Aurora vs Denver: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Aurora, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,923 | $51,044▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.00 | $24.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,129 | $40,091▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,885 | $48,455▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,517▲ | $60,842 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,980▲ | $62,688 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 4,160▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Denver is $1,121 (2.25%). Denver's median is +2.95% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $29,851,Denver spans $22,597. Aurora 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, Denver ($48,254 effective) pays 1.49% more than Aurora ($47,546 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,980)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,044/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,254)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Aurora grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Denver over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$51,758 (2024) → $48,403 (2025)
Denver, CO
$44,250 (2019) → $49,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Aurora or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Denver?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Denver as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Aurora vs Denver?
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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
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