Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Pueblo, CO: $22.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Pueblo, CO runs $22.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,145 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Pueblo's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,280 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pueblo, Colorado, dental assistants earn a median hourly pay of $22.66, which trails the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This competitive wage places dental assistants in Pueblo in a favorable position compared to many other professions in the area, particularly considering the cost of living index stands below the national average. For those pursuing part-time work, such as a typical three-day workweek, this translates to approximately $1,085 before taxes. Per-diem opportunities further diversify earning potential, allowing dental assistants to work in various settings like general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, or specialty practices in oral surgery and orthodontics. Entry-level dental assistants typically start at about $18.92 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $28.71, demonstrating substantial room for growth in this field based on skill and experience.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.92 | $151.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.25 | $169.97 |
| Median (P50) | $22.66 | $181.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.72 | $189.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.71 | $229.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pueblo
Based on $22.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.66/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pueblo, CO can expect to earn approximately $47,133 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,192. With a cost-of-living index of 91.76 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pueblo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pueblo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $906.39 | $3,928 | $47,133 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.84 | $2,357 | $28,280 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.56 | $1,571 | $18,853 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Pueblo) | $22.66 |
| 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 Pueblo, CO earn a median of $47,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.91% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.90% below the Colorado state average of $49,574.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.66/hr = $28,280/year (purchasing power: $30,818).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,133/year (purchasing power: $51,364).
CoL index: 91.762 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Pueblo grew 15.6% from $19.00/hr (2019) to $21.97/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.37/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 Pueblo 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 Pueblo
As part-time roles become increasingly popular, a dental assistant working just 24 hours a week can expect to take home a significant sum annually, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem dental assistance often commands varying rates, with standard pay ranging from $22 to $35 an hour, while specialists can earn between $28 and $45 per hour in areas like oral surgery or orthodontics. In Pueblo, hourly rates can vary based on the type of employer, with general dental practices typically offering lower wages than larger chain organizations such as Heartland or Aspen Dental, which have implemented standardized pay scales. Additionally, some dental assistants may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, emphasizing the trade-offs present in hourly positions. For those negotiating their pay in the region, highlighting specialized training or certifications like DANB or expanded function authority can give them leverage in discussions with potential employers, ensuring they secure the best possible compensation for their skills.
More salary data for Pueblo, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pueblo. 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