Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lafayette, CO: $23.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lafayette, CO runs $23.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,992 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,794 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Colorado, dental assistants earn a median hourly pay of $23.07, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate is particularly significant for those working part-time or in per-diem roles, as it sets a baseline for income potential in various dental practice environments, including general dentistry and specialty offices. With entry-level positions starting around $17.42, and top earners making up to $29.48 per hour, dental assistants can find a range of opportunities that suit their career stage and work preferences. The findings are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the financial dynamics within the profession for those considering a role in this field.
About the Lafayette 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) | $17.42 | $139.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.13 | $177.07 |
| Median (P50) | $23.07 | $184.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.00 | $216.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.48 | $235.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $23.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.07/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, CO can expect to earn approximately $47,991 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,687. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $922.90 | $3,999 | $47,991 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $553.74 | $2,400 | $28,794 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.16 | $1,600 | $19,196 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lafayette) | $23.07 |
| 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 Lafayette, CO earn a median of $47,992 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.20% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $49,579.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.07/hr = $28,794/year (purchasing power: $27,423).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,991/year (purchasing power: $45,705).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lafayette grew 19.9% from $18.65/hr (2019) to $22.37/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.80/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Exploring the part-time earning potential, a dental assistant working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could expect to take home around $29,811 annually. This contrasts with full-time colleagues who generally see higher total compensation. For those seeking flexible arrangements, per diem dental assistant pay in Lafayette tends to range widely; standard billing for DAs may fall between $22 to $35 per hour, while specialized roles, such as in oral surgery or orthodontics, can command rates of $28 to $45 per hour. The types of employers—ranging from general dental practices to specialty clinics—also influence pay rates. While some dental assistants may opt for positions that offer lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others prefer higher pay rates without benefits. This trade-off necessitates negotiation skills, with many hourly workers in Lafayette benefiting from market knowledge to secure better compensation aligned with their qualifications and the demand for dental assistants in the area.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Lafayette?
Are dental assistants in Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Lafayette?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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