Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Colorado Springs, CO: $59.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Colorado Springs, CO runs $59.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,259 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Colorado Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.7, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,558 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Colorado Springs sees a promising future for dental hygienists, with a projected median hourly pay of $59.74 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $49.49. This robust hourly wage creates opportunities for various employment arrangements, including part-time positions typically working three days a week. In such scenarios, practitioners can still earn a substantial income while balancing their professional and personal lives in environments like general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, and mobile public health clinics. The hourly pay range spans from $51.23 for entry-level roles up to $65.31 for experienced professionals, affirming the competitive landscape for dental hygienist hourly pay in Colorado Springs.
Examining part-time and per-diem dynamics reveals additional earning potential for dental hygienists in Colorado Springs. A hygienist working a three-day, 24-hour schedule could take home an impressive salary that rivals many full-time positions. Per-diem dental hygienists may find variable pay based on demand and geographic location; in urban centers, rates can vary from $40 to $60 per hour, though more affluent markets like San Francisco and New York see rates soar to $60-$85. However, earnings can differ based on the employer type—private practices may offer different rates compared to large Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) or specialty clinics. It’s also vital to consider the benefits associated with different pay structures; some may accept lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance and retirement options. As such, Colorado Springs dental hygienists should be prepared to negotiate effectiveness, understanding the trade-offs between hourly wage and benefits when assessing employment offers in their local market.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51.23 | $409.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.02 | $424.13 |
| Median (P50) | $59.74 | $477.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.30 | $506.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.31 | $522.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Colorado Springs
Based on $59.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.74/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Colorado Springs, CO can expect to earn approximately $124,264 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,691. With a cost-of-living index of 100.71 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Colorado Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Colorado Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,389.69 | $10,355 | $124,264 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,433.82 | $6,213 | $74,558 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $955.88 | $4,142 | $49,706 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Colorado Springs) | $59.74 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Colorado Springs, CO earn a median of $124,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.70% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 7.60% above the Colorado state average of $115,483.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.74/hr = $74,558/year (purchasing power: $74,035).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,264/year (purchasing power: $123,392).
CoL index: 100.707 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$37.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.74/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+65.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Colorado Springs (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $37.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Colorado Springs grew 50.4% from $37.84/hr (2020) to $56.93/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.69/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs 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 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Colorado Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Colorado Springs?
Are dental hygienists in Colorado Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Colorado Springs?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Colorado Springs?
Related Pages
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Colorado Springs. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov