Dental Assistant salary in Colorado
Dental Assistants in Colorado earn a median of $48,340 a year ($23.24 an hour), based on BLS data for 8,360 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,540 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $48,070. Colorado ranks 22nd of 50 states for dental assistants pay. There are 2.9 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $50,230, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Colorado
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,500 | $18.51 |
| 25th percentile | $45,520 | $21.89 |
| Median | $48,340 | $23.24 |
| 75th percentile | $58,340 | $28.05 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,540 | $29.10 |
| Average (mean) | $50,230 | $24.15 |
Half of dental assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,028.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,014.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,859.23 |
| Weekly | $929.62 |
| Hourly | $23.24 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $48,340 salary, see how much house you can afford in Colorado at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Dental Assistant salary in cities in Colorado
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $58,760 | 520 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $49,490 | 4,160 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $48,290 | 1,360 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $48,080 | 510 |
| Greeley, CO | $47,270 | 360 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $46,350 | 300 |
| Pueblo, CO | $45,710 | 260 |
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 |
| Maine | $60,070 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 |
| Oregon | $59,490 |
| Washington | $58,090 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 |
| North Dakota | $57,770 |
| Alaska | $57,710 |
| Connecticut | $56,850 |
Related jobs in Colorado
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $48,400 | $23.27 |
| Massage Therapist | $61,060 | $29.36 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $38,900 | $18.70 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $47,330 | $22.76 |
| Phlebotomist | $47,180 | $22.69 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $47,700 | $22.93 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $43,080 | $20.71 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $38,540 | $18.53 |
| Nursing Assistant | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $64,810 | $31.16 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $75,340 | $36.22 |
| Orderly | $43,570 | $20.95 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $41,970 | $20.18 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Colorado
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make in Colorado?
The median salary for dental assistants in Colorado is $48,340 a year, or $23.24 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,540 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Colorado?
The top 10% of dental assistants in Colorado earn at least $60,540 a year. The top 25% earn $58,340 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Colorado?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,500 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $45,520 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Colorado?
About 8,360 dental assistants are employed in Colorado, not counting the self-employed.