Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Catonsville, MD: $51.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Catonsville, MD runs $51.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Catonsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,461 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Catonsville, Maryland, the projected dental hygienist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $51.65, which exceeds the national hourly median of $49.49, suggesting a favorable earning environment for these professionals in the area. For those working part-time—about three days a week—this translates to a roughly take-home pay of around $39,708 annually if working 24 hours a week. The hourly wage spans from $41.63 at the entry level to $64.00 for experienced individuals, accommodating dental hygienists in various employment settings including general dentistry operatives, pediatric offices, specialty clinics, and public health facilities. These figures, derived from projected annual salary data, demonstrate a pay structure that can benefit those seeking flexibility, whether through part-time work or per diem opportunities.
About the Catonsville Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($103,524) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.63 | $333.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.01 | $360.07 |
| Median (P50) | $51.65 | $413.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.52 | $460.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.00 | $512.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Catonsville
Based on $51.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.65/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Catonsville, MD can expect to earn approximately $107,435 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,982. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Catonsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Catonsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,066.06 | $8,953 | $107,435 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,239.64 | $5,372 | $64,461 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $826.42 | $3,581 | $42,974 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Catonsville) | $51.65 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Catonsville, MD earn a median of $107,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% higher than the national median of $102,946 and 4.50% below the Maryland state average of $112,490.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.65/hr = $64,461/year (purchasing power: $58,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,435/year (purchasing power: $98,294).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2020 BLS Actual
$42.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.65/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+28.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Catonsville (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $42.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Catonsville grew 16.6% from $42.20/hr (2020) to $49.22/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Catonsville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Catonsville
For dental hygienists considering part-time work in Catonsville, the annual income reflects a substantial disparity compared to full-time employment, prompting some to explore per diem roles. Temp agencies typically offer $40-60/hr for agency positions, while higher costs of living metros might provide rates up to $85/hr for per diem dental hygienist pay. Variations in hourly compensation exist, influenced by the type of practice; solo practitioners might pay different rates compared to larger Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland and Aspen, which may offer higher salaries but come with structured employment benefits. Some dental hygienists find themselves weighing the benefits of higher hourly rates without health insurance against the stability provided in conventional roles. Negotiating terms is crucial in securing favorable hourly contracts, and professionals are encouraged to research prevailing wages and articulate their value confidently during discussions.
More salary data for Catonsville, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental hygienists in Catonsville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental hygienists make in Catonsville?
Are dental hygienists in Catonsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental hygienist make per year in Catonsville?
Do dental hygienists earn more per hour working part-time in Catonsville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland

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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Catonsville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Catonsville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov