Dental Assistant Salary in Littleton, CO: $47,111 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Littleton, CO earns a median $47,111/year (≈ $22.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Littleton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $44,868 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Littleton, Colorado, dental assistants can expect a median annual salary of $47,111 in 2026, which reflects a slight decrease of 4.98% compared to the national median of $49,579. The local salary range varies significantly from $38,034 at the 10th percentile to $60,067 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the differences often seen within solo practices versus Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data coupled with regional adjustments, which consider the unique economic conditions of Littleton. The dynamics of the job market here show that DSO chains typically offer more standardized pay scales compared to the more flexible, potentially lucrative compensation structures found in independent practices.
About the Littleton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,034 | $18.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,148 | $21.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,111 | $22.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,959 | $27.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,067 | $28.88 |
Median Salary Position
4.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Littleton
In Littleton, CO, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,033 (2026 est.). At $47,111, the local median is 4.98% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Littleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Littleton Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Littleton median: $47,111/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Littleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,591 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -4.98% less |
Dental Assistants in Littleton, CO earn a median of $47,111 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.98% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.00% below the Colorado state average of $49,591.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Littleton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Littleton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,111 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,868 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,085
2025 BLS Actual
$45,677
2026 Current Est.
$47,111
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Littleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,085 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,735 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,223 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,881 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,677 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,111 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,591 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Littleton metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,085 (2019) to $45,677 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,591 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,506 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Littleton 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) | $38,034 – $44,148 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,148 – $47,111 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,111 – $56,959 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,959 – $60,067 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Littleton
Considering the local job market, only seven dental assistants are currently employed in Littleton, which suggests limited opportunities yet potentially favorable working conditions. The cost of living index in this area stands at 105, indicating that living expenses exceed the national average, necessitating a careful evaluation of take-home pay for dental assistants. Within the job market, facilities such as orthodontic and specialty practices often provide higher compensation compared to general dentistry offices. The earning potential can significantly increase based on credentials, such as Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), or by assuming additional responsibilities like treatment coordination. To optimize salary, aspiring dental assistants in Littleton CO should focus on obtaining relevant certifications like those from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), enhancing their qualifications to meet the evolving demands of the industry and the compensation structures set by expanding chains or specialized practices.
More salary data for Littleton, 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 $45,677 for dental assistantsin the Littleton 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 Littleton 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