Dental Hygienist Salary in Colorado (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Dental Hygienists in Colorado, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Colorado Median
$109,580
per year
Hourly Rate
$52.68
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+12% vs US median
US median $98,100
State Rank
#7 of 50
4,270 employed here

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Colorado?

A Dental Hygienist working in Colorado earns a median salary of $109,580 per year, or about $52.68 per hour. That is 12% above the national median of $98,100 for this occupation.

Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $95,680 while the top 10% make $128,900 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $102,580 and $125,470 a year.

Dental Hygienist salary range in Colorado

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$95,680$46.00
25th percentile (early career)$102,580$49.32
50th percentile (median)$109,580$52.68
75th percentile (experienced)$125,470$60.32
90th percentile (top earners)$128,900$61.97

How Colorado compares

Colorado ranks 7th out of 50 states and territories for Dental Hygienist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$137,220
2Alaska$132,690
3Washington$131,160
4California$124,930
5Oregon$122,080

Working as a Dental Hygienist in Colorado

Nationally, about 223,000 people work as Dental Hygienists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Colorado pay ($109,580) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Colorado?
The median Dental Hygienist salary in Colorado is $109,580 per year, or about $52.68 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $95,680 at the entry level to $128,900 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Dental Hygienists about 12% more than the national median of $98,100. Colorado ranks 7th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Dental Hygienists?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $109,580 a year. About 4,270 Dental Hygienists are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Dental Hygienist salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.