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Social workers make $61,330 a year on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Higher-end social work positions requiring more experience and education can pay up to $116,500 annually, while the lowest-paying positions in the industry pay $41,580, on average.

Imagine a career where you profoundly impact a person’s life, guiding them through the most significant challenges and triumphs. Social workers embody this transformative role, dedicating themselves to the betterment of individuals, families, and communities. In a world where making a living intersects with the noble pursuit of helping others navigate life’s complexities, social work emerges as a rewarding and impactful vocation.

Here’s how the multifaceted roles, responsibilities, and considerations associated with social workers compare with the average annual pay in the field.

What Are Social Workers?

Social workers are professionals whose mission is to enhance the well-being and quality of life of individuals, families, and communities. A social worker’s education prepares them to address a wide range of social issues and challenges. For example, social workers help those dealing with substance abuse, relational problems, housing issues, domestic violence, and employment challenges.

On a broader scale, these professionals advocate for social justice and equality. Social workers can work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, government agencies, prisons, nonprofit organizations, and private practices.

Social Worker Job Responsibilities Examples

Here are some key aspects of what social workers do:

1.   Assessment and intervention: Social workers assess the needs and strengths of individuals and communities through interviews, observations, and evaluations. Then, they develop intervention plans to address identified problems and help clients overcome challenges.

2.   Counseling and support: Social workers provide counseling and support to individuals and groups dealing with issues such as mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, grief, and trauma. They offer advice and coping techniques to help clients respond to difficult situations in a positive way.

3.   Advocacy: Social workers advocate for their clients’ rights and interests, ensuring they can access necessary resources and services. Positions in systemic advocacy are available to social workers who want to change policies and structures contributing to social problems.

4.   Case management: Social workers often coordinate and manage client services, connecting them to appropriate assistance and support from various agencies and organizations. For example, a client may need to see a doctor, a therapist, and an employment advocate as part of their plan to move forward.

5.   Child and family services: Social workers play a crucial role in child welfare, working to protect children from abuse and neglect. They may provide family support services, conduct home visits, and collaborate with other professionals to create safe and stable environments for children.

6.   Medical and health care social work: Social workers can also assist clients facing medical challenges. They may introduce helpful lifestyle changes, facilitate communication between patients and medical professionals, and address issues related to illness or disability.

7.   School social work: Social workers in schools support students, families, and educators by addressing academic, social, and emotional challenges. They may provide counseling and crisis intervention for students struggling to thrive and learn.

💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

How Much Do Starting Social Workers Make a Year?

In the United States, entry-level social workers have salaries that range by location, with the bottom 10% earning less than $41,580.

However, social workers can boost their salaries in various ways. For instance, climbing the ladder at an agency can land you a director of social work position with a salary between $71,000 and $116,500. This position usually requires higher education and many years of experience.

Moving can also help increase your pay. For example, the highest-paying positions in California offer $97,090 per year, while the average social worker in Alabama makes $57,050 per year.

No matter how much you’re earning, it’s a good idea to set and track financial goals. A money tracker app is one tool that can help you monitor your spending and saving.

What Is the Average Salary for a Social Worker?

How much do social workers make in each state? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for a social worker nationwide is $61,330. But here’s a breakdown of the average health care social worker salary by state:

Social Worker Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

If you’re considering social work as a career, your potential salary can be higher than the average salary in the United States. Specifically, social workers earn $61,330 per year on average, with the top 10% earning more than $99,500.

Your salary can soar past $100,000 in specific situations, such as in a director position or as a master’s level specialist. As a result, while social work isn’t among the top-earning trades, the career can be a path to a decent quality of life while you work to help others.

Additionally, social workers who work full time typically receive excellent benefits. A typical package includes health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Remember, ongoing education is a requirement for keeping and renewing your social work license, so receiving these opportunities through your employer can streamline the process.

Recommended: 25 High-Paying Trade Jobs in Demand

Pros and Cons of Social Worker Salary

Every career has its upsides and downsides. Here’s what to know if you’re going into social work:

Pros

•  Higher than average annual salary. The average compensation for social work positions is higher than the overall average salary in the United States, as described above. Combined with a robust benefits package, social work’s competitive pay can help you and your family afford a comfortable quality of life.

•  Job security. Social work is here to stay. Specifically, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates annual growth of 6% in the field for the next decade. This rate is faster than the overall average in the country, signifying increasing demand for employees in this sector.

•  Builds transferable skills. For instance, human resources positions require communication, interpersonal, and conflict management skills. So, if you get into social work and realize you want a different career, you can take your skill set elsewhere.

•  Online education opportunities. While social work does require at least a bachelor’s degree, many programs are available online. This way, you can earn your degree at your own pace without needing to relocate.

•  Student loan forgiveness. Social workers might be able to get their student loans forgiven. Specifically, 10 to 25 years of nonprofit work might qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness. This perk erases whatever student loan you have left, which could be $100,000 or more.

Cons

•  Education requirements. For instance, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school to become a social worker. Obtaining this degree will take at least four years and could cost over $100,000 for tuition. Additionally, a master’s degree is usually required to hold the top positions in the field and increase your salary. Doing so adds at least two more years of education plus the associated tuition costs.

•  Must have a license to practice. Licensure is necessary to practice as a social worker. Becoming licensed means working for a few years under supervision and passing an exam. Then, you must complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain your license.

•  Demanding work environment. You might face long hours, an overpacked caseload, call hours on holidays and weekends, and potentially dangerous situations. Remember, social work means seeing people at their lowest, and these circumstances can involve substance abuse, violence, and crime. The job rarely offers work-from-home opportunities; instead, it requires a personal presence. Because of the intense needs of your clients and the long hours, you may burn out despite having the best intentions.

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

The Takeaway

Social workers are dedicated professionals committed to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Their multifaceted roles encompass assessments, interventions, counseling, advocacy, and case management. While the financial landscape varies, social workers can enhance their earnings through specialization, higher education, and relocation. With an average annual salary of $61,330 and a field experiencing a 6% growth rate, social work offers competitive compensation and job security.

Despite the challenges, including educational requirements and demanding work environments, the profession remains rewarding, offering the opportunity to improve the lives of others and contribute to societal well-being.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you make $100K a year as a social worker?

You can make $100,000 a year as a social worker in the highest positions in the field, as the highest 10% of social workers earned more than $99,500 per year.

Do people like being a social worker?

Social workers enjoy their jobs because of the positive impact they can make on people’s lives while earning a competitive salary. Plus, the field offers ways to grow professionally and expose yourself to different disciplines and opportunities.

Is it hard to get hired as a social worker?

Getting hired as a social worker means getting a four-year degree and passing an exam to obtain a state license to practice. However, if you can earn these qualifications, getting hired as a social worker is easier because the demand for social workers is projected to grow by 6% in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SORL-Q425-044

The median salary for a truck driver is $57,440 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you love life on the road and want to work independently, a career as a professional truck driver might suit you. What’s more, you may be able to earn significantly more than the average: Truck drivers in the United States can make between $38,000 and $78,000 a year, and possibly even more.

How much a truck driver makes depends on several factors, including what kind of truck you drive, where you work, and your driving experience. Read on to learn more about how much truck drivers can make, pros and cons of being a truck driver, and more.

What Are Truck Drivers?

Truck drivers are certified professionals trained to operate large commercial vehicles. They typically deliver large quantities of goods from one location to another.

A truck driver can spend long hours alone on the road, meaning it can be a good fit for introverts and a good job for antisocial people. Most truckers are employed by a trucking company, but some truck drivers make enough money to buy their own rigs and work as independent contractors.

Truck drivers typically must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) through their state, as well as specialized training and skills in order to drive this kind of vehicle.

Some of the responsibilities of a truck driver include:

•   Driving and operating commercial vehicles

•   Pre-inspecting the truck

•   Navigating road maps and destination routes

•   Verifying pick-up loads for accuracy and delivering cargo as instructed

•   Loading and unloading the goods

•   Maintaining basic vehicle maintenance

•   Complying with company safe work practices and policies

•   Accurately filling out company paperwork for deliveries

•   Staying current on truck driving permits and qualifications

•   Being able to lift up to 80 pounds repeatedly throughout the day.

Being a truck driver can be a good way to make money as a retiree. In fact, many cargo companies hire retired couples, as they can share the load and get more done together. You and your partner could travel in retirement while making extra income.

💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

How Much Do Starting Truck Drivers Make a Year?

