Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Littleton, CO: $22.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Littleton, CO runs $22.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,111 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Littleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,267 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Littleton, Colorado, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $22.65, which is slightly below the national average of $23.84 per hour. This figure can significantly affect those working part-time or in per-diem roles, particularly in environments like general dentistry, pediatric practices, and specialty offices. Professionals working three days a week could anticipate earnings of around $1,440 weekly, translating to $5,760 monthly. The hourly range for dental assistants in this area stretches from $18.29 for entry-level positions to $28.88 for experienced professionals, illustrating the diverse earning potential based on skill level and experience, with these estimates derived from annual salary projections.
About the Littleton 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) | $18.29 | $146.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.23 | $169.81 |
| Median (P50) | $22.65 | $181.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.38 | $219.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.88 | $231.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Littleton
Based on $22.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.65/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Littleton, CO can expect to earn approximately $47,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,179. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Littleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Littleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $905.98 | $3,926 | $47,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.59 | $2,356 | $28,267 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.39 | $1,570 | $18,844 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Littleton) | $22.65 |
| 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 Littleton, CO earn a median of $47,111 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.98% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.00% below the Colorado state average of $49,591.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.65/hr = $28,267/year (purchasing power: $26,921).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,111/year (purchasing power: $44,868).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Littleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Littleton grew 19.9% from $18.31/hr (2019) to $21.96/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.36/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 Littleton 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 Littleton
Exploring the financial opportunities for part-time dental assistants, working a 24-hour week could yield approximately $35,200 annually, notably less than full-time counterparts earning around $47,111. For those looking at per-diem opportunities, fees can range from $22 to $35 per hour for general assignments, while specialized positions in oral surgery or orthodontics may command $28 to $45 per hour. Hourly rates can fluctuate significantly based on the employing entity; for instance, dental support organizations (DSOs) often have established pay scales, offering competitive rates but may enforce strict protocols. Dental assistants may have to weigh the benefits of higher hourly pay against job security and benefits packages, as positions offering health insurance may have lower pay but provide valuable support. When negotiating wages in Littleton, knowing the typical range for your specialty and emphasizing any additional certifications or expanded function authority could help secure a more favorable rate.
More salary data for Littleton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Littleton in 2026?
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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 Littleton. 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 Littleton 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