Salaried technicians usually work 40 hours a week. They may work occasional overtime during emergencies. Those who are self-employed often work longer hours. Wages vary according to training, experience and location. Entry level wages may be lower.
Pay varies greatly with the experience and specialty of the worker.
For example, dental lab technicians who specialize in ceramics usually earn more than those who specialize in contour wire framing. Self-employed lab workers may earn more than other technicians. This is because many technicians specialize in a few procedures. Those who do not specialize are more likely to do the expensive procedures. There were 910 people employed as precision dental laboratory technicians in Indiana in 1998.