Hilo vs Urban Honolulu: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Hilo, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilo, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,194▲ | $104,202 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.31▲ | $50.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,337▲ | $80,564 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,374▲ | $87,245 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,502▲ | $121,548 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,038▲ | $126,313 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Hilo, HI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Hilo and Urban Honolulu is $14,992 (14.39%). Hilo's median is +13.21% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $60,701,Urban Honolulu spans $45,749. Hilo 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, Hilo ($99,911 effective) pays 6.39% more than Urban Honolulu ($93,909 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,194/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,038)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,911)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Hilo grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$115,472 (2024) → $116,332 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$90,230 (2019) → $101,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Hilo or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Urban Honolulu as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Hilo vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov