Dental Hygienist Salary in Colorado
Based on 4K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$109,580
$52.68/hr
vs National Average
$96,870
+13.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$96K – $129K
4K employed in Colorado
The median annual Dental Hygienist salary in Colorado is $109,580, which translates to approximately $53 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, by about 13.1%. With 4,270 dental hygienists employed in the state, Colorado offers a competitive earning potential for this vital healthcare profession.
Several factors can influence a Dental Hygienist salary in Colorado. These include years of experience, the specific geographic location within the state (e.g., Denver vs. a rural area), the type of dental practice (private, public health, or specialty clinic), and any additional certifications or advanced education. Negotiation skills also play a role in determining an individual's final compensation.
Salary Distribution — Dental Hygienist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $95,680 |
| 25th percentile | $102,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $109,580 |
| 75th percentile | $125,470 |
| 90th percentile | $128,900 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Hygienist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Hygienists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Hygienists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $102,340 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $100,180 | 40 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $98,180 | 217K |
| Manufacturing | $96,200 | 40 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $94,570 | 120 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Hygienist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $109,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $112,867 |
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 | $109,580 | $96,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $112,867 | $99,776 |
Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $102,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $109,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $125,470 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $128,900 |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Other States
Related Dental Hygienist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Dental Hygienist ($109,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Hygienist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +214.2% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +173.8% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +143.1% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +142.3% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +79.3% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +51.7% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +42.4% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +38.7% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +30.2% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +25.6% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +23.1% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +22.8% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Hygienist salary in Colorado?
- The median Dental Hygienist salary in Colorado is $109,580 per year. This means half of all dental hygienists in the state earn more than this, and half earn less. The typical salary range falls between $95,680 and $128,900 annually.
How does Colorado's Dental Hygienist pay compare to the national average?
- Dental Hygienist salaries in Colorado are 13.1% higher than the national average. This indicates a strong market for these professionals in the state, with an average of $109,580 per year being significantly above the national median.
What is the hourly rate for a Dental Hygienist in Colorado?
- The median hourly rate for a Dental Hygienist in Colorado is $53 per hour. Based on the annual median salary of $109,580, this hourly figure provides a more granular look at compensation for the role.
How many Dental Hygienists are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 4,270 Dental Hygienists employed in Colorado. This number reflects the demand and presence of this profession within the state's healthcare sector.