Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Arvada, CO: $24.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Arvada, CO runs $24.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,777 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Arvada's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,468 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arvada, Colorado, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $24.41 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $23.84. This difference highlights Arvada's relatively competitive pay within the field, which is beneficial for both full-time positions and part-time roles, such as those working three days a week. For part-time dental assistants, this hourly rate can translate into substantial earnings, especially when working in diverse settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. Entry-level positions might start around $19.36, while experienced dental assistants can earn up to $31.11, showcasing a promising landscape for career growth within the profession in Arvada.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.36 | $154.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.77 | $182.19 |
| Median (P50) | $24.41 | $195.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.23 | $233.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.11 | $248.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arvada
Based on $24.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.41/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arvada, CO can expect to earn approximately $50,780 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,296. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arvada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arvada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $976.53 | $4,232 | $50,780 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $585.92 | $2,539 | $30,468 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.61 | $1,693 | $20,312 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Arvada) | $24.41 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Arvada, CO earn a median of $50,777 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.42% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $49,587.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.41/hr = $30,468/year (purchasing power: $29,017).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,780/year (purchasing power: $48,361).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Arvada grew 19.9% from $19.74/hr (2019) to $23.67/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.18/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arvada 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.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Arvada
Analyzing opportunities for part-time dental assistants, those working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $30,534 annually, which is quite favorable compared to full-time counterparts. The per diem avenue presents another angle, with dental assistants commonly billing between $22 and $35 per hour, while those in specialized areas like oral surgery or orthodontics could see rates ranging from $28 to $45 per hour. Employers in the area vary from independent practices to large DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, influencing remuneration levels. Choosing between a higher hourly rate without benefits and a lower rate with packages such as health insurance ultimately depends on individual circumstances. Negotiating hourly pay in Arvada can benefit from highlighting skills, certifications like DANB or expanded function authority, and understanding the going rates for specific employer types, allowing assistants to approach pay discussions confidently.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Arvada in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Arvada?
Are dental assistants in Arvada paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Arvada?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Arvada?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Arvada. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arvada 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