Dental Hygienist in Greeley, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Greeley Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Greeley’s dental hygiene job market is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s not Denver, but it’s not a small town either. The metro area has 225 jobs for Dental Hygienists, and the 10-year job growth is 9%, which is solid—better than many rural areas but not explosive like a tech hub. The median salary is $86,479/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.58/hour. Let’s put that in context.

For comparison, the national average is $87,530/year. So, Greeley pays right at the national median. The real kicker? Colorado’s cost of living is higher than the national average, but Greeley’s is a bit more reasonable. The Cost of Living Index is 96.0 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches a little further here than in Denver (which is well over 100). You’re not getting a huge cost-of-living discount, but you’re not paying a premium either.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level. These are realistic estimates based on local job postings and industry trends, grounded in that $86,479 median.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level	$72,000 - $78,000	New grad, limited specialty experience. Often starts in community health or large group practices.
Mid-Career	$84,000 - $92,000	3-7 years experience. Can handle most clinical duties, may have some specialty training (e.g., periodontics).
Senior	$95,000 - $105,000	8+ years, often in lead hygienist roles, mentoring, or with advanced certifications (e.g., local anesthesia, nitrous oxide).
Expert/Specialist	$105,000+	Specialized roles (e.g., pediatric focus, orthodontics, public health coordination) or private practice ownership.

How does this compare to other Colorado cities? In Denver, the median is closer to $92,000, but a 1BR apartment costs $1,800+. In Fort Collins (just north), the median is similar (~$88,000), but housing is tighter and more expensive. Greeley offers a middle ground: a decent salary with a manageable cost of living. It’s a practical choice, especially if you value a shorter commute and a less hectic lifestyle than the Front Range corridor.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The median salary of $86,479 is a gross figure. After federal, state (Colorado’s flat 4.4% income tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be roughly $64,000 - $66,000 per year, or about $5,300 - $5,500 per month. (This is an estimate; use a Colorado paycheck calculator for specifics.)

Now, rent. The average 1BR rent in Greeley is $1,190/month. This is a city-wide average. If you want to live in the heart of downtown or near a major employer, you might see prices closer to $1,300-$1,400. If you’re willing to live a bit further out (like in west Greeley), you can find places for $1,100-$1,200.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Mid-Career Hygienist):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,400	After taxes, based on median salary.
Rent (1BR average)	-$1,190	Could be lower or higher depending on neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$250	Varies by season; Greeley has hot summers and cold winters.
Groceries	-$400	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$500	Essential in Greeley; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	-$150	Premium taken from paycheck.
Retirement (401k, 3-5%)	-$250	Highly recommended.
Student Loans	-$300	Common in this field.
Miscellaneous (Fun, Savings, etc.)	$1,360	This is your flexibility fund.

Bottom Line: With this budget, you have a $1,360 monthly buffer for savings, vacations, or unexpected expenses. This is a healthy margin. You could also afford to buy a home. The median home price in Greeley is around $425,000. With a $86,479 salary, a 20% down payment ($85,000) is a stretch, but with a 5-10% down payment and an FHA loan, it’s feasible. Your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $2,200 - $2,500, which is higher than rent but manageable if you plan for it and have a partner or roommate.

Where the Jobs Are: Greeley's Major Employers

Greeley’s healthcare scene is anchored by two major systems and a network of private practices. The jobs in metro: 225 are spread across these. Hiring is steady, with a slight uptick in community health and pediatric roles.

