Denver vs Thornton: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Denver, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,044▲ | $50,368 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.54▲ | $24.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,091▲ | $36,793 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,455▲ | $44,607 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,842 | $62,936▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,688 | $68,352▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,160▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thornton.
The salary gap between Denver and Thornton is $676 (1.34%). 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 Denver spans $22,597,Thornton spans $31,559. Thornton 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 0.59% more than Thornton ($47,970 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,044/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,254)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,352)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Denver grew 11.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.6% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Denver, CO
$44,250 (2019) → $49,490 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$51,191 (2024) → $48,835 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Denver or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Denver to Thornton as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Denver vs Thornton?
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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