Dental Assistant Salary in Brighton, CO: $47,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Brighton, CO earns a median $47,269/year (≈ $22.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Brighton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $45,018 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant salary in Brighton, Colorado, is projected to be $47,269, reflecting a modest decrease compared to the national median of $49,579. Salaries for dental assistants in this region range from $38,418 at the lower end (P10) to $60,686 at the higher end (P90), based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local market conditions. This compensation reflects the unique role Brighton plays within the healthcare landscape, particularly for those specializing in oral surgery and orthodontics, which tend to offer higher premiums. As the demand for dental services continues to grow, particularly with the influx of new residents in the area, job opportunities are expected to remain steady, benefiting those seeking to elevate their careers in the dental field.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,418 | $18.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,484 | $21.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,269 | $22.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,262 | $27.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,686 | $29.18 |
Median Salary Position
4.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brighton
In Brighton, CO, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,268 (2026 est.). At $47,269, the local median is 4.66% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brighton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brighton Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Brighton median: $47,269/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brighton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,600 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -4.66% less |
Dental Assistants in Brighton, CO earn a median of $47,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.66% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $49,600.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brighton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brighton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,269 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,018 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,212
2025 BLS Actual
$45,830
2026 Current Est.
$47,269
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,212 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,261 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,858 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,731 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,371 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,753 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brighton metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,212 (2019) to $45,830 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,753 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,541 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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) | $38,418 – $44,484 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,484 – $47,269 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,269 – $57,262 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,262 – $60,686 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Brighton
In Brighton, the job market for dental assistants is relatively small, with just seven professionals currently employed in this niche. The cost of living index, sitting at 105, indicates that while expenses may be slightly higher than the national average, wages adjust accordingly, influencing take-home purchasing power. Employers offering the best compensation in Brighton typically include specialized practices such as orthodontic offices and oral surgery centers, which can pay more than general dental practices. Factors contributing to the broad salary range include the growing importance of expanded function dental assistants (EFDA) and the hybrid role of treatment coordinators. Additionally, those pursuing certifications through DANB or considering the DA-to-RDH bridge pathways may find advancement opportunities that significantly impact their financial trajectory. To maximize pay, dental assistants in Brighton should consider pursuing specialization and gaining experience in high-demand areas, as well as exploring employment with Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) that often provide structured pay scales reflective of wide-ranging employment benefits.
More salary data for Brighton, 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
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 $45,830 for dental assistantsin the Brighton 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 Brighton 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