,065 students in Tyler, TX.

Program Analysis

Tyler Junior College Dental Assisting graduates command $53,557/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,429 national median. That 47% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 108.1x 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 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Dental Assisting graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,000 in median debt clears fast against $53,557 in annual earnings.

A #37 ranking out of 513 Dental Assisting programs nationally puts Tyler Junior College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $53,557 to $65,496 shows 22% 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.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
67
Low End
71
Score
72
High End
Earnings $53,557/yr (47% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Large (99,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$679K
5.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
109.0x
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)
$6,224
Out-of-state: $11,504
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,496
22% 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 Tyler Junior College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tyler Junior College's Dental Assisting program score?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
What's the typical debt for Dental Assisting graduates from Tyler Junior College?
At $13,000 in median debt, Dental Assisting graduates from Tyler Junior College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Are there apprenticeship options for Dental Assisting?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Dental Assisting. For students weighing Tyler Junior College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Dental Assisting graduates from Tyler Junior College find jobs?
Job availability for Dental Assisting is strong — 99,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Tyler Junior College graduates specifically, local market conditions in TX may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →