Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Louisville, CO: $22.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Louisville, CO runs $22.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,194 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,713 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Louisville, Colorado, the dental assistant hourly pay is approximately $22.21, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This wage reflects the earning potential for part-time and per-diem dental assistants, who can thrive in various settings such as general dentistry office spaces, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites. With an entry-level range starting around $18.22, earnings can escalate to $27.17 for those with more experience or specialized skills. These figures, drawn from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, highlight the market's dynamics and provide insight into potential salaries for aspiring dental assistants in the region.
About the Louisville 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) | $18.22 | $145.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.96 | $167.66 |
| Median (P50) | $22.21 | $177.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.25 | $209.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.17 | $217.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $22.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.21/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, CO can expect to earn approximately $46,189 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,647. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $888.24 | $3,849 | $46,189 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $532.95 | $2,309 | $27,713 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $355.30 | $1,540 | $18,475 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Louisville) | $22.21 |
| 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 Louisville, CO earn a median of $46,194 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.83% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.80% below the Colorado state average of $49,565.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.21/hr = $27,713/year (purchasing power: $26,393).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,189/year (purchasing power: $43,989).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Louisville grew 19.9% from $17.95/hr (2019) to $21.53/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.90/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 Louisville 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 Louisville
Evaluating the financial aspect of part-time work reveals that a dental assistant working three days a week could earn significantly less than a full-time counterpart, which may be a consideration for professionals balancing work with other commitments. Per diem opportunities, often available through agencies and temp services, can provide more lucrative options ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, especially in specialized fields such as oral surgery or orthodontics, where rates can climb to $28-$45 per hour. In Louisville, the diversity of employers—from solo practices to larger chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental—also affects compensation. Many dental assistants confront the choice between higher hourly wages without benefits or lower pay that includes health insurance, which can lead to varying satisfaction levels among workers. Those negotiating their hourly rate should emphasize any specialized training or credentials, particularly through organizations like DANB and ADAA, to improve their position in the competitive job market.
More salary data for Louisville, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Louisville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Louisville?
Are dental assistants in Louisville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Louisville?
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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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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