Entry-level truck drivers can make a salary ranging between $38,640 to $78,800, an average of $57,440 a year. Salaries can vary depending on several factors, including the driver’s experience, the kind of truck they drive, and the cost of living in their state.

Some commercial trucking companies may pay novice drivers by the hour vs. a yearly salary. Even starting out, a trucker can make more than the average minimum wage, averaging around $27.62 an hour.

Recommended: Should the Minimum Wage Be Raised?

What Is the Average Salary for a Truck Driver?

You’ve already learned that the median salary for a truck driver is $57,440 a year. While there may be the potential to make over $100,000 a year, the highest 10% earned roughly $78,800. Keep in mind, the range of what you can make depends heavily on what kind of truck you drive, your experience, and job title.

Here’s an example of the pay ranges in the truck driving industry:

•   Truck transportation: $59,570

•   Wholesale trade: $57,260

•   Manufacturing: $54,860

•   Construction: $54,170

Recommended: Which Trade Jobs Make the Most Money?

What Is the Average Truck Driver Salary by State?

A big factor in how much money a truck driver makes in a year depends on where they live. As with most jobs, trucker salaries can fluctuate from state to state, and some areas may have higher-paying jobs than others.

Here are the averages for local truck drivers by state:

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Truck Driver Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

In order to become a professional truck driver, you have to be 18 to 21 years of age (the requirement differs from state to state) and have a clean driving record, including no DUIs. Most truck companies require their employees to have a high school diploma or a GED, and undergo routine drug tests.

The biggest requirement to becoming a truck driver is obtaining proper certification: your commercial driver’s license (CDL), as mentioned above. Truck driving certification can be done by:

•   Enrolling in a truck driver training program. While not required, these programs can prepare you for the CDL with classroom and hands-on training.

•   Passing a physical exam to determine if you are fit enough to handle a commercial vehicle.

•   Obtaining a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) via a written exam. This will allow you to drive a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder.

•   Getting your commercial driver’s license (CDL). This requires a written and driving exam.

•   Completing additional state requirements for driving vehicles such as tankers and those carrying hazardous materials.

Once you obtain your CDL and are hired by a company, many salaried truck driver jobs can come with the following benefits:

•   Health insurance

•   Paid time off

•   Retirement plans

•   Bonuses and incentives for reaching performance goals

Pros and Cons of Being a Truck Driver

Being a professional truck driver can provide a solid income and a sense of freedom, but the job isn’t for everyone. Here are the biggest positives and negatives of being a truck driver:

Pros

•   Potential for a steady yearly income

•   No college degree required

•   A quick start; most people can earn their CDL in 3 to 4 weeks

•   High job demand/job security

•   Opportunities to buy your own rig and be your own boss

•   Traveling, sometimes across scenic America

•   Pet perks: Many companies allow truckers to bring their dogs along for the ride

•   Good benefits/driving bonuses

•   An independent work day vs. punching the clock

Cons

•   Monotonous hours on the road

•   Driving fatigue

•   Unhealthy lifestyle due to long, sedentary stretches behind the wheel

•   Poor diet. Many truckers exist on fast-food options while on the road

•   Loneliness

Of course, before embarking on any career, you’ll want to make sure your potential earnings will be enough to cover your expenses. Picking and sticking with one of the different budgeting methods can be helpful.

The Takeaway

How much a truck driver makes a year is on average $57,440, though salaries can vary considerably and soar higher if you own your own business. Being a truck driver can be a good fit for those who enjoy being out on the road and who are introverts, but the long hours and being away from home can be challenging.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a truck driver?

The average truck driver earns $57,440 per year, with the top 10% earning more than $78,800. If you own your own truck, though, it may be possible to make $100,000 per year.

Do people like being a truck driver?

People who don’t mind the long hours and solitude might enjoy being a truck driver. Many truck drivers love the flexibility, salary, and traveling across America.

Is it hard to get hired as a truck driver?

Getting hired as a truck driver can be challenging due to strict requirements like a commercial driver’s license (CDL), clean driving record, and drug tests. However, with the current driver shortage, many companies are eager to hire qualified candidates, making it easier for those who meet the criteria.

Photo credit: iStock/RichLegg

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SORL-Q425-042

The median pay for surgical techs is $62,830 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Working as a surgical tech can be a great way to build a fulfilling career in the medical field. Read on to learn more about a surgical tech’s role and salary, as well as the pros and cons of this job.

