Colorado Springs vs Lakewood: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Lakewood, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,806▲ | $49,627 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.95▲ | $23.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,492 | $38,991▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,784▲ | $46,025 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,172 | $61,042▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,646 | $65,977▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,360▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Lakewood is $179 (0.36%). 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,Lakewood spans $26,986. Lakewood 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, Colorado Springs ($49,456 effective) pays 4.64% more than Lakewood ($47,264 effective).
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)
- ✓Larger job market (1,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,456)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,977)
- ✓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 Lakewood over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$36,620 (2019) → $48,290 (2025)
Lakewood, CO
$50,438 (2024) → $48,116 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Lakewood, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Colorado Springs or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Lakewood as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Colorado Springs vs Lakewood?
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