Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $23.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Erie, CO runs $23.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,066 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,438 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Colorado, the projected dental assistant hourly pay stands at $23.59 for 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84, suggesting a competitive yet moderately paced local market for dental assistants. Those working part-time, such as three days a week, will find this hourly rate beneficial as it provides a stable income while still allowing for flexible scheduling. Per-diem positions in various settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites offer similar hourly earnings within a range where entry-level workers might earn around $18.58 and top earners can reach as high as $28.87. These estimates help provide a clear picture of the potential earnings depending on experience and specialization.
About the Erie 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) | $18.58 | $148.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.83 | $174.68 |
| Median (P50) | $23.59 | $188.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.71 | $221.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.87 | $230.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $23.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.59/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $49,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,306. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $943.52 | $4,089 | $49,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.11 | $2,453 | $29,438 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.41 | $1,635 | $19,625 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Erie) | $23.59 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $49,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $49,611.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.59/hr = $29,438/year (purchasing power: $28,036).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,063/year (purchasing power: $46,727).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Erie grew 19.9% from $19.07/hr (2019) to $22.87/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.33/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 Erie 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 Erie
For dental assistants in Erie contemplating part-time or per-diem work, the actual financial implications differ significantly from full-time positions. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week at the local rate will make about $29,366 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts, who can expect around $49,066. The per diem dental assistant pay in Erie averages between $22 and $35 per hour; specialized roles such as those in oral surgery and orthodontics can see hourly rates soar to between $28 and $45. Employers vary widely in how they compensate, with general practices generally offering less than larger dental service organizations (DSOs), like Heartland and Aspen Dental. These entities leverage standardization in pay scales, which can affect negotiations for hourly workers—sometimes favoring those who may accept a lower rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Therefore, understanding the nuances of hourly compensation can empower dental assistants to negotiate the best terms for their work while considering the different compensation models at play in Erie’s dental community.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Erie in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Erie?
Are dental assistants in Erie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Erie?
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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 Erie. 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 Erie 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