1. Banner Health (North Colorado Medical Center): The largest hospital in the region. They have a large dental clinic and also contract with hygienists for their community outreach programs. They value clinical experience and often have openings for hygienists who can work with diverse patient populations. Insider Tip: Check their careers page under “Banner Dental” and “Community Health.” They sometimes post positions that aren’t on general job boards.
2. UCHealth (Greeley Medical Clinic & affiliated practices): UCHealth has a growing footprint in Greeley. They often have openings in their integrated health clinics, where dental hygienists work alongside physicians and other providers. This is a great path if you’re interested in a multidisciplinary environment. Hiring Trend: They are focusing on preventative care, so hygienists with public health or patient education experience are in demand.
3. Greeley Dental Group: One of the larger, multi-dentist private practices in town. They handle everything from general dentistry to orthodontics. They often hire mid-career hygienists who are proficient with advanced technologies like digital scanners and intraoral cameras. Insider Tip: They have a strong reputation for staff retention, so openings may be less frequent but last longer.
4. Frontier Dental Associates: Another prominent practice known for its focus on family and cosmetic dentistry. They emphasize patient comfort and use sedation dentistry, which means hygienists with certification in nitrous oxide monitoring are at an advantage. They frequently post on local job boards like the Greeley Tribune.
5. Northwest Colorado Health: This is the area’s Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). They serve low-income and underserved populations. Jobs here are often in community dental clinics. Pay can be slightly lower than private practice, but they offer excellent benefits (including loan repayment programs like NHSC) and a mission-driven environment. Insider Tip: FQHCs are great for building a diverse clinical skill set and have strong job stability.
6. Private Practice Networks: There are dozens of smaller private practices scattered across Greeley, Evans, and Windsor. Websites like the Colorado Dental Association’s “Find a Dentist” tool can help you identify them. Many rely on word-of-mouth and local networks for hiring. Network locally: Join the Northern Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association chapter for job leads.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado’s licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Colorado Dental Board (under the Department of Regulatory Agencies) oversees this.

1. Basic Requirements: You must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). You also need to pass a state-approved clinical exam (like the ADEX or WREB). Colorado does not require a separate jurisprudence exam.
2. Application & Fees: Submit an application to the Colorado Dental Board. The application fee is $150, and the license fee is $120 (total $270). You’ll need to provide official transcripts, proof of passing exam scores, and a passport-style photo. Background checks are required.
3. Timeline: The entire process can take 8-12 weeks from submitting a complete application. Colorado is an eLicense state, so the process is mostly online. Insider Tip: Apply for your license as soon as you have your exam scores. Don’t wait until you have a job offer in hand, as the process has a lag.
4. Continuing Education (CE): To renew your license (annually), you must complete 30 hours of CE every two years, with specific requirements for infection control (4 hours) and pain management (3 hours). Colorado is a member of the Dental Compact, so if you move from another compact state, the process is smoother.

Best Neighborhoods for Dental Hygienists

Greeley’s neighborhoods offer different lifestyles, but commute times are generally short—most are under 20 minutes.

1. Downtown Greeley: The urban core. You’re close to Banner Health, the courthouse, and a growing number of restaurants and breweries. Rentals are a mix of historic apartments and new builds. Commute: Walk or bike to many jobs. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
2. West Greeley: The newer, family-oriented part of town with planned communities like Saddleback and Boomerang Lakes. Very car-dependent, but close to I-25 for commuting to other metro areas. Excellent public schools. Commute: 10-15 minutes to major clinics (using 10th St or 23rd Ave). Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
3. Central Greeley (near 10th St & 35th Ave): A practical mix. Established homes, some apartments, and easy access to shopping (like Centennial Park area) and the university. Commute: 10-15 minutes anywhere in town. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,250 for a 1BR.
4. East Greeley (near 20th St & 83rd Ave): More affordable, with a mix of older homes and apartment complexes. You’re closer to the airport and have quick access to US-85 for trips to Denver. Commute: 15-20 minutes to west-side employers. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
5. University District (near UNC): A younger, vibrant area with rentals catering to students. It’s lively, with coffee shops and bookstores. Good for new grads. Commute: Very central, 5-10 minutes to most employers. Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,250 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Greeley, career growth for a hygienist isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about specializing and diversifying your skills.

