Dental Hygienist salary in Denver, CO
Median pay, Denver metro
$113,760/year
about $54.69 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $103,360 – $126,860
Half of dental hygienists in the Denver metro area earn more than $113,760 a year and half earn less. That's 16% higher than the national median of $98,100, and ranks #10 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $100,890 | $48.50 |
| 25th | $103,360 | $49.69 |
| Median (50th) | $113,760 | $54.69 |
| 75th | $126,860 | $60.99 |
| 90th (top earners) | $128,020 | $61.55 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a dental hygienist job in the Denver metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $103,360 ($49.69/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $103,360 to $126,860 ($49.69 to $60.99/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $126,860 ($60.99/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Many hygienists work part-time or across several offices, so compare hourly rates, not just yearly totals.
- Ask how long each appointment slot is. Short slots mean a faster, harder day for the same pay.
- Check whether you're paid for days the office closes or patients cancel.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Denver metro. Occupation: Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.