Dental Assistant Salary in Northglenn, CO: $47,038 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Northglenn, CO earns a median $47,038/year (≈ $22.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Northglenn's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $44,798 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for a dental assistant in Northglenn, Colorado, is $47,038 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $49,579. The salary range in the area spans from $37,857 at the 10th percentile to $59,951 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the demand for skills and experience in the local job market. Northglenn's competitive landscape includes both DSO chains, which typically offer standardized pay scales and benefits, and independent practices that may provide more flexibility. This dual system allows dental assistants to choose between stability with larger organizations or a potentially more varied experience in smaller settings, influencing overall compensation and job satisfaction in the area.
About the Northglenn Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,857 | $18.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,992 | $21.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,038 | $22.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,716 | $27.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,951 | $28.83 |
Median Salary Position
5.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northglenn
In Northglenn, CO, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,094 (2026 est.). At $47,038, the local median is 5.13% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northglenn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northglenn Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Northglenn median: $47,038/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northglenn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,566 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -5.13% less |
Dental Assistants in Northglenn, CO earn a median of $47,038 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.13% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.10% below the Colorado state average of $49,566.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northglenn has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Northglenn, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,038 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,798 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,026
2025 BLS Actual
$45,606
2026 Current Est.
$47,038
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Northglenn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,026 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,069 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,523 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,154 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,807 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,606 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,038 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,515 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northglenn metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,026 (2019) to $45,606 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,515 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,489 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northglenn 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) | $37,857 – $43,992 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,992 – $47,038 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,038 – $56,716 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,716 – $59,951 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Northglenn
Currently, Northglenn employs nine dental assistants, indicating a modest yet steady demand for this role. The cost of living index stands at 105, slightly above the national average, which can impact the disposable income of those in this profession. Among local employers, DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen typically lead in compensation, while specialty practices such as oral surgery and orthodontics offer higher pay scales due to the increased skill set required. The disparity between salaries can often be attributed to the nature of the practice, with positions in high-demand specialties generally commanding higher pay. To maximize earning potential, dental assistants in Northglenn should consider pursuing expanded function authority (EFDA) certifications where applicable, exploring opportunities within DSOs where pay scales are clearly defined, and seeking roles that offer additional responsibilities such as treatment coordinating.
More salary data for Northglenn, 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 $45,606 for dental assistantsin the Northglenn 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 Northglenn 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