How to Get a Speech-Language Pathologist License in Maryland (2026)

Maryland is a member of the SLP Compact (ASLP-IC) and one of the most desirable states for speech-language pathologists seeking positions at world-class academic medical centers. The licensing authority for full endorsements is the Maryland Board of Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers and Speech-Language Pathologists. Premier employers include Johns Hopkins Medicine, the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), and MedStar Health — collectively offering some of the highest SLP salaries in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Maryland SLP license at a glance

• Issuing board: Maryland Board of Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers and Speech-Language Pathologists
• SLP Compact member: Yes
• Compact Privilege processing: 1–3 days
• Application fee: ~$150
• ASHA CCC-SLP required: Yes

SLP Compact vs. full endorsement

Compact practice privilege: SLPs whose primary license is in a compact member state can request a Maryland practice privilege at aslpcompact.com within 1–3 business days, covering practice at Johns Hopkins, UMMS, and MedStar facilities statewide.

Full endorsement through the Maryland Board: Non-compact applicants submit to the Maryland Board of Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers and Speech-Language Pathologists. Required documents include official transcripts from an ASHA-accredited graduate program, ASHA CCC-SLP verification sent directly from ASHA, and license verifications from all states of current or prior SLP licensure. The ~$150 fee is paid at submission. Processing runs 6–8 weeks. Maryland does not issue provisional SLP permits; begin your application at least 2 months before your intended start date, especially if you are joining a Johns Hopkins or UMMS credentialing pipeline.

Maryland SLP compensation 2026

Maryland salaries are elevated by proximity to the DC metro and by the presence of major academic medical centers. Hospital and acute-care SLP salaries in Baltimore and the DC suburbs rank among the highest in the region.

Where SLP demand is highest in Maryland

Baltimore is Maryland's dominant SLP market. Johns Hopkins Medicine — consistently ranked among the nation's top hospitals — employs SLPs across acute care, voice disorders, dysphagia, and pediatric specialty services. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) provides another major acute-care pipeline. DC suburbs (Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Northern Virginia border areas) are served by MedStar Health and Suburban Hospital, with strong outpatient and school-based demand driven by high-density population. Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore face persistent SLP shortages, particularly in school districts and critical-access hospitals, and frequently offer relocation packages and signing incentives.

Bottom line

Maryland's compact membership, strong academic medical center market, and above-average salaries make it one of the best Mid-Atlantic destinations for SLPs. Compact-eligible clinicians can be working within days; full-endorsement applicants need 6–8 weeks and $150. Johns Hopkins and UMMC are standout acute-care destinations, while rural Western Maryland and Eastern Shore roles offer meaningful incentives.

Related guides: SLP License in Virginia | OT License in Maryland