Dental Hygienist in Maryland: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Maryland employs 3,500 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $107,830 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maryland licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in Maryland (May 2025)
- Maryland median pay
- $107,830 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $85,440
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $120,070
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $122,740
- Employed in Maryland
- 3,500
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Maryland markets:
- Washington DC metro
- $119,170 (2,200 employed)
- Baltimore
- $116,130 (1,900 employed)
- Salisbury
- $97,310 (50 employed)
- Hagerstown
- $83,460 (170 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Maryland
Prices in Maryland run about 5% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $107,830 median is worth closer to $102,695 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Maryland (2024–2034)
Maryland is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +8.5%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 250 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Maryland License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Dental Hygienist — regulated by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners — Maryland Department of Health.
- Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program at CCBC (Community College of Baltimore County), University of Maryland School of Dentistry, or Montgomery College.
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a clinical board examination (ADEX/CRDTS accepted by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners).
- Apply to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners for licensure. Renew every two years with continuing education.
Official requirements: Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners — Maryland Department of Health →
Training in Maryland
University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore is one of the oldest and largest dental schools in the US. The DC Metro Maryland suburbs have a dense private practice dental market driven by a high-income, federal employee-heavy demographic. Maryland dental hygienist wages are among the highest in the country, reflecting DC Metro area compensation.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maryland include:
- Allegany College of Maryland — Associate
- Baltimore City Community College — Associate
- Community College of Baltimore County — Associate
- Fortis College-Landover — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Detail-oriented people who can handle close patient interaction.
Think twice if: Repetitive posture, mouth care, or tight clinical schedules would wear you down.
Why it's resilient: Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
First Steps
Review state licensing rules and nearby accredited dental hygiene programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Maryland?
The median wage for dental hygienists in Maryland is $107,830 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $85,440, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $122,740. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Maryland?
Licensed Dental Hygienist, overseen by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners — Maryland Department of Health. Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program at CCBC (Community College of Baltimore County), University of Maryland School of Dentistry, or Montgomery College.
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Maryland?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which Maryland metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among Maryland metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $119,170, followed by Baltimore ($116,130), Salisbury ($97,310). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Dental Hygienist in Maryland?
Real Maryland options include Allegany College of Maryland, Baltimore City Community College, Community College of Baltimore County. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in Maryland?
Maryland projects dental hygienists employment to change +8.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 250 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Maryland statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-1292. Licensing summary compiled from the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners — Maryland Department of Health (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Maryland wages · Maryland licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.