Aurora vs Fort Collins: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Aurora, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,758▲ | $111,919 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.13▲ | $53.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,824 | $109,851▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,941 | $110,250▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,595▲ | $121,185 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,417▲ | $128,037 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Aurora, CO offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Aurora and Fort Collins is $4,839 (4.32%). Aurora's median is +13.42% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $69,593,Fort Collins spans $18,186. Aurora 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, Aurora ($111,198 effective) pays 0.48% 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 Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,758/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,417)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,198)
- ✓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 Aurora grew 21.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$91,244 (2020) → $111,262 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$84,780 (2020) → $106,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Aurora or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Fort Collins as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Aurora vs Fort Collins?
Related Comparisons
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