Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,260▲ | $106,018 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.10▲ | $50.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,461▲ | $80,346 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,953▲ | $86,292 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,194▲ | $115,747 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,854▲ | $121,858 |
| Total Employed | 68 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Urban Honolulu is $25,242 (23.81%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $87,393,Urban Honolulu spans $41,512. Honolulu has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Honolulu ($110,025 effective) pays 15.15% more than Urban Honolulu ($95,545 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,854)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,025)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Honolulu grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$124,405 (2024) → $127,363 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$90,330 (2019) → $102,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Honolulu or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Honolulu to Urban Honolulu as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov