Dental Assistant Pay

Colorado Springs vs Fountain: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Fountain, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Colorado Springs, CO
$49,806
$23.95/hr
Fountain, CO
$47,084
$22.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColorado Springs, COFountain, CO
Median Salary$49,806$47,084
Hourly Rate$23.95$22.64
Entry Level (P10)$38,492$37,969
25th Percentile$46,784$44,090
75th Percentile$60,172$56,825
Top Earner (P90)$60,646$60,099
Total Employed1,3604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Colorado Springs ($49,806) and Fountain ($47,084) dental assistant salaries.Colorado SpringsFountainMedian Salary$49,806$47,084Entry Level (P10)$38,492$37,969Top Earner (P90)$60,646$60,099US Median $49,579

Verdict

Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fountain.

The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Fountain is $2,722 (5.78%). 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 Colorado Springs spans $22,154,Fountain spans $22,130. Colorado Springs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Colorado Springs
P10 (Entry)$38,492
P25$46,784
Median$49,806
P75$60,172
P90 (Top)$60,646
Fountain
P10 (Entry)$37,969
P25$44,090
Median$47,084
P75$56,825
P90 (Top)$60,099

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($49,456 effective) pays 10.29% more than Fountain ($44,842 effective).

Colorado Springs
Nominal: $49,806
CoL Index: 100.707
Adjusted: $49,456
Fountain
Nominal: $47,084
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $44,842

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Colorado Springs if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,806/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($60,646)
  • Larger job market (1,360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,456)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Fountain if…

  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Colorado Springs grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.6% growth in Fountain over the same period.

Colorado Springs, CO

+31.9%

$36,620 (2019) → $48,290 (2025)

Fountain, CO

+-4.6%

$47,854 (2024) → $45,651 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Colorado Springs or Fountain?

Colorado Springs has a higher median dental assistant salary at $49,806/year, compared to Fountain at $47,084/year — a difference of $2,722 (5.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Fountain?

Colorado Springs dental assistants earn $23.95/hr while Fountain hygienists earn $22.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Fountain as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Colorado Springs and Fountain. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Colorado Springs = $49,456, Fountain = $44,842), job availability (1,360 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Colorado Springs vs Fountain?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $38,492 in Colorado Springs and $37,969 in Fountain. The Colorado Springs area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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