Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Loveland, CO: $23.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Loveland, CO runs $23.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,402 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Loveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,039 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Loveland, Colorado can expect a median hourly pay of $23.27, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This compensation allows part-time workers, who may typically work three days a week, to earn a substantial income even while avoiding the traditional full-time schedule. For those pursuing per-diem roles, hourly rates fall into a range that varies from $18.10 to $29.58, reflecting levels of experience and specific dental practices, such as general dentistry, orthodontics, or oral surgery. Entry-level dental assistants can start around $18.10 per hour and could climb to around $29.58 as they gain specialized skills or work in more demanding environments.
About the Loveland 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) | $18.10 | $144.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.38 | $171.05 |
| Median (P50) | $23.27 | $186.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.96 | $223.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.58 | $236.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Loveland
Based on $23.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.27/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Loveland, CO can expect to earn approximately $48,398 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,922. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Loveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Loveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $930.74 | $4,033 | $48,398 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $558.44 | $2,420 | $29,039 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.29 | $1,613 | $19,359 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Loveland) | $23.27 |
| 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 Loveland, CO earn a median of $48,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.37% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.40% below the Colorado state average of $49,592.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.27/hr = $29,039/year (purchasing power: $27,656).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,398/year (purchasing power: $46,094).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Loveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Loveland grew 19.9% from $18.81/hr (2019) to $22.56/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.00/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 Loveland 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 Loveland
When evaluating the financial prospects in Loveland, a part-time dental assistant working 24 hours per week may take home an annual income significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts but can still provide flexibility and a work-life balance. Per diem or agency positions are another viable option for those in the field; per diem dental assistant pay in Loveland generally ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty practices like oral surgery offering between $28 and $45. Different employer types, from general practices to specialty clinics, may have varying pay structures, often depending on their need for services. While some dental assistants may opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others prioritize higher immediate pay. Negotiation tips for hourly workers in Loveland could include emphasizing specialized skills or certifications, such as those endorsed by DANB or ADAA, to secure a more favorable rate in this evolving job market shaped by DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen.
More salary data for Loveland, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Loveland 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 Loveland. 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 Loveland 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