Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Kaneohe, HI: $103,769 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Kaneohe, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $103,769/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Kaneohe's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $86,982 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $83,277 in 2026, experienced physical therapist assistants in Kaneohe, Hawaii have access to lucrative earning opportunities. The upper echelon of senior pay reaches as high as $103,769, positioning top earners significantly above the national average, which stands at $70,247. The pay range for senior PTAs in this locale illustrates a clear experience premium, with a gap between the median salary and the top tier highlighting the value of adding specialized skills and extensive experience. Securing a top physical therapist assistant salary in Kaneohe requires a solid foundation, often achieved through advanced certifications and years of dedicated service, which not only enhances expertise but also elevates one’s marketability in a competitive healthcare environment.
About the Kaneohe Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kaneohe
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Kaneohe earn between $93,535 and $103,769 per year (2026 est.). This $43,582 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kaneohe median of $83,277 sits 18.55% above the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Kaneohe | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $83,277 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,535 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $103,769 | $91,954 |
In Kaneohe, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 24.61% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Kaneohe
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $83,277 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kaneohe employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Kaneohe command premium compensation, often reaching the $93,535–$103,769 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kaneohe 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 Kaneohe 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 Kaneohe
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKaneohe ranks #6 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $103,769).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Kaneohe ($103,769) is 14.89% above the Hawaii average P90 ($90,322).
2019 BLS Actual
$91,227
2025 BLS Actual
$101,011
2026 Current Est.
$103,769
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kaneohe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,227 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,066 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,471 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,181 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,244 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,011 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,769 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,601 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Kaneohe saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $91,227 in 2019 to $101,011 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 $106,601 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kaneohe 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 Kaneohe
In Kaneohe, salary variations for senior physical therapist assistants depend on their area of specialization, with high-demand fields such as orthopedic, geriatric, and sports medicine often commanding higher pay. Employment settings also play a crucial role in determining compensation; clinics specializing in outpatient orthopedic services typically offer better remuneration compared to skilled nursing facilities, especially following the recent Medicare fee cuts impacting PTA-reimbursed services. Clear career advancement pathways exist within this profession, allowing experienced PTAs to transition into roles such as clinical operations supervisors or educators, often further facilitated by pursuing the PTA-to-DPT bridge. Advanced credentials from an accredited PTA program and optional proficiency recognition from the APTA can also enhance earning potential in this region. Non-salary benefits, including productivity incentives and flexibility in scheduling, further contribute to the overall compensation package for senior PTAs, especially in hospitals or outpatient settings where weekend and PRN work may yield additional financial rewards.
More salary data for Kaneohe, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Kaneohe in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Kaneohe?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Kaneohe?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Kaneohe?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Kaneohe?
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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
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 $101,011 for physical therapist assistants in the Kaneohe 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 Kaneohe 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