Denver vs Lakewood: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Denver, CO and Lakewood, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,380▲ | $115,604 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.39▲ | $55.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,874▲ | $89,796 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,466▲ | $99,143 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,127▲ | $130,212 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,344 | $152,502▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,100▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Denver and Lakewood is $3,776 (3.27%). Denver's median is +15.96% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $28,470,Lakewood spans $62,706. Lakewood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($112,855 effective) pays 2.50% more than Lakewood ($110,099 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,380/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,855)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,502)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Denver grew 21.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Denver, CO
$93,430 (2020) → $113,760 (2025)
Lakewood, CO
$88,916 (2020) → $110,162 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Lakewood, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Denver or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Denver to Lakewood as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Denver vs Lakewood?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov