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Esthetician in Maryland: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Maryland employs 1,130 estheticians, with a statewide median of $46,590 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maryland licensing picture, and where to train.

What Estheticians Earn in Maryland (May 2025)

Maryland median pay: $46,590 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $35,580
Experienced (75th percentile): $63,190
Top earners (90th percentile): $79,940
Employed in Maryland: 1,130
U.S. median (for comparison): $41,010 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major Maryland markets:

Baltimore: $58,930 (630 employed)
Washington DC metro: $46,620 (1,300 employed)
Hagerstown: $36,820 (40 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 $46,590 median is worth closer to $44,371 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Maryland (2024–2034)

Maryland is projected to grow estheticians employment +7.3%, faster than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 230 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maryland License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Esthetician (Limited Esthetician license in Maryland) — regulated by the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists — Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR).

Complete 600 hours of esthetics training at a Maryland Board-approved cosmetology/esthetics school, covering skincare, facials, waxing, makeup, and Maryland esthetics law.
Pass the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists written and practical state board examinations for esthetician.
Apply to the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists (DLLR) for your esthetician license. Renew every two years with 16 hours of continuing education.

Official requirements: Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists — Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR) →

Training in Maryland

Maryland's affluent DC Metro suburbs — Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, and Annapolis — support a premium spa and medical esthetics market with above-average service pricing. The NIH Bethesda area's high concentration of research scientists and federal employees with strong benefits drives demand for wellness services. Maryland esthetician wages are above the national median, driven by DC Metro area compensation.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maryland include:

All-State Career-Baltimore — Certificate
Aspen Beauty Academy of Laurel — Certificate
Aveda Institute-Maryland — Certificate
Award Beauty School — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who enjoy beauty, wellness, and client relationships and want a licensed practice with a realistic path to self-employment.

Think twice if: Standing all day, irregular income as a booth renter, and licensing hours that vary wildly by state sound difficult.

Why it's resilient: Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.

First Steps

Check your state's required training hours — they range from 260 to 1,500 hours — and find an accredited esthetics school.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do estheticians make in Maryland?

The median wage for estheticians in Maryland is $46,590 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,580, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,940. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Maryland?

Licensed Esthetician (Limited Esthetician license in Maryland), overseen by the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists — Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR). Complete 600 hours of esthetics training at a Maryland Board-approved cosmetology/esthetics school, covering skincare, facials, waxing, makeup, and Maryland esthetics law.

Is being an Esthetician a good career in Maryland?

Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.

Which Maryland metros pay estheticians the most?

Among Maryland metro areas, Baltimore leads at $58,930, followed by Washington DC metro ($46,620), Hagerstown ($36,820). 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 an Esthetician in Maryland?

Real Maryland options include All-State Career-Baltimore, Aspen Beauty Academy of Laurel, Aveda Institute-Maryland. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Esthetician a growing career in Maryland?

Maryland projects estheticians employment to change +7.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 230 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 39-5094. Licensing summary compiled from the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists — Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR) (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.