Dental Assistant Salary in Parker, CO: $49,154 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Parker, CO earns a median $49,154/year (≈ $23.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Parker's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $46,813 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Parker, Colorado, dental assistants earn a median annual salary of $49,154 as projected for 2026, slightly trailing the national median of $49,579. The salary range for dental assistants here varies from $36,278 at the 10th percentile to $65,090 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data also reflect the state's expanded function rules for dental assistants, which allow those with EFDA credentials to command higher pay, often 25-40% more than their non-EFDA counterparts. Given these factors, dental assistant pay in Parker CO is influenced by the demand for specialized skills and the growth of dental support organizations (DSOs) that have standardized hiring practices, indicating a dynamic job market for these professionals.
About the Parker Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,278 | $17.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,579 | $21.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,154 | $23.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,479 | $29.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,090 | $31.29 |
Median Salary Position
0.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Parker
In Parker, CO, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,812 (2026 est.). At $49,154, the local median is 0.86% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Parker: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Parker Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Parker median: $49,154/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Parker Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,601 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -0.86% less |
Dental Assistants in Parker, CO earn a median of $49,154 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.86% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% below the Colorado state average of $49,601.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Parker has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Parker, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,154 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,813 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,736
2025 BLS Actual
$47,658
2026 Current Est.
$49,154
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Parker (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,736 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,827 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,329 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,436 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,141 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,958 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,658 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,154 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,698 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Parker metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $39,736 (2019) to $47,658 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,698 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,962 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Parker 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) | $36,278 – $45,579 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,579 – $49,154 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,154 – $60,479 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,479 – $65,090 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Parker
With only 14 dental assistants employed in the area, competition for roles may be limited, albeit balanced by the specific skill sets required. Parker's cost-of-living index sits at 105, meaning that while salaries are slightly below the national average, the purchasing power of local wages remains relatively stable. Employers in general dental practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics like orthodontics and oral surgery actively recruit dental assistants, with salaries skewing higher in specialized settings. The variance in compensation can be attributed to the demands of certain roles and the added responsibilities that come with positions such as treatment coordinators or lead dental assistants. To maximize earnings in the Parker market, aspiring dental assistants should consider pursuing EFDA certification and gaining experience in these high-demand specialties, enhancing both their skill set and their financial prospects in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Parker, 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 $47,658 for dental assistantsin the Parker 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 Parker 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