Dental Assistant Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $49,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Colorado Springs, CO earns a median $49,806/year (≈ $23.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Colorado Springs's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.7), that paycheck buys what $49,456 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Colorado Springs, CO, dental assistants can expect a robust median annual salary of $49,806 in 2026, slightly above the national average of $49,579. This environment presents a salary range that spans from $38,492 at the 10th percentile to $60,646 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diversity of roles available in the dental field, from solo practices to larger DSO chains. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlights that dental assistant pay in Colorado Springs is both competitive and reflective of the city's job market, which continues to grow as a result of increased demand in the healthcare sector. Notably, those working in DSOs may find stability in pay scales that offer structured raises, while those in independent practices might enjoy more flexibility, albeit with variable compensation.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,492 | $18.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,784 | $22.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,806 | $23.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,172 | $28.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,646 | $29.16 |
Median Salary Position
0.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, CO, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,154 (2026 est.). At $49,806, the local median is 0.46% above the national median of $49,579.
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At 40 hours/week in Colorado Springs: You'd be above the median
How Colorado Springs Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Colorado Springs median: $49,806/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Colorado Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,608 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +0.46% more |
Dental Assistants in Colorado Springs, CO earn a median of $49,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.46% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.40% above the Colorado state average of $49,608.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Colorado Springs has a cost of living 0.71% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Colorado Springs, CO has a cost-of-living index of 100.707 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,806 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,456 — a 0.7% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,620
2025 BLS Actual
$48,290
2026 Current Est.
$49,806
2019–2027 Growth
+40.3%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,370 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado Springs metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 31.9% from $36,620 (2019) to $48,290 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,370 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,750 (40.28%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,492 – $46,784 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,784 – $49,806 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,806 – $60,172 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,172 – $60,646 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Colorado Springs
With approximately 1,360 dental assistants employed in the area, the local job market shows strength and offers various opportunities for career growth, including pathways to roles such as treatment coordinators or expanded function assistants through credentialing with organizations like DANB and ADAA. The cost of living index in Colorado Springs is slightly above the national average at 100.707, which impacts take-home purchasing power and should be considered when evaluating potential salaries. Those seeking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Colorado Springs, CO, should target larger employers, such as Heartland and Aspen, that typically offer higher salaries. Specialization areas, including oral surgery and orthodontics, often command higher compensation due to the advanced skills required. Networking within the dental community and pursuing additional certifications can further enhance earning potential, particularly in a market influenced by DSO consolidation and varied state regulations on expanded function authority.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $48,290 for dental assistantsin the Colorado Springs metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov