Arvada vs Fort Collins: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Arvada, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,283▲ | $111,919 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.87▲ | $53.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,753 | $109,851▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,103 | $110,250▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,353▲ | $121,185 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,512▲ | $128,037 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Arvada, CO offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Arvada and Fort Collins is $6,364 (5.69%). Arvada's median is +14.90% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $56,759,Fort Collins spans $18,186. Arvada has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arvada ($112,650 effective) pays 1.79% more than Fort Collins ($110,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,283/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,512)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,650)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Arvada grew 23.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$90,977 (2020) → $112,715 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$84,780 (2020) → $106,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Fort Collins, 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
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