Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Greeley, CO: $23.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Greeley, CO runs $23.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,754 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Greeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.2, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,258 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Greeley, Colorado, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $23.44 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This figure presents diverse earning opportunities, particularly for part-time and per-diem dental assistants, who often work in varied environments such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. Entry-level dental assistants in Greeley may earn around $18.72 per hour, while top earners in specialized fields or agency work can command rates up to $29.27. With the growing presence of dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen, wage structures are becoming more standardized, potentially impacting the hourly rates offered across different practice types. The data referenced is sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.72 | $149.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.10 | $160.82 |
| Median (P50) | $23.44 | $187.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.21 | $217.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.27 | $234.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greeley
Based on $23.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.44/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greeley, CO can expect to earn approximately $48,763 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,132. With a cost-of-living index of 100.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Greeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.75 | $4,064 | $48,763 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.65 | $2,438 | $29,258 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.10 | $1,625 | $19,505 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Greeley) | $23.44 |
| 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 Greeley, CO earn a median of $48,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.66% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.70% below the Colorado state average of $49,597.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.44/hr = $29,258/year (purchasing power: $29,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,763/year (purchasing power: $48,677).
CoL index: 100.176 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Greeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Greeley grew 22.8% from $18.51/hr (2019) to $22.73/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.18/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 Greeley 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 Greeley
Contrasting the schedules of part-time dental assistants with full-time professionals illustrates a significant earning difference. A dental assistant working three days a week typically logs around 24 hours and might take home about $29,226 per year, compared to a full-time worker who earns roughly $48,754 annually. The per diem dental assistant pay in Greeley varies widely, with rates ranging from $22 to $45 per hour depending on the specialty and agency. General practices usually offer lower wages compared to oral surgery or orthodontic offices, where the demand for skilled assistants can drive up rates. Beneficial trade-offs often influence decisions, as some dental assistants might accept lower hourly rates for comprehensive health benefits. Negotiation strategies in Greeley should focus on the value of expanded function certifications, which can substantiate requests for higher pay.
More salary data for Greeley, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Greeley in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Greeley?
Are dental assistants in Greeley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Greeley?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Greeley?
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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 Greeley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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