Annapolis vs Baltimore: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Annapolis, MD and Baltimore, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Annapolis, MD | Baltimore, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,057 | $121,867▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.91 | $58.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,998 | $107,826▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,432 | $110,177▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,663 | $127,670▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,809▲ | $131,217 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,900▲ |
Verdict
Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Annapolis.
The salary gap between Annapolis and Baltimore is $11,810 (10.73%). Baltimore's median is +18.38% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Annapolis spans $57,811,Baltimore spans $23,391. Annapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($116,634 effective) pays 15.83% more than Annapolis ($100,693 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Annapolis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,809)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,867/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,900 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,634)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Annapolis grew 16.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Baltimore over the same period.
Annapolis, MD
$89,923 (2020) → $104,876 (2025)
Baltimore, MD
$95,290 (2020) → $116,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Annapolis, MD
Baltimore, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Annapolis or Baltimore?
What is the hourly rate difference between Annapolis and Baltimore?
Should I relocate from Annapolis to Baltimore as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Annapolis vs Baltimore?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov