Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Hilo, HI: $102,302 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $102,302/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $85,752 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, senior physical therapist assistants can expect substantial compensation, with a median annual salary of $79,524 projected for 2026. The earning potential for top-tier professionals is particularly pronounced, with the 90th percentile (P90) salary reaching $102,302. Notably, this figure surpasses the national top physical therapist assistant salary, reflecting the demand for experienced professionals in the local market. To achieve such high earnings, PTAs often pursue continuous education, specialized training, and advanced certifications, positioning themselves as leaders in key areas such as orthopedics and geriatric care. The significant gap between median salaries and top earners emphasizes the value placed on experience and specialization by employers in HI.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $91,515 and $102,302 per year (2026 est.). This $44,323 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $79,524 sits 13.21% above the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,524 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,515 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $102,302 | $91,954 |
In Hilo, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 28.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $79,524 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $91,515–$102,302 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Hilo with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Hilo
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #8 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $102,302).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Hilo ($102,302) is 13.26% above the Hawaii average P90 ($90,322).
2019 BLS Actual
$89,937
2025 BLS Actual
$99,583
2026 Current Est.
$102,302
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,937 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,751 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,821 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,826 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,145 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,583 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,302 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,094 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $89,937 in 2019 to $99,583 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $105,094 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Hilo
Compensation for seasoned physical therapist assistants varies significantly based on specialization and workplace setting. For example, those focusing on orthopedic or sports medicine often command higher salaries compared to their peers in skilled nursing facilities or educational settings. Outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer competitive pay compared to home health agencies and hospital inpatient roles. Leadership opportunities abound for these professionals, including roles such as lead PTA or positions within clinic operations management, with pathways leading to PTA-to-DPT bridges enhancing career growth. In Hawaii, holding advanced credentials from CAPTE-accredited programs and thriving in specialties may further elevate salaries. Non-salary factors like work setting, productivity expectations, and the ongoing effects of Medicare cuts can also influence overall earnings in this field, making strategic career planning essential for maximizing senior physical therapist assistant pay in Hilo.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Hilo?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Hilo?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Hilo?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Hawaii
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $99,583 for physical therapist assistants in the Hilo metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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