How Much Do Dental Assistants Make in Colorado? 2024 Salary Guide

Understanding Dental Assistant Salaries in Colorado

If you're considering a career as a dental assistant in Colorado, one of your first questions is likely about earning potential. The good news? Dental assisting offers competitive wages, excellent benefits, and strong job security in the growing healthcare sector.

Average Dental Assistant Salary in Colorado (2024)

According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data and Colorado workforce reports:

• Entry-Level (0-2 years): $35,000 - $40,000 annually
• Mid-Career (3-5 years): $40,000 - $48,000 annually
• Experienced (5+ years): $48,000 - $55,000+ annually
• Average Hourly Rate: $17.50 - $26.50 per hour

Salary by Colorado Region

Dental assistant salaries vary by location within Colorado:

Pueblo Area:

• Average: $38,000 - $45,000 annually
• Growing demand due to expanding dental practices
• Lower cost of living means higher purchasing power

Colorado Springs:

• Average: $40,000 - $48,000 annually
• Large metropolitan area with many dental offices
• Competitive market for qualified assistants

Denver Metro Area:

• Average: $42,000 - $52,000 annually
• Highest wages but also highest cost of living
• Abundant specialty practice opportunities

Rural Colorado:

• Average: $35,000 - $42,000 annually
• High demand for qualified professionals
• Often includes relocation assistance or signing bonuses

Factors That Impact Your Salary

1. Certification and Training

Completing a DPOS-approved program like B.O.B Dental Assisting Academy significantly increases your earning potential. Certified dental assistants earn 15-20% more than uncertified assistants.

2. Expanded Functions

Additional certifications boost your value:

• Dental Radiography Certification: +$2-4/hour
• Nitrous Oxide Monitoring: +$1-2/hour
• Coronal Polishing: +$1-3/hour
• EDDA (Expanded Duty Dental Assistant): +$5-8/hour

3. Practice Type

• General Dentistry: Standard rates
• Orthodontics: +10-15% above average
• Oral Surgery: +15-20% above average
• Pediatric Dentistry: +5-10% above average
• Cosmetic/Prosthodontics: +10-20% above average

4. Experience Level

Your salary grows with experience:

• Years 1-2: Entry-level wages
• Years 3-5: 15-25% increase
• Years 5-10: 30-40% increase
• Years 10+: 40-60% increase, potential supervisory roles

5. Full-Time vs. Part-Time

• Full-time positions typically offer health insurance, 401(k), paid time off
• Part-time positions may offer higher hourly rates but fewer benefits

Benefits Package Value

Beyond salary, consider the total compensation package:

Common Benefits:

• Health insurance (valued at $6,000-12,000/year)
• Dental care (often 100% free, valued at $2,000-4,000/year)
• Paid time off (2-4 weeks annually)
• 401(k) matching (3-6% of salary)
• Continuing education allowances ($500-2,000/year)
• Holiday pay and bonuses
• Uniform allowances

Total Compensation Example:

• Base Salary: $42,000
• Health Insurance: $8,000
• Dental Benefits: $3,000
• 401(k) Match: $1,680
• PTO Value: $3,200
• Total Package: $57,880

Career Growth Opportunities

The dental field offers clear advancement paths:

Career Ladder:

1. Entry-Level Dental Assistant: $35-40K

2. Certified Dental Assistant: $40-48K

3. Lead/Senior Dental Assistant: $48-55K

4. Dental Office Manager: $55-70K

5. Practice Administrator: $70-85K+

Specialization Paths:

• Orthodontic Assistant Specialist
• Oral Surgery Assistant
• Dental Laboratory Liaison
• Insurance Coordinator
• Treatment Coordinator

Job Outlook in Colorado

The dental assisting field in Colorado is experiencing strong growth:

• Job Growth: 7% annually (faster than average)
• New Positions: 200+ openings annually in Colorado
• Retirement Replacements: Additional 150+ positions yearly
• Job Security: Essential healthcare role, recession-resistant

Maximizing Your Earning Potential

Tips for Higher Salaries:

1. Get Certified: Complete a DPOS-approved program

2. Pursue Additional Certifications: Radiography, EDDA, specialized skills

3. Gain Diverse Experience: Work in different practice types

4. Develop Soft Skills: Communication, organization, patient care

5. Stay Current: Attend continuing education courses

6. Network: Join professional associations like ADAA

7. Consider Specialty Practices: Often pay premium wages

8. Negotiate: Research market rates and advocate for yourself

Why Choose B.O.B Dental Assisting Academy?

Our graduates are positioned for success:

• Industry-Current Training: Learn skills employers want
• Hands-On Experience: 240-hour externship with real patients
• Certification Preparation: Get certified and boost your earning potential
• Job Placement Assistance: Connect with hiring practices
• Small Class Sizes: Personalized attention for skill mastery
• Experienced Instructor: Learn from 17+ years of field experience

Starting Salaries for Our Graduates

B.O.B Academy graduates typically start at:

• Average Starting Salary: $38,000 - $42,000
• With Benefits Package: $50,000+ total compensation
• After 2 Years: $42,000 - $48,000 average
• 95% Employment Rate within 90 days of graduation

The Bottom Line

Dental assisting in Colorado offers competitive wages, excellent benefits, and strong career growth potential. With just 10 weeks of training at B.O.B Dental Assisting Academy, you can begin a rewarding healthcare career with solid earning potential and job security.

Ready to Start Your High-Paying Dental Career?

Don't wait to begin earning a competitive salary in the growing dental field. Our next class starts soon, and seats are limited to just 10 students for personalized instruction.

Apply Now or Contact Us to learn how you can start your dental assistant career in just 10 weeks!

Salary data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, industry surveys, and B.O.B Academy graduate outcomes (2024).