Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $56.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Thornton, CO runs $56.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,331 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,394 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, the current dental hygienist hourly pay stands at $56.41, significantly higher than the national median of $49.49. This competitive hourly rate reflects the demand for skilled dental hygienists across various settings, including general dental operatory rooms, pediatric practices, and public health clinics. For those choosing part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, the flexibility allows for a work-life balance while still earning a substantial income. Per-diem workers in Thornton can also benefit from this hourly rate, making it a viable option for those seeking temporary positions. With an hourly range from $40.71 for entry-level roles up to $75.97 for top earners, professionals in this field have opportunities to advance and increase their earnings.
About the Thornton 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) | $40.71 | $325.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.02 | $368.13 |
| Median (P50) | $56.41 | $451.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.63 | $517.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.97 | $607.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $56.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.41/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $117,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,686. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,256.21 | $9,777 | $117,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,353.73 | $5,866 | $70,394 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $902.48 | $3,911 | $46,929 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Thornton) | $56.41 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $117,331 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.97% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $115,484.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.41/hr = $70,394/year (purchasing power: $67,042).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,323/year (purchasing power: $111,736).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$43.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.41/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Thornton (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $43.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Thornton grew 23.9% from $43.39/hr (2020) to $53.75/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.19/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
Part-time dental hygienists working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, can expect to take home approximately $68,000 annually, showcasing the solid income potential even without full-time hours. The per diem dental hygienist pay in Thornton can vary, often aligning with the typical rates between $40 to $60 per hour, but it can be influenced strongly by market demand and specific employer types—whether it’s a solo practice or a larger Dental Service Organization such as Heartland or Pacific Dental. While some hygienists may opt for positions at establishments that provide comprehensive health benefits at a lower hourly rate, flexibility may drive others to negotiate for higher pay without benefits. For those practicing in this evolving market, negotiating tips include emphasizing unique skills, being informed about local and national pay trends, and considering the benefits of being a licensed provider, especially in a state like Colorado that permits independent practice in certain settings.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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