What Are Surgical Techs?

The role of a surgical tech generally involves assisting surgeons with tasks, such as closing surgical sites and making incisions. Other common duties include:

•   Readying supplies for surgery

•   Sterilizing equipment

•   Getting the operating room surgery-ready

•   Physically preparing patients for surgery

•   Assisting surgeons during surgery

•   Maintaining sterile environment

•   Keeping track of supplies during and after surgery.

While some of these tasks are solitary, many involve interacting with patients and other members of the medical team. Given this degree of interaction, this can be a very rewarding career choice, although it may not be a good job for antisocial people.

Surgical techs often complete training at a community college or vocational school, typically requiring nine to 24 months of study. For this reason, being a surgical tech can be a good career without a college degree.

💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

How Much Do Starting Surgical Techs Make a Year?

Here’s information about what a surgical tech can make as an entry-level salary and later on in their career. The lowest 10% of surgical tech earners make less than $43,290 as of 2024.

However, there is a lot of room to move up in this field. The top 10% earned more than $90,700 in 2024.

If someone is looking to optimize their earning potential, they should look for a surgical tech role in a high-paying setting. The type of medical office a surgical tech works in can affect how much they earn:

•  Offices of physicians: $61,350

•  Outpatient care centers: $63,270

•  Hospitals; state, local, and private: $63,260

•  Offices of dentists: $48,910.

Recommended: The 25 Highest Paying Jobs in the US

What Is the Average Salary for a Surgical Tech?

Those considering training to be a surgical tech may wonder about pay grades. The truth is, that answer depends a lot on the state they end up working in. The median hourly pay rate for this role is around $30, but as the table illustrates below, can vary greatly by state.

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Surgical Tech Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

It’s very common for surgical techs to hold full-time positions and as such, they tend to qualify for traditional employee benefits like paid time off, retirement accounts, and healthcare. This can be a very demanding role that may require being on call during weekends, holidays, and nights. Shifts can also be very lengthy and last longer than a typical eight-hour workday.

Pros and Cons of Surgical Tech Salary

Still not sure if working as a surgical tech is the right fit? Here are some pros and cons associated with this role’s salary and job requirements.

Recommended: High-Paying Trade and Vocational Jobs in 2025

The Takeaway

With a solid median annual salary of $62,830 and the top 10% of income earners in the surgical tech field making more than $90,700, there is a lot of earning potential in this role. The job can be demanding and being on call is often part of the job description, but the high pay can be worth the sacrifices.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a surgical tech?

It may be possible to make $100,000 a year as a surgical tech for those with years of experience or who work in high-cost-of-living areas where standard pay is higher. The top 10% of surgical tech earners make more than $90,700 annually, so the potential to earn six figures is within reach.

Do people like being a surgical tech?

Many people enjoy working as a surgical tech, especially if they have an interest in the medical field and helping people. However, those who are introverts or who consider themselves antisocial may not enjoy this job.

Is it hard to get hired as a surgical tech?

While you have to meet very specific qualifications to work as a surgical tech, if you do, you can likely find job openings in this field. Between 2024 and 2034, surgical tech employment is projected to grow by 5%. This growth rate is faster than average compared to other occupations.

Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SORL-Q425-038

The median pay for a dental assistant was $47,300 per year in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If someone is looking for a career in the medical field, but doesn’t want to commit many years and a significant amount of money to medical school, they may want to look into becoming a dental assistant. This career involves less schooling than one would have to pursue to become a dentist, but can offer a stable and rewarding career path.

Keep reading for more insight into what it’s like to work as a dental assistant and what this career’s earning potential can be.

What Are Dental Assistants?

A dental assistant is a healthcare professional who assists dentists in caring for their patients and with general administrative tasks.

Typically, they have completed training as a dental assistant after high school, meaning this can be a potential good job without a college degree.

These are some common responsibilities of dental assistants:

•   Scheduling patient appointments for efficient management

•   Collaborating with patients on medical billing and payment matters

•   Providing instructions to patients on proper oral hygiene practices

•   Preparing both patients and the work area for various treatments and procedures

•   Sterilizing dental instruments to maintain hygiene standards

•   Ensuring the comfort of patients in the dental chair

•   Assisting dentists by handing them instruments during procedures

•   Using suction hoses and other equipment to dry patients’ mouths

•   Processing x-rays and performing lab tasks under the dentist’s guidances

•   Maintaining records of dental treatments for accurate documentation.

