Brighton vs Denver: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Brighton, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,269 | $51,044▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.72 | $24.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,418 | $40,091▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,484 | $48,455▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,262 | $60,842▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,686 | $62,688▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 4,160▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Brighton and Denver is $3,775 (7.99%). 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 Brighton spans $22,268,Denver spans $22,597. Denver has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($48,254 effective) pays 7.19% 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…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,044/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,688)
- ✓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 Brighton grew -4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Denver over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$48,041 (2024) → $45,830 (2025)
Denver, CO
$44,250 (2019) → $49,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Brighton or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brighton and Denver?
Should I relocate from Brighton to Denver as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Brighton 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