Dental Hygienist Salary in Colorado

How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make in Colorado?

The typical Dental Hygienist salary in Colorado ranges from $53,900 to $100,100, with the national median at $77,000.

Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive care Your actual take-home pay as a Dental Hygienist in Colorado depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Colorado state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Dental Hygienist in Colorado

As a Dental Hygienist working in Colorado, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Dental Hygienist professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Colorado State Income Tax

Colorado has a state income tax that applies to all Dental Hygienist salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on Colorado's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our Colorado salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Dental Hygienist salary.

Cost of Living for Dental Hygienist in Colorado

Your Dental Hygienist salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Colorado. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $77,000 Dental Hygienist salary in a low-cost area of Colorado provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Dental Hygienist Salary Examples in Colorado

Here's what different Dental Hygienist salary levels look like in Colorado:

Entry-Level Dental Hygienist ($53,900)

• Gross annual salary: $53,900
• Federal tax: ~$6,468
• FICA: ~$4,123
• Colorado state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $37,730

Median Dental Hygienist ($77,000)

• Gross annual salary: $77,000
• Federal tax: ~$12,320
• FICA: ~$5,891
• Colorado state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $51,590

Experienced Dental Hygienist ($100,100)

• Gross annual salary: $100,100
• Federal tax: ~$22,022
• FICA: ~$7,658
• Colorado state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $60,060

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Colorado salary calculator.

Compare Dental Hygienist Salaries Across States

The same Dental Hygienist salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $77,000 Dental Hygienist salary in California results in about $3,850 to $7,700 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Dental Hygienist salary in Colorado?

The average Dental Hygienist salary in Colorado varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $77,000, with typical Colorado salaries ranging from $53,900 to $100,100.

How much does a Dental Hygienist make after taxes in Colorado?

After federal taxes, FICA, Colorado state tax, and typical deductions, a Dental Hygienist earning $77,000 in Colorado takes home approximately $50,050 to $53,900 per year.

Is Colorado a good state for Dental Hygienist professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider Colorado's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Dental Hygienist take-home pay in Colorado?

Use our Colorado salary calculator →

Or compare Dental Hygienist salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.