Dental Assistant Salaries in Maryland
The state of Maryland has many opportunities for anyone interested in the dental and healthcare industries. Despite being one of the smallest states in the nation, Maryland has a population of over 6 million people, all of whom require expert care for their dental and overall health. An aging population and an increased interest in obtaining good dental care combine to create plenty of opportunities for dental assistants in this state.
There is rapid growth in the dental industry in Maryland. Job growth is expected to be as high as 30 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This is much faster than most other occupations. As the population continues to age, the demand for dental services will continue to grow.
In order to become a dental assistant in Maryland, you will need to complete an accredited dental assisting program. These programs typically take between 9 and 12 months to complete. Upon completion, you will be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. Once you pass the exam, you will be a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
As a dental assistant in Maryland, you can work in a wide variety of settings including private dental practices, clinics, hospitals, and more. You will be responsible for a variety of tasks such as chairside assisting, taking x-rays, preparing patients for procedures, and more.
Income for dental assistants in Maryland is slightly higher than the average salary paid to those in this field across the United States.
AreaName | Base Year | Employed | Projection Year | Projected Employment | Change | % Change | Projected Average Annual Job Openings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States | 2018 | 346,000 | 2026 | 384,700 | 38,700 | 19.5% | 44,800 |
Maine | 2016 | 1,170 | 2026 | 1,250 | 80 | 6.8% | 140 |
State | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. | 351,470 | $19.79 | $41,170 | $27,980 | $33,440 | $40,080 | $48,550 | $56,930 |
Maine | 1,140 | $21.08 | $43,850 | $34,480 | $39,210 | $43,910 | $48,530 | $52,800 |
The highest number of job opportunities for Maryland residents are in the Baltimore and Washington, DC area, although there are opportunities all over the state. Salary is fairly consistent across the state with the highest paid jobs usually concentrated in and around the Baltimore and Lexington Park areas.
Area | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangor, ME | 150 | $20.52 | $42,690 | $33,980 | $37,570 | $41,970 | $47,050 | $50,380 |
Dover-Durham, NH-ME | 130 | $22.74 | $47,300 | $35,760 | $40,860 | $47,220 | $54,360 | $61,110 |
Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 90 | $20.24 | $42,110 | $33,500 | $36,370 | $41,330 | $48,240 | $52,550 |
Portland-South Portland, ME | 430 | $22.40 | $46,590 | $37,440 | $41,500 | $45,760 | $49,950 | $59,160 |
Portsmouth, NH-ME | 140 | $24.60 | $51,170 | $37,570 | $45,200 | $52,640 | $58,960 | $62,960 |
The healthcare industry offers many opportunities for well-paid and satisfying work. In Maryland, dental assisting is one of the most well-compensated healthcare jobs and typically pays more than working as a medical assistant, pharmacy technician or nursing assistant, but less than working as a physical therapy assistant.
Occupation | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Annual Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pharmacy Technicians | 2270 | $15.84 | $32,960 | $24,400 | $26,920 | $31,410 | $38,070 | $45,120 |
Nursing Assistants | 9020 | $14.79 | $30,770 | $24,190 | $26,310 | $30,350 | $34,980 | $38,770 |
Physical Therapist Assistants | 350 | $25.85 | $53,770 | $41,840 | $47,260 | $55,600 | $61,300 | $65,000 |
Dental Assistants | 1140 | $21.08 | $43,850 | $34,480 | $39,210 | $43,910 | $48,530 | $52,800 |
Medical Assistants | 4340 | $17.57 | $36,540 | $28,560 | $32,160 | $36,240 | $40,560 | $46,950 |