Arvada vs Colorado Springs: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Arvada, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,777▲ | $49,806 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.41▲ | $23.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,271▲ | $38,492 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,377▲ | $46,784 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,793▲ | $60,172 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,705▲ | $60,646 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 1,360▲ |
Verdict
Arvada, CO offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Arvada and Colorado Springs is $971 (1.95%). Arvada's median is +2.42% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $24,434,Colorado Springs spans $22,154. Arvada has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($49,456 effective) pays 2.27% more than Arvada ($48,359 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,777/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,705)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,456)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Arvada grew -4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$51,606 (2024) → $49,231 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$36,620 (2019) → $48,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Arvada or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Colorado Springs?
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Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov