Average Dental Assistants Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Dental Assistants in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $52,190. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $48,760, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these professionals. The specific economic conditions and healthcare needs within this region likely influence this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,710.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,760 Dental Assistants and a Location Quotient of 0.95, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area demonstrates a robust and slightly below-average concentration of these roles compared to the national landscape. This indicates a stable, yet not overly saturated, job market, suggesting consistent demand for skilled Dental Assistants within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+7.0%above the national average.
$25.1
$1,004
$4,349
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, inflation, and evolving professional responsibilities typically drive incremental salary increases in this field.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Dental Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the clear career trajectory and earning potential available through dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $37,320 | $17.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $39,143 | $18.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,680 | $23.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $65,238 | $31.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $63,710 | $30.6 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,190 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
3,760
Total Jobs
2.325
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.95x the national average concentration of Dental Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.95 for Dental Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial indicates a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. While not indicating an oversupply, it suggests that the demand for Dental Assistants is stable and closely matches the national distribution, making it a competitive but accessible market for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Dental Assistants Salary | $53,680↑ 3% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Dental Assistants Salary | $47,000↓ 10% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $47,890↓ 8% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $50,400↓ 3% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $45,740↓ 12% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $52,190. This typically ranges from $37,320 for entry-level positions to $63,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 7.0% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, it is a slightly more lucrative place for Dental Assistants.Dental Assistants in this area earn approximately $3,430 more annually than the national average. The cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the higher salary offers better purchasing power.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($53,680) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $52,190, which is $3,430 higher than the national average of $48,760.
What is the Cost of Living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How concentrated is the Dental Assistant job market in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.95, indicating that the proportion of Dental Assistants in the workforce is slightly below the national average.
What is the total number of Dental Assistants in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area?
There are approximately 3,760 Dental Assistants employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,760 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 2.325 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO