Average Dental Assistants Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Dental Assistants in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $50,400, surpassing the national average of $48,760. This localized premium is likely driven by the specific demand dynamics and workforce composition within this region. The concentration of dental practices and the need for skilled professionals contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,060.
- Outlook: The job market for Dental Assistants in Southwest Colorado appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 350 professionals. A Location Quotient of 1.32 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy demand that outpaces broader national trends. This concentration points to a stable and potentially growing employment landscape for dental assistants in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+3.4%above the national average.
$24.2
$969
$4,200
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Assistants in Southwest Colorado have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, increased demand for dental services, and inflation typically drive upward salary adjustments in most professional fields, including healthcare support roles.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Southwest Colorado typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior or specialized Dental Assistants can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies opportunities for professional development and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,910 | $17.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $37,800 | $18.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $46,150 | $22.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $63,000 | $30.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $62,060 | $29.8 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,400 in Southwest Colorado 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 region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage for relocation.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
3.208
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dental Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.32, Southwest Colorado exhibits a notably higher concentration of Dental Assistant jobs than the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively more abundant or specialized in this region compared to other areas. For job seekers, this indicates a potentially competitive but favorable environment with more opportunities relative to the general workforce size.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Dental Assistants Salary | $48,990↓ 3% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Dental Assistants Salary | $52,190↑ 4% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Dental Assistants Salary | $44,420↓ 12% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Dental Assistants Salary | $53,680↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Dental Assistants Salary | $47,000↓ 7% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $50,400. This typically ranges from $36,910 for entry-level positions to $62,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 3.4% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, it offers a slightly more lucrative environment than the national average.Dental Assistants here earn $50,400 annually, exceeding the national average, while maintaining a cost of living on par with the national index.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($48,990) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Southwest Colorado is $50,400, which is higher than the national average of $48,760.
What is the cost of living in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Dental Assistant jobs in this region?
The Location Quotient of 1.32 indicates that Dental Assistant jobs are 32% more concentrated in Southwest Colorado than the national average.
What is the total number of Dental Assistants in this area?
There are approximately 350 Dental Assistants employed in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.208 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area