Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Honolulu, HI: $89,174 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Honolulu, HI earns a median $89,174/year (≈ $42.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $74,748 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Honolulu can expect a median annual salary of $89,174, reflecting a significant premium compared to the national median of $70,247. The local salary range spans from approximately $58,038 at the 10th percentile to $118,213 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for substantial earnings based on experience and specialty. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variances, indicate a robust job market for PTAs in the city. The structural changes in healthcare delivery—especially following the Medicare reimbursement cuts—have made outpatient settings particularly competitive, attracting a greater number of physical therapist assistants seeking to enhance their earning potential.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,038 | $27.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,506 | $35.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,174 | $42.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,995 | $50.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,213 | $56.83 |
Median Salary Position
26.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,175 (2026 est.). At $89,174, the local median is 26.94% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be above the median
How Honolulu Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $89,174/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $83,810 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +26.94% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $89,174 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $83,810.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $89,174 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,748 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,630
2025 BLS Actual
$86,804
2026 Current Est.
$89,174
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,874 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,664 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,682 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,345 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,804 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,174 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,608 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $74,630 (2019) to $86,804 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,608 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,978 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $58,038 – $74,506 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,506 – $89,174 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,174 – $104,995 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,995 – $118,213 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Honolulu
In total, there are currently 68 physical therapist assistants employed throughout Honolulu, indicating a concentrated yet supportive job market. With a cost-of-living index of 119.3, which is above the national average, the reality of living expenses significantly impacts purchasing power for PTAs. The highest-paying positions often come from outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab facilities, with skilled nursing facilities now lagging in compensation due to the Medicare 15% cut that depressed reimbursements in those settings. Factors influencing the spread in pay include productivity demands and the varying responsibilities tied to different care settings. To maximize earnings in Honolulu, PTAs should consider pursuing specialization in high-demand areas, seek employment with top-tier healthcare providers, and explore work opportunities that offer weekend or PRN pay differentials.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Honolulu, HI in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Honolulu?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $86,804 for physical therapist assistantsin the Honolulu metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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