As you may have noticed, this job requires a good degree of interaction with coworkers and patients. For this reason, it may be a good fit for those who consider themselves a “people person” and not a great career for an introvert.

Also, it’s important to note that the exact role of a dental assistant can vary based on the state they are working in. This is due to varying state regulations.

💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

How Much Do Starting Dental Assistants Make a Year?

Understandably, entry-level salaries for dental assistants tend to be less than those for their more experienced counterparts. In terms of how much money a dental assistant makes when they first start their career, here are some numbers: As of 2024, the lowest 10% of workers in this role earned less than $36,190.

However, they can expect to earn more competitive pay over time, as the highest 10% in this role earned more than $61,780.

Recommended: 25 Highest Paying Jobs in the US

What Is the Average Salary for a Dental Assistant?

The median annual pay for a dental assistant is $47,300, while the median hourly pay rate for this work is $22.74 per hour as of 2024. The following chart illustrates how greatly this wage can vary on a state level.

Dental Assistant Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

The majority of dental assistants work in a dentist’s office (90%), but some do work in the offices of physicians (2%) or for the government (2%). As of 2024, dental assistants held about 381,900 jobs and worked under the supervision of dentists.

There are some safety concerns (primarily contracting infectious diseases) that come with this role, which is why dental assistants wear protective clothing and equipment. Being exposed to x-ray machines also comes with concerns, but again, there are safety procedures in place to help protect dental assistants.

Because many dental assistants work full-time, they can qualify for employer-sponsored benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off. However, if they only work part-time, they might not qualify for benefits.

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Dental Assistant Salary

Still on the fence about working as a dental assistant? Here are some of the pros and cons of the role:

Recommended: Is $100,000 a Good Salary?

The Takeaway

The median salary for a dental assistant is $47,300, but as they gain work experience, these medical workers can expect to earn more. Because minimal schooling is required to become a dental assistant, many in this field can avoid taking on too much student loan debt.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you make 100K a year as a dental assistant?

Most dental assistants don’t earn $100,000 per year. The top 10% of earners in this field can earn around $61,780, but the median annual salary is just $47,300.

Do people like being a dental assistant?

Some people find working as a dental assistant to be an engaging and fulfilling career. Because most of their days are spent on patient care, they must enjoy spending time with people. This won’t be an enjoyable role for someone who is an introvert or who is antisocial.

Is it hard to get hired as a dental assistant?

There are more than 52,000 jobs for dental assistants available each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Depending on your location and other factors, it may not be hard to get hired as a dental assistant.

Photo credit: iStock/mladenbalinovac

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SORL-Q425-040

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming one of the most transformative forces in the global economy. From generative AI tools to robotics and automation, breakthroughs in AI are reshaping industries and driving innovation. For investors, this momentum has generated a new investment opportunity: AI exchange-traded funds, or ETFs.

Artificial intelligence ETFs allow investors to gain relatively low-cost, diversified exposure to the fast-growing AI sector, spreading risk across a wide range of companies, while tapping into the potential of a technology that’s just beginning to scale.

In this AI ETF guide, we’ll identify some of the promising AI ETFs by market capitalization. To keep pace with new players and help you navigate a rapidly changing AI environment, this guide will be updated quarterly.

What Is an AI ETF?

For those who want to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the term AI ETF refers to an ETF that focuses on companies that in some way participate in the artificial intelligence sector.

Understanding ETFs as a potential investment option is important, as these funds differ from mutual funds and stocks in key ways. As with other types of ETFs, instead of purchasing stock in an individual company, an AI ETF typically includes companies involved in AI development, AI-powered products, and AI infrastructure.

When considering ETFs vs. mutual funds, ETFs may be lower cost and more liquid, with potential tax efficiencies.

An AI ETF may also refer to an ETF that uses artificial intelligence to help pick the stocks that it invests in, though this definition is less common.

Types of AI ETFs to Consider

ETFs that are built around artificial intelligence stocks are not all the same. Here are some differences to be aware of.

Passive vs. Active ETFs: Until mid-2025, the majority of ETFs were considered passive funds in that they tracked a certain index, such as the S&P 500. This year, the number of actively managed ETFs exceeded the number of passive funds. This is important for investors to know, as active funds may charge higher fees, and may offer more complex strategies.

Technology ETFs: For those familiar with investing in technology stocks, many AI ETFs are essentially portfolios of tech stocks, and often include familiar tech companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD, and so on. In other words, when investing in a tech-focused ETF, it’s also possible to gain exposure to many AI industry leaders.

Thematic ETFs: Investors can also look for funds that are specifically invested in AI-centered stocks, under the umbrella of so-called thematic investing ETFs, which refer to funds focused on niche strategies in a range of industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, green technology, real estate, and so on).

AI-powered ETFs: As noted above, artificial intelligence algorithms can be used to select and help manage an ETF portfolio. This does not ensure that the fund’s portfolio is invested in AI stocks; it’s best to check the meaning of the AI label from fund to fund.

Top AI ETFs by Market Cap in 2025

As of October 2025, these are the top artificial intelligence ETFs, by market capitalization.

Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ)

•   Market cap / AUM: $4.80B

•   Expense ratio: 0.68%

•   Performance (1-year: 38.0%

•   Performance (3-year): 28.5%

•   Top holdings (tickers): GOOGL, AVGO, AAPL, 0700.HK (Tencent), BABA

•   Why it stands out: Large, diversified AI & big-data fund blending both innovators and infrastructure providers.

Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)

•   Market cap / AUM: $2.85B

•   Expense ratio: 0.68%

•   Performance (1-year): 15.12%

•   Performance (3-year): 17.8%

•   Top holdings (tickers): NVDA, ABB, FANUC, KEYENCE, ISRG

•   Why it stands out: A major industrial and robotics-focused AI fund with significant allocations to automation hardware leaders.

Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM)

•   Market cap / AUM: $2.0B

•   Expense ratio: 0.40%

•   Performance (1-year): 67.4%

•   Performance (3-year): 33.8%

•   Top holdings (tickers): MDB, TSEM, SNPS, TER, ALCPF

•   Why it stands out: Combines AI/machine learning exposure with quantum computing, offering investors access to frontier technologies.

First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF (ROBT)

•   Market cap / AUM: $562.8M

•   Expense ratio: 0.65%

•   Performance (1-year): 27.1%

•   Performance (3-year): 10.3%

•   Top holdings (tickers): SYM, AMBA, TPTX, UPST, GNTX

•   Why it stands out: Equal-weight structure across AI enablers, engagers, and enhancers, with less concentration on mega-cap tech companies.

ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ)

•   Market cap / AUM: $248.5M

•   Expense ratio: 0.68%

•   Performance (1-year): 43.1%

•   Performance (3-year): 27.2%

•   Top holdings (tickers): CRWD, IOT, PANW, TEM, ADSK, AMZN

•   Why it stands out: Focuses its holdings by AI-revenue exposure in both infrastructure and applications/service buckets

Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT)

•   Market cap / AUM: $526.3M

•   Expense ratio: 0.75%

•   Performance (1-year): 65.4%

•   Performance (3-year): N/A

•   Top holdings (tickers): NVDA, GOOGL, PLTR, MSFT, ARM

•   Why it stands out: Thematic play as this ETF is dedicated to generative AI including large language models (LLMs).

Source: Yahoo Finance, as of October 1, 2025.

Why Consider Investing in AI ETFs?

There’s no denying that artificial intelligence has already transformed many aspects of the economy and investing, and it appears likely to continue to do so in the years to come. Investing in an AI ETF allows you to have access to the growing AI technology sector, while diversifying your risk as compared to investing in individual stocks.

Rather than investing in individual AI companies, an AI ETF gives you broad exposure to a number of different AI companies.

AI ETFs vs Other Investment Options

It’s important to understand how ETFs compare to other investment options.

AI ETFs vs. AI Mutual Funds

The difference between AI ETFs and AI mutual funds is similar to the difference between ETFs and mutual funds in general.

ETFs trade on an exchange, may be passively or actively managed, usually have lower expense ratios than traditional mutual funds, and allow you to trade throughout the day.

In contrast, mutual funds are usually actively managed, can only be traded at the end of each day, are bought directly from the fund company, and often come with higher expense ratios than ETFs.