• Specialty Premiums: Getting certifications in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide monitoring are the most direct ways to increase your value and salary. These can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your annual earnings. In Greeley, where general dentists often perform a wider range of procedures, these certifications make you indispensable.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Expert: Become the go-to hygienist for complex periodontal cases or pediatric patients at a large practice.
  • Public Health/Community Lead: Move into a role at an FQHC or school-based program, managing community outreach and education.
  • Education/Mentorship: Work as a clinical instructor at Aims Community College’s dental hygiene program (a great local employer).
  • Private Practice Ownership: A long-term goal. While rare, some hygienists partner with dentists to open their own hygiene-focused practice.
• 10-Year Outlook (9% Growth): The 9% job growth is driven by an aging population (more patients needing periodontal maintenance) and an increased focus on preventive care. However, job growth won’t be explosive. The key will be retention—experienced hygienists are highly valued. The demand will be strongest for hygienists who are comfortable with new tech (CAD/CAM for impressions) and who can effectively communicate with patients to improve compliance.

The Verdict: Is Greeley Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost of Living: A median salary of $86,479 with a Cost of Living Index of 96.0 means a comfortable lifestyle.	Job Market Size: With 225 jobs, it’s not a vast market. You may need to be flexible about practice type.
Short Commutes: Most neighborhoods are 10-15 minutes from major employers.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It’s a family-friendly city. If you want a bustling urban scene, look to Denver or Fort Collins.
Diverse Employers: Mix of hospital systems, FQHCs, and private practices.	Weather: Can be harsh—cold, windy winters and hot, dry summers.
Growth Potential: 9% job growth is stable, and specialty certs can boost your income significantly.	Cultural Homogeneity: Less diverse than larger cities, which can impact patient population and social circles.
Realistic Home Ownership: With careful budgeting on your $86,479 salary, buying a home is a viable long-term plan.	Reliance on Car: Excellent public transit is lacking.

Final Recommendation: Greeley is an excellent choice for the pragmatic dental hygienist. If you prioritize a stable job, a manageable cost of living, a short commute, and a city that’s growing but not overwhelming, this is your spot. It’s particularly good for those who want to build a life, possibly buy a home, and enjoy a community-oriented lifestyle without the constant financial pressure of Denver. If you’re a new grad, it’s a great place to cut your teeth (pun intended) in a supportive environment. If you’re a seasoned pro, the demand for your experience is real. However, if you crave a fast-paced, diverse, 24/7 city, you might feel constrained.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a job as a new graduate in Greeley?
It’s manageable but competitive. The 225 jobs in the metro include openings for all experience levels. Your best bet is to apply to community health centers (like Northwest Colorado Health) and large group practices (like Greeley Dental Group) that train new hires. Start applying 3-4 months before graduation. Networking through your school’s alumni network and the local hygienist association is key.

2. How does the cost of living in Greeley really feel on a hygienist’s salary?
It feels comfortable. With a take-home of around $5,400/month and average rent at $1,190, you have a solid 45% of your income for living expenses after rent. You can afford a car payment, save for retirement, and still have money for dining out and entertainment. It’s a world apart from the squeeze felt in Denver or Boulder.

3. Do I need a car in Greeley?
Yes, absolutely. While you can bike or walk in the downtown core, the city is spread out, and public transportation (the Greeley-Evans Transit) is limited. Most employers are not connected by reliable bus routes. Factor car costs into your budget from day one.

4. What’s the patient population like?
Greeley serves a diverse mix. You’ll see families, college students (from UNC), agricultural workers, and a growing retiree population. The FQHCs and Banner Health serve a significant low-income and migrant population, which provides great experience. Private practice patients tend to be more established families and professionals.

5. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes. Many private practices and some FQHCs offer 4-day workweeks or part-time schedules (20-30 hours/week). This is more common in established private practices than in hospital systems. It’s a great way to achieve work-life balance, especially if you have young children or other interests.

Data Sources Referenced: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Dental Board, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national data, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) for state-specific job and wage projections, and local market analysis from Cost of Living indexes and rental data platforms. All salary and job growth figures are as provided and cited.