What the numbers say
Dental Hygienists in Maryland earned a median of $105,140 in 2024, about 12% above the US median of $94,162. The mean came in just below at $104,980, which tells us high earners are not pulling the average up by much. Pay is clustered tightly around the middle.
That tightness shows up across the full range. The 10th percentile earned $97,110 and the 90th earned $119,110, a gap of roughly $22,000. For a licensed clinical role, that is a narrow spread. Experience and specialty matter less here than in occupations where certifications or seniority can double a salary. Most Maryland dental hygienists, regardless of how long they have been working, land somewhere in a $20,000 band.
Maryland's cost-of-living index sits at 109.2, about 9% above the national baseline. That narrows the real purchasing-power advantage. After adjusting for what a dollar buys in the state, the effective premium over the US median shrinks from roughly $11,000 to closer to $4,000. The state still comes out ahead, but by less than the headline figure suggests.
BLS projects employment for dental hygienists to grow 7% between 2024 and 2034, which falls in the "faster than average" category. Maryland's 3,780 employed hygienists in 2024 represent a modest regional base, so even moderate growth translates to a limited number of new positions statewide.
Salary distribution
Where Maryland dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $100,640 and $109,840, with a median of $105,140.
Dental Hygienists pay by experience level in Maryland
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Maryland over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Associate's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record and review patient medical histories.
- 02
Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.
- 03
Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.
- 04
Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.
- 05
Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.
- 06
Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.
- 07
Expose and develop x-ray film.
- 08
Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+7.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Dental Hygienists
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesTop metros in Maryland
Metro-level salary data for dental hygienists in major Maryland metropolitan areas.
- Baltimore$105,580
Compare Dental Hygienists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in Maryland?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in Maryland is $105,140.
- How does Maryland compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
- The Maryland median is +11.7% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
- What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Maryland?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $97,110 and the 90th-percentile at $119,110, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Dental Hygienists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 7.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Dental Hygienists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.