Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Honolulu, HI: $63.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Honolulu, HI runs $63.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,753 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, practitioners in Honolulu can expect an occupational therapist hourly pay of $63.10, significantly higher than the national median of $49.71. This elevated rate reflects not only the demand for skilled OTs in the area but also the higher cost of living in Hawaii. For part-time occupational therapists working three days a week, this translates into a substantial income that can support flexible scheduling, an attractive option for those balancing other commitments, such as education or family. Per-diem positions, common in various therapeutic settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health environments, offer an even wider range, with entry-level wages starting at $42.05 and top earners reaching up to $84.07. These hourly rates are often derived from projected annual salaries, which can provide insight into potential earnings for those seeking to work as OTs in Honolulu.
About the 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) | $42.05 | $336.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.50 | $396.00 |
| Median (P50) | $63.10 | $504.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.09 | $600.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.07 | $672.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Honolulu
Based on $63.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.10/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $131,256 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,724. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,524.15 | $10,938 | $131,256 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,514.49 | $6,563 | $78,753 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,009.66 | $4,375 | $52,502 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Honolulu) | $63.10 |
| 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 Honolulu, HI earn a median of $131,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $123,365.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.10/hr = $78,753/year (purchasing power: $66,013).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,256/year (purchasing power: $110,021).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Honolulu grew 18.1% from $51.84/hr (2019) to $61.23/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.03/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 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 Honolulu
Part-time occupational therapists working a 24-hour week in Honolulu could still realize an annual income around $78,336, compared to their full-time counterparts, potentially exceeding $131,260. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Honolulu comes with variability; many per-diem OTs typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized hand therapists with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Specialty areas can yield different hourly rates depending on the employer type: skilled nursing facilities and school districts often offer more stable incomes, while home health agencies and outpatient clinics may provide greater flexibility at varying rates. Therapists may weigh the trade-offs of lower hourly pay with benefits included versus higher pay without insurance. A few negotiation tips for OTs include highlighting unique skills, such as CHT credentials, and understanding local market rates to ensure fair compensation when considering job offers in various settings throughout Honolulu.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Honolulu in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Honolulu?
Are occupational therapists in Honolulu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Honolulu?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Honolulu?
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Career Resources
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 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 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