Dental Assisting at Western Iowa Tech Community College
with a smaller student body of 2,589 in Sioux City, IA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $30,735 place Western Iowa Tech Community College below the $36,429 national median for Dental Assisting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 69.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dental Assisting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $30,735 far exceeding the $5,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #200 ranking among 513 Dental Assisting programs places Western Iowa Tech Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The limited growth from $30,735 to $34,615 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.
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 Western Iowa Tech Community College and 512 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Dental Assisting Overview
Dental Assisting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Western Iowa Tech Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.