Commerce City vs Denver: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Commerce City, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Commerce City, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,107 | $51,044▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.12 | $24.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,661 | $40,091▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,427 | $48,455▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,994 | $60,842▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,524 | $62,688▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 4,160▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Commerce City.
The salary gap between Commerce City and Denver is $2,937 (6.11%). 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 Commerce City spans $23,863,Denver spans $22,597. Commerce City 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 5.32% more than Commerce City ($45,816 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Commerce City 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 Commerce City grew -4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Denver over the same period.
Commerce City, CO
$48,892 (2024) → $46,642 (2025)
Denver, CO
$44,250 (2019) → $49,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Commerce City, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Commerce City or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Commerce City and Denver?
Should I relocate from Commerce City to Denver as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Commerce City 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