Colorado Springs vs Thornton: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,259▲ | $117,331 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.74▲ | $56.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,556▲ | $84,659 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,281▲ | $95,717 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,668 | $134,444▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,855 | $158,018▲ |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thornton.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Thornton is $6,928 (5.90%). Colorado Springs's median is +20.70% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $29,299,Thornton spans $73,359. Thornton 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, Colorado Springs ($123,387 effective) pays 10.42% more than Thornton ($111,744 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,259/year)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,387)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,018)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Colorado Springs grew 50.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$78,700 (2020) → $118,410 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$90,245 (2020) → $111,808 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Colorado Springs or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Thornton as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Colorado Springs vs Thornton?
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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