AI ETFs vs. Individual AI Stocks

Another way to invest in the AI sector is by choosing individual AI stocks to invest your money in. This might include companies that focus on robotics, self-driving vehicles, large language model (LLM) generation, or improving manufacturing processes.

While investing in individual stocks does open up the possibility of higher returns if you pick a company that outperforms the market, you also risk lower returns or losses if your stock doesn’t do well.

Remember that you can choose more niche AI ETFs if you prefer thematic investing. This can allow you to find an ETF that focuses directly on specific applications of AI, like robotics, automation, or self-driving technology.

How to Compare and Choose an AI ETF

If your brokerage account allows self-directed trading, you can research and choose which AI ETF you want to invest in. You can choose your AI ETF in the same way that you choose any other stock, mutual fund, ETF, or other investment. If you have specific AI companies you want to make sure you have exposure to, check the fund’s top holdings to make sure it is represented.

You can also look at the fund’s recent performance as compared to other funds over the past time periods, although keep in mind that past performance does not guarantee future results.

Another important factor to bear in mind is the fund’s expense ratio. These costs, which are often expressed as a percentage, may seem small, but they can add up over time, and all investment fees effectively reduce returns.

Reviewing all of these factors can help you decide which AI ETF is right for you.

How to Invest in AI ETFs

There are many different ways for investing in ETFs, and the exact steps will depend on which brokerage you use and what ETFs you are interested in. Your overall investing goals and strategies will be important as well. Still, here are a few steps to consider when investing in AI ETFs:

•  Choose a brokerage — Find a brokerage that offers AI ETFs. You may choose to use a brokerage where you already have an account, or open an account at a different brokerage.

•  Research ETFs — Decide which ETF you want to invest in. Your brokerage may have research tools to help you, or you might choose to research on your own.

•  Place an order — Once you’ve decided how you want to invest, place an order at your brokerage.

Recommended: How to Invest in ETFs

Risks of Investing in AI ETFs

The risks of investing in AI ETFs are similar to the risks of investing in general. Your investments could lose money, and the past performance of any particular fund is no guarantee that it will continue to produce those results in the years to come.

Additionally, as with any emerging technology, there is a risk that some of these technology companies may go out of business. The AI industry is highly competitive and volatile, with key players emerging, and changing frequently.

However, investing in an AI ETF is generally considered less risky than investing in individual stocks, since you are diversifying your risk across many different companies.

The Takeaway

AI is evolving at a breathtaking pace, with adoption expanding from consumer tools to enterprise solutions, manufacturing, and beyond. For investors looking to participate in this growth while balancing risk, AI ETFs provide a way to access the sector through diversified holdings.

Whether you’re drawn to broad AI technology funds or more thematic and focused strategies like robotics or generative AI, these AI ETFs offer individual investors the ability to take part in the potential growth of artificial intelligence companies.

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FAQ

How do I choose the right AI ETF?

When choosing an AI ETF, you’ll want to look at factors such as expense ratio, fund size, diversification of holdings, and whether it focuses on pure AI companies or broader technology. It’s also helpful to review the top holdings to ensure they align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Is there an AI-managed ETF?

Yes, some ETFs use AI to pick which stocks to invest in. This may or may not mean the fund itself is invested in artificial intelligence technology, however.

What is the best way to invest in AI?

There is no single best way to invest in AI — instead, it will depend on your risk profile and investment goals. AI ETFs can provide diversified exposure to the sector, which can help reduce the risk of betting on a single company. More aggressive investors may also consider individual AI stocks or venture capital opportunities in startups.

How are AI ETFs different from regular tech ETFs?

Investing in AI ETFs has a few key differences as compared to investing in technology stocks or generic technology ETFs. AI ETFs focus specifically on companies that are developing or heavily leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation.

What are the biggest risks of investing in AI ETFs?

The biggest risks of investing in AI ETFs include high volatility, since AI is still an emerging sector with uncertain regulation and adoption timelines. Because there are not as many companies focusing on artificial intelligence yet, AI ETFs may also be heavily concentrated in a few stocks. This increases exposure to individual company performance, which can also increase volatility.

About the author

Dan Miller

Dan Miller is a freelance writer who has spent over ten years covering developments in the finance space. His expertise extends to all things personal finance, including student loans, budgeting, credit cards, and mortgages. Read full bio.

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