Entry-Level Dental Assistant Salary in Evans, CO: $38,517 (2026)
Quick Answer:New dental assistants entering the Evans, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,517 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evans's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,683 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,926) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the dental assistant field in Evans, Colorado, can expect a starting salary around $38,517. While this figure is on the lower end of the pay range, recent entrants should keep realistic expectations in mind, particularly as they compare their starting pay to the city median of $45,926. Over the first few years—ranging from the P25 average of $44,051 to the median—early-career dental assistants can anticipate gradual salary growth. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.14% over five years, Evans presents a stable job market for new dental assistants, despite slightly lower pay compared to the national median, which is $49,579 in 2026.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evans
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evans
Entry-level dental assistants in Evans, CO typically start between $38,517 and $44,051 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,842 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,926 — 7.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average dental assisting program cost in Colorado of $8,000 represents just 20.77% of the starting dental assistant pay ($38,517/year) in Evans. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ADA CODA-accredited dental assisting program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type and program length (certificate vs. associate).
DA, CDA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Evans
- 1Research the Evans market: entry-level dental assistant pay ranges from $38,517 to $44,051, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the dental assisting field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Evans, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Evans for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evans's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Dental Assistant Compensation Range
The dental assistant wage spread in Evans is $18,842 ( 48.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,517, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,359.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,141
2025 BLS Actual
$37,344
2026 Current Est.
$38,517
2019–2027 Growth
+41.2%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,141 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,107 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,631 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,674 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,344 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,517 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,726 | Projected |
Entry-level dental assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Evans, CO grew 32.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,141 in 2019 to $37,344 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,726. New graduates entering the Evans job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your dental assisting Career in Evans
For new dental assistants in Evans, various employers are looking to hire those fresh out of training programs or accredited schools. Dental support organizations (DSOs) like Heartland, Aspen, and Pacific Dental typically offer structured paid training for recent graduates, while local pediatric and general practices are often more flexible and willing to train entry-level candidates directly on the job. To enhance earning potential, new graduates should consider acquiring additional credentials such as the DANB CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) or any state-required licensing. Continuing education is crucial, with options for expanded function authority potentially leading to salary increases of 25-40% in more permissive states. Career strategies during the first few years can include seeking positions that help build practical experience, understanding that DSO growth has standardized pay scales and training paths that can facilitate a smoother entry into the profession. Realistic salary growth expectations may see new dental assistants moving up to $44,051 or more as they gain experience and navigate the landscape of available positions in the Evans area.
More salary data for Evans, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is dental assisting school worth it in Evans?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new dental assisting graduates. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Evans. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evans is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov