Dentist Salary in Colorado
Based on 3K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$166,240
$79.92/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-5.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $229K
3K employed in Colorado
Dentist salary in Colorado averages $166,240 annually, according to current labor data. This figure is approximately 5% below the national average for dental professionals. With 2,940 dentists employed throughout the state, Colorado's dental workforce contributes significantly to the region's healthcare infrastructure while earning competitive compensation within the broader industry context.
Several factors influence dentist salary in Colorado, including years of experience, specialization, geographic location within the state, and practice setting. Urban areas like Denver typically offer higher compensation than rural regions. Additionally, dentists who own their practices or specialize in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery often earn substantially more than general practitioners, while those employed by larger dental organizations may have different earning structures than independent practitioners.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,590 |
| 25th percentile | $103,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $166,240 |
| 75th percentile | $210,080 |
| 90th percentile | $229,070 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dentist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dentists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dentists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $208,220 | 90 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $193,760 | 1K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $193,060 | 610 |
| Finance and Insurance | $179,740 | 140 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,970 | 30 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dentist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,820 |
| 2023 | $133,860 |
| 2024 | $136,260 |
| 2025 | $166,240 |
| 2026 (projected) | $176,214 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,820 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $133,860 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $136,260 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $166,240 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $176,214 | $186,249 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $166,240 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $210,080 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $229,070 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Dentist ($166,240 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +107.1% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +80.5% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +60.2% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +59.7% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +18.2% | $94.44/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | -6.1% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | -8.6% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | -14.2% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | -17.2% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | -18.8% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | -19.1% | $64.68/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CO | $132,930 | -20.0% | $63.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Colorado?
- The median salary for dentists in Colorado is $166,240 per year, or $80 per hour. This is approximately 5.4% below the national average for dentists, though salaries in the state range from $84,590 to $229,070 depending on experience and location.
What is the salary range for dentists in Colorado?
- Dentist salaries in Colorado range from a low of $84,590 to a high of $229,070 annually. The median salary of $166,240 falls in the middle of this range, representing typical earnings for established dental professionals in the state.
Is dentist salary in Colorado higher than the national average?
- No, dentist salaries in Colorado are 5.4% lower than the national average. While the median Colorado dentist earns $166,240 annually, this falls slightly below what dentists typically earn nationwide.
How many dentists are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 2,940 dentists employed throughout Colorado. This represents the total number of dental professionals working in the state across all practice settings.