Brighton vs Colorado Springs: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Brighton, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,269 | $49,806▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.72 | $23.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,418 | $38,492▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,484 | $46,784▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,262 | $60,172▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,686▲ | $60,646 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,360▲ |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Brighton and Colorado Springs is $2,537 (5.37%). Colorado Springs's median is +0.46% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brighton spans $22,268,Colorado Springs spans $22,154. Brighton 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 9.86% more than Brighton ($45,018 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,686)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,806/year)
- ✓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 Brighton grew -4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$48,041 (2024) → $45,830 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$36,620 (2019) → $48,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Brighton or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brighton and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Brighton to Colorado Springs as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Brighton vs Colorado Springs?
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