Fort Collins vs Steamboat Springs: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Steamboat Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,919▲ | $108,930 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.80▲ | $52.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,851▲ | $84,827 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,250▲ | $98,974 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,185▲ | $115,483 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,037 | $134,688▲ |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs is $2,989 (2.74%). Fort Collins's median is +8.72% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $18,186,Steamboat Springs spans $49,861. Steamboat Springs 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, Fort Collins ($110,671 effective) pays 6.68% more than Steamboat Springs ($103,743 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,919/year)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,671)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Steamboat Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,688)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Fort Collins grew 25.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$84,780 (2020) → $106,650 (2025)
Steamboat Springs, CO
$83,783 (2020) → $103,802 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Steamboat Springs, 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