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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a DENTAL ASSISTANT I in Colorado is $50,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a DENTAL ASSISTANT I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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DENTAL ASSISTANT I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $55,680 | $4,640 | $1,071 | $27 |
| Average | $50,390 | $4,199 | $969 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,181 | $3,765 | $869 | $22 |
Cherry Creek Pediatric Dentistry - Denver, CO
SOUTH PUEBLO DENTAL PARTNERS P - Pueblo, CO
Aaron M Speirs DDS PC - Lakewood, CO
Coal Creek Family Dental - Lafayette, CO
A DENTAL ASSISTANT I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a DENTAL ASSISTANT I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $41,206 |
| Intermediate Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $42,087 |
| Senior Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $43,986 |
| Specialist Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $44,190 |
| Expert Level DENTAL ASSISTANT I | $44,326 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract DENTAL ASSISTANT Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For DENTAL ASSISTANT I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, DENTAL ASSISTANT positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view DENTAL ASSISTANT I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $60,468 | $29.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a DENTAL ASSISTANT I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $55,680 | $4,640 | $1,071 | $27 |
| Average | $50,390 | $4,199 | $969 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,181 | $3,765 | $869 | $22 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current DENTAL ASSISTANT I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Loveland Dentist
Loveland, CO
Loveland Dentist | Loveland, CO
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits/Perks. Careers Advancement Opportunities. Flexible Scheduling. Competitive Compensation. Positive Work Environme... more
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PDS Health
Lone Tree, CO
PDS Health | Lone Tree, CO
Dental Assistant Opportunity. Now is the time to join Lone Tree Dentists and Orthodontics. You will have opportunities to learn new skills from our team of... more
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GOLDEN DENTAL PARTNERS PROF LLP
Golden, CO
GOLDEN DENTAL PARTNERS PROF LLP | Golden, CO
Job Description. Job Description. Join Our Team at Comfort Dental Golden. – Chairside Dental Assistant Opportunity. Are you a friendly, detail-oriented ind... more
5 Days Ago
MONUMENT DENTAL PROF LLC
Colorado Springs, CO
MONUMENT DENTAL PROF LLC | Colorado Springs, CO
Job Description. Job Description. The Comfort Dental Interquest office is looking for a friendly and enthusiastic dental assistant to add to our great team... more
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ZAPIEN DDS, STEVEN
Wheat Ridge, CO
ZAPIEN DDS, STEVEN | Wheat Ridge, CO
Job Description. Job Description. Are you a Dental Assistant passionate about helping patients achieve their best oral health. Look no further, Dr. Zapien... more
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Comfort Dental West Springs
Colorado Springs, CO
Comfort Dental West Springs | Colorado Springs, CO
Job Description. Job Description. West Springs Comfort Dental has an Office that has been open for three years in Old Colorado City, that has been growing ... more
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