Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in East Honolulu, HI: $58.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in East Honolulu, HI runs $58.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,924 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against East Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,554 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in East Honolulu, HI, can expect an impressive hourly rate of $58.14, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. This compensation allows flexible working arrangements, making it an appealing option for part-time professionals, such as those seeking three-day workweeks or per-diem roles across various settings. These environments include hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range that starts at $41.42 for entry-level therapists and peaks at $76.87 for experienced practitioners, the financial prospects reflect a strong demand for qualified OT services in the region. Hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data, providing an insight into the income potential for both full-time and contingent occupational therapists in this vibrant community.
About the East Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.42 | $331.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.24 | $377.94 |
| Median (P50) | $58.14 | $465.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.05 | $520.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.87 | $614.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Honolulu
Based on $58.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.14/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $120,923 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,763. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,325.45 | $10,077 | $120,923 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,395.27 | $6,046 | $72,554 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $930.18 | $4,031 | $48,369 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (East Honolulu) | $58.14 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in East Honolulu, HI earn a median of $120,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.95% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $123,392.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.14/hr = $72,554/year (purchasing power: $60,816).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,923/year (purchasing power: $101,361).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in East Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in East Honolulu grew 18.1% from $47.76/hr (2019) to $56.41/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.92/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East 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 3.06% 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 Occupational Therapist in East Honolulu
Part-time occupational therapists, typically working around 24 hours per week, can anticipate annual earnings that differ markedly from their full-time counterparts. While full-time salaries may yield a more consistent financial outcome, those opting for a three-day workweek might take home approximately $83,685 while balancing work and personal life. For those engaging in per diem work—a common choice—rates can range from $50 to $75 per hour, with CHT-credentialed hand therapists commanding higher rates between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts may yield even more lucrative weekly pay of $1,800 to $2,800, enhancing financial incentives. Various employer types in East Honolulu, such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, offer different compensation structures, often reflecting the level of benefits provided. Therapists might opt for positions with lower hourly pay but benefit packages, impacting overall job satisfaction versus immediate earnings. Negotiation for hourly roles in such a competitive market is essential; it's advisable for therapists to research industry norms and be prepared to discuss their credentials, especially considering the upcoming transition to entry-level doctoral programs by 2027.
More salary data for East Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in East Honolulu in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in East Honolulu?
Are occupational therapists in East Honolulu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in East Honolulu?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in East Honolulu?
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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
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in East Honolulu. 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 East 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov