Dental Assistant Salary in Aurora, CO: $49,923 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Aurora, CO earns a median $49,923/year (≈ $24.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $47,546 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants in 2026 will reach $49,923, reflecting a slight advantage over the national median of $49,579. The salary range for dental assistants in this market varies considerably, from $37,129 at the 10th percentile to $66,980 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional cost standards, with Aurora's cost of living index currently at 105, indicating that living expenses are above the national average. The local job market’s dynamics can vary greatly based on whether one is employed by a dental support organization (DSO) or a solo practice, with larger chains often offering standardized pay scales that can enhance overall salary prospects as opposed to the flexibility offered by independent practices.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,129 | $17.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,885 | $21.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,923 | $24.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,517 | $29.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,980 | $32.20 |
Median Salary Position
0.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, CO, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,851 (2026 est.). At $49,923, the local median is 0.69% above the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Aurora median: $49,923/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,576 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | +0.69% more |
Dental Assistants in Aurora, CO earn a median of $49,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.69% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.70% above the Colorado state average of $49,576.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,923 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,546 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,358
2025 BLS Actual
$48,403
2026 Current Est.
$49,923
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,358 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,465 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,928 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,862 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,758 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,403 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,923 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,490 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $40,358 (2019) to $48,403 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,490 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,132 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,129 – $44,885 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,885 – $49,923 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,923 – $61,517 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,517 – $66,980 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Aurora
Currently, there are 54 dental assistants working in Aurora, indicating a local job market that provides ample opportunity for employment. However, with a cost of living index higher than the national average, the purchasing power of local salaries is a crucial consideration for aspiring dental assistants. Among the various employers, dental assistant pay in Aurora, CO, tends to be highest in specialty settings like oral surgery and orthodontics; these roles generally command higher salaries compared to positions in general dentistry. Factors contributing to the wage disparity include the nature of the practice, the need for specialized skills or credentials such as the EFDA, and unique roles like treatment coordinators within the practice. To maximize earning potential, dental assistants in Aurora should pursue additional certifications, seek opportunities within DSOs that provide scaling pay based on experience and performance, and consider niche specialties that traditionally offer higher compensation.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Aurora, CO 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $48,403 for dental assistantsin the Aurora metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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