Fort Collins vs Pueblo: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Pueblo, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Pueblo, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,919▲ | $103,576 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.80▲ | $49.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,851▲ | $85,169 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,250▲ | $101,351 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,185▲ | $120,324 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,037▲ | $122,475 |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pueblo.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Pueblo is $8,343 (8.05%). 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,Pueblo spans $37,306. Pueblo 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, Pueblo ($112,875 effective) pays 1.99% 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 Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,919/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,037)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Pueblo if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,875)
- ✓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 44.5% growth in Pueblo over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$84,780 (2020) → $106,650 (2025)
Pueblo, CO
$68,310 (2020) → $98,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Pueblo, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Fort Collins or Pueblo?
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Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Pueblo as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Fort Collins vs Pueblo?
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