Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Kailua, HI: $39.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Kailua, HI runs $39.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,075 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Kailua's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,847 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) in Kailua, Hawaii, can anticipate an hourly median pay of $39.94 in 2026, a figure that significantly surpasses the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This elevated hourly rate is particularly advantageous for part-time and per-diem workers, who may find themselves delivering care in diverse settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. Entry-level PTAs generally earn around $28.66 per hour, while top earners can make up to $50.86 per hour. These estimates, informed by annual salary data, reflect the unique cost of living in Kailua, where competitive hourly wages are vital for practitioners navigating both high living expenses and the demand for rehabilitation services.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.66 | $229.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.13 | $281.07 |
| Median (P50) | $39.94 | $319.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.62 | $364.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.86 | $406.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kailua
Based on $39.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.94/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kailua, HI can expect to earn approximately $83,078 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,930. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kailua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kailua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,597.66 | $6,923 | $83,078 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $958.59 | $4,154 | $49,847 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $639.06 | $2,769 | $33,231 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Kailua) | $39.94 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Kailua, HI earn a median of $83,075 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $83,829.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.94/hr = $49,847/year (purchasing power: $41,783).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,078/year (purchasing power: $69,638).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Kailua grew 16.3% from $33.43/hr (2019) to $38.88/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.03/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Kailua
In terms of annual earnings, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, would take home considerably less than a full-time peer, yet could still expect to earn a respectable income. For those considering per diem shifts, physical therapist assistant pay in Kailua typically ranges from $32 to $48 an hour, though contracts for travel PTAs may offer weekly totals between $1,200 and $1,800. Employer types greatly affect hourly rates; PTAs in outpatient clinics may receive different compensation compared to those in pediatric therapy programs or skilled nursing facilities, especially post-2022 Medicare cuts. These cuts have narrowed options for some professionals, leading to choices between higher hourly pay without benefits or lower pay with health insurance. Negotiating strategies can also vary; understanding regional trends and being aware of the local demand can empower PTAs to secure more favorable compensation in Kailua.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Kailua in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Kailua?
Are physical therapist assistants in Kailua paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Kailua?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kailua?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
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 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Kailua. 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 Kailua 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 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov