Occupational Therapist Salary in Waipahu, HI: $120,876 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Waipahu, HI earns a median $120,876/year (≈ $58.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Waipahu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $101,321 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Waipahu, Hawaii can expect a median annual salary of $120,876 in 2026, reflecting 16.90% higher than the national median of $103,400 for the same year. Local salaries range from $86,546 at the 10th percentile to $159,727 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for significant earnings depending on experience and credentials. Salaries are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. Achieving the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation can notably enhance earning potential, emphasizing the growing demand for specialists in hand therapy within the local healthcare market.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,546 | $41.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,170 | $47.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,876 | $58.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,186 | $64.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $159,727 | $76.79 |
Median Salary Position
16.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
In Waipahu, HI, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,181 (2026 est.). At $120,876, the local median is 16.9% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waipahu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waipahu Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Waipahu median: $120,876/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waipahu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $123,343 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +16.90% more |
Occupational Therapists in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $120,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $123,343.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waipahu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waipahu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $120,876 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,321 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,308
2025 BLS Actual
$117,287
2026 Current Est.
$120,876
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,308 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,862 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,032 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,658 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,563 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,287 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,876 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,575 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waipahu metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $99,308 (2019) to $117,287 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,575 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,267 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $86,546 – $98,170 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,170 – $120,876 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,876 – $135,186 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,186 – $159,727 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Waipahu
In Waipahu, the job market for occupational therapists is relatively small, with only nine professionals currently employed, which can influence competitive dynamics in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 119.3, indicating that expenses are above the national average, which may impact overall take-home pay. Among local employers, those in hospital inpatient rehab are positioned to offer the highest wages, followed by skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. The disparity in wages is driven by workplace setting, with hospitals typically providing greater pay than schools or early intervention programs, and also influenced by factors such as board certifications and productivity expectations. For therapists seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications like CHT, negotiating contracts for higher rates, and seeking opportunities in higher-paying sectors are key strategies to consider.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Waipahu, HI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Waipahu?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $117,287 for occupational therapistsin the Waipahu metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waipahu 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