Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $56.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Aurora, CO runs $56.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,758 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,053 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, dental hygienists earn a median hourly pay of $56.13, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This rate offers substantial earning potential for both part-time professionals working around three days a week and those considering per-diem opportunities in various settings, including general dentistry offices and specialty practices. As the hourly earnings range from $41.26 to $74.72, there is plenty of room for entry-level hygienists stepping into the workforce as well as seasoned practitioners advancing to high-paying positions. These hourly estimates, derived from annual salary data, illustrate the attractive compensation structure within the local job market for dental hygienists.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($107,733) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.26 | $330.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.60 | $372.83 |
| Median (P50) | $56.13 | $449.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.27 | $506.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.72 | $597.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $56.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.13/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $116,755 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,359. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,245.30 | $9,730 | $116,755 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,347.18 | $5,838 | $70,053 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $898.12 | $3,892 | $46,702 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Aurora) | $56.13 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $116,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.42% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.10% above the Colorado state average of $115,488.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.13/hr = $70,053/year (purchasing power: $66,717).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,755/year (purchasing power: $111,196).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$43.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.13/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+34.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Aurora (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $43.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Aurora grew 21.9% from $43.87/hr (2020) to $53.49/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.91/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 Aurora 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.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Aurora
When evaluating earning potential, part-time dental hygienists in Aurora working one day less per week could see a substantial reduction in annual income compared to full-time colleagues. For instance, a 3-day workweek typically translates to around $70,000 annually, versus full-time earnings that average over $116,758 per year. Per diem dental hygienist pay in Aurora ranges widely, with temp agencies offering between $40 and $60 an hour in competitive urban landscapes, though those seeking higher rates in metropolitan hubs like San Francisco or New York can expect $60-$85. Hourly rates vary across different employer types. Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) often provide a lower hourly wage in exchange for comprehensive benefits, while independent practices might offer higher rates without health insurance. For those in the job market, understanding these dynamics may aid in salary negotiations; aligning expectations with employer-specific offerings can yield better outcomes in Aurora's evolving dental landscape.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Aurora?
Are dental hygienists in Aurora paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Aurora?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?
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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 Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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 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