Honolulu vs Kahului: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Honolulu, HI and Kahului, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Kahului, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,657▲ | $104,151 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.26▲ | $50.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,658▲ | $88,771 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,929▲ | $95,616 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,264▲ | $121,220 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,039▲ | $131,395 |
| Total Employed | 68 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Kahului is $29,506 (28.33%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $84,381,Kahului spans $42,624. Honolulu 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, Honolulu ($112,034 effective) pays 17.67% more than Kahului ($95,208 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,657/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,039)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,034)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Honolulu grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Kahului over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$129,482 (2024) → $130,448 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$78,240 (2019) → $101,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Honolulu or Kahului?
What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Kahului?
Should I relocate from Honolulu to Kahului as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Honolulu vs Kahului?
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