Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Durango, CO: $22.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Durango, CO runs $22.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,467 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Durango's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,880 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $22.34 for dental assistants in Durango, Colorado, these professionals earn slightly less than the national average of $23.84. This rate significantly impacts those working part-time, like three days a week in various settings such as general dentistry, orthodontics, or pediatric specialties. For dental assistants engaged on a per-diem basis, typical compensation tends to range from $19.28 for entry-level roles to $27.62 for experienced practitioners. These hourly rates indicate the economic environment dental assistants face in Durango, shaped by local demand and the influence of prominent dental service organizations (DSOs) that often standardize pay scales across their multiple locations.
About the Durango 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) | $19.28 | $154.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.75 | $174.02 |
| Median (P50) | $22.34 | $178.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.71 | $205.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.62 | $220.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durango
Based on $22.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.34/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durango, CO can expect to earn approximately $46,467 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,808. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Durango.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durango
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $893.60 | $3,872 | $46,467 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $536.16 | $2,323 | $27,880 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.44 | $1,549 | $18,587 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Durango) | $22.34 |
| 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 Durango, CO earn a median of $46,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.28% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $49,591.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.34/hr = $27,880/year (purchasing power: $26,553).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,467/year (purchasing power: $44,255).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Durango grew 19.9% from $18.06/hr (2019) to $21.66/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.04/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 Durango 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 Durango
Looking at part-time earning potential for a dental assistant in Durango working a 24-hour week, one can expect an annual take-home significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts, potentially totaling below $30,000 depending on hours worked and specific hourly agreements. Per-diem dental assistant pay in the area often falls within the $22-$35 range, with specialty positions such as oral surgery and orthodontic roles offering rates of $28-$45 per hour. Hourly pay quite often varies by employer type in the region; general practices might offer less than specialized offices due to the increased financial resources associated with larger institutions. Many dental assistants find themselves weighing the benefits of higher hourly rates without health insurance against lower rates that include valuable benefits. For those considering their negotiating power in Durango, emphasizing specialized skills or certifications, such as DANB credentials, can be advantageous in discussions about hourly compensation.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Durango in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Durango?
Are dental assistants in Durango paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Durango?
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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
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 Durango. 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 Durango 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