Healthcare Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Dentist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median dentist salary in Denver, CO is $182,822 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$182,822
vs State Avg
+$11,226
vs National
+$22,452
Cost of Living
112%

Dentist Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median dentist salary of $182,822, which is $11,226 above the Colorado state average of $171,596. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $182,822 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $163,234. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dentists in Denver spans from $91,200 at the 10th percentile to $287,280 at the 90th percentile — a $196,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $96,900, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $267,900. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level dentist earns around $96,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $267,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$96,900
+$11,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$184,680
+$22,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$267,900
+$32,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $91,200
25th Percentile $131,100
Median (50th) $182,822
75th Percentile $237,120
90th Percentile $287,280

Dentist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$208,481
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$173,200
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$171,596
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$163,577
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Dentist in Denver

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Denver

Browse open dentist positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Denver

How much does a Dentist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median dentist salary in Denver, Colorado is $182,822 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $91,200 (10th percentile) to $287,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $182,822, a dentist in Denver earns approximately $88 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for dentist pay? ▼
Denver's median dentist salary of $182,822 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $171,596. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $182,822 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Denver? ▼
Most dentist positions in Denver require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Dental Procedures, Radiography, Patient Management, Oral Surgery. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.