Dental Assistant Salary in Colorado
Based on 8K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$48,340
$23.24/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-1.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $61K
8K employed in Colorado
The median Dental Assistant salary in Colorado is $48,340 per year, translating to an hourly rate of $23. This figure is slightly below the national average by 1.5%, with a typical salary range falling between $38,500 and $60,540 annually.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in Colorado. These often include years of experience, the specific geographic location within the state, the size and type of dental practice, and any specialized certifications or additional skills the assistant possesses.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,500 |
| 25th percentile | $45,520 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,340 |
| 75th percentile | $58,340 |
| 90th percentile | $60,540 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Assistants in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $71,800 | 50 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $55,270 | 6K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,260 | — |
| Manufacturing | $52,290 | 130 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,020 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Assistant in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,340 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,790 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,340 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,790 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,520 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $48,340 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $58,340 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $60,540 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Dental Assistant ($48,340 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +612.2% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +520.6% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +451.0% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +449.4% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +306.4% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +243.9% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +222.8% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +214.4% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +195.0% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +184.7% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +179.1% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +178.3% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant in Colorado?
- The salary for a Dental Assistant in Colorado generally falls between $38,500 and $60,540 per year. The median income for this role is $48,340 annually.
How does the average Dental Assistant salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
- The average Dental Assistant salary in Colorado is 1.5% lower than the national average. This means that, on average, assistants in Colorado earn slightly less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the median hourly wage for a Dental Assistant in Colorado?
- The median hourly wage for a Dental Assistant in Colorado is $23 per hour. This is calculated based on the annual median salary of $48,340.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 8,360 Dental Assistants employed in Colorado. This indicates a substantial number of professionals working in this field within the state.