Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Pearl City, HI: $57.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Pearl City, HI runs $57.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,728 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Pearl City's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,834 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pearl City, Hawaii, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapist in 2026 stands at $57.56, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive rate makes it an attractive option for both part-time therapists working in various environments, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, as well as per-diem professionals. Those who opt for part-time roles, such as a typical 24-hour workweek, can expect to earn substantial income, with the hourly range varying from $40.06 for entry-level positions to $74.99 for top earners in the field. It's important to note that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, indicating a healthy demand for skilled practitioners throughout Pearl City.
About the Pearl City 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) | $40.06 | $320.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.30 | $386.43 |
| Median (P50) | $57.56 | $460.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.12 | $536.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.99 | $599.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pearl City
Based on $57.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.56/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pearl City, HI can expect to earn approximately $119,723 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,071. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pearl City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pearl City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,302.36 | $9,977 | $119,723 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,381.42 | $5,986 | $71,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $920.94 | $3,991 | $47,889 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Pearl City) | $57.56 |
| 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 Pearl City, HI earn a median of $119,728 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.79% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.90% below the Hawaii state average of $123,304.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.56/hr = $71,834/year (purchasing power: $60,213).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,723/year (purchasing power: $100,354).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pearl City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pearl City grew 18.1% from $47.29/hr (2019) to $55.85/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.32/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 Pearl City 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 Pearl City
For part-time occupational therapists, working three days a week can yield a notable annual income when compared to full-time earnings. Many per-diem occupational therapists in Pearl City can command hourly wages anywhere from $50 to $75, and those who specialize as Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) may see rates soar to between $80 and $110 in cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel occupational therapy positions can earn $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, presenting even more lucrative temporary opportunities. The variation in hourly rates also reflects employer types; skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings often present different compensation structures than school districts or home health agencies. As many occupational therapists choose to accept lower hourly wages for the sake of benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher hourly pay with no additional perks. Effective negotiation tactics are essential, especially in Pearl City, where candidates should focus on demonstrating their specialized skills and credentials, such as their transition to entry-level doctoral degrees or CHT certifications, to secure the most favorable compensation.
More salary data for Pearl City, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pearl City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Pearl City?
Are occupational therapists in Pearl City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Pearl City?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Pearl City?
Related Pages
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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 Pearl City. 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 Pearl City 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