Brighton vs Fort Collins: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Brighton, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,111 | $111,919▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.94 | $53.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,457 | $109,851▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,741 | $110,250▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,259▲ | $121,185 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,290▲ | $128,037 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Brighton and Fort Collins is $1,808 (1.64%). 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 Brighton spans $51,833,Fort Collins spans $18,186. Brighton 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, Fort Collins ($110,671 effective) pays 5.53% more than Brighton ($104,868 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,290)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Brighton grew 23.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$84,692 (2020) → $104,928 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$84,780 (2020) → $106,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Brighton or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brighton and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Brighton to Fort Collins as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Brighton vs Fort Collins?
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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