Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Hilo, HI: $93,337 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,337 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilo's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,237 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,194) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering their first positions as physical therapists in Hilo, Hawaii will find the entry-level salary of $93,337 in 2026 promising, particularly when compared to the median salary for the city, which is set at $119,194. This means new professionals are entering the field with a notable gap between starting pay and the broader market average. However, there is ample opportunity for salary growth as they gain experience, with estimates suggesting a progression to around $101,374 within the first few years in practice. The positive growth trajectory of 2.46% annually in this profession indicates that Hilo's market offers a reasonable pathway for entry-level therapists, ensuring that they are positioned in a region where the earning potential is conducive to building a successful career.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilo
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Entry-level physical therapists in Hilo, HI typically start between $93,337 and $101,374 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,701 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,194 — 13.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Hawaii of $120,000 represents just 128.57% of the starting physical therapist pay ($93,337/year) in Hilo. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $93,337 to $101,374, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hilo, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hilo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hilo's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Hilo is $60,701 ( 65.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,337, experienced hygienists can earn up to $154,038.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,359
2025 BLS Actual
$91,096
2026 Current Est.
$93,337
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,359 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,024 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,134 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,333 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,337 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,633 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,359 in 2019 to $91,096 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,633. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Hilo
Hilo is home to several types of employers that actively support new graduates in their early careers. Outpatient orthopedic chains often hire new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates and provide structured productivity ramps, though they typically pay less than hospital systems that offer residency programs aimed at helping physical therapists achieve board certification. Skilled nursing facility rehab firms such as Genesis and RehabCare may provide greater starting compensation, making them attractive options. To enhance earning potential in Hawaii, it is crucial for new grads to possess a DPT degree from CAPTE-accredited institutions, pass the NPTE national exam, and secure their state physical therapy license. Engaging in continuing education or pursuing board specialization, such as Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), through APTA membership can lead to increased pay advantages. Career strategies for the first few years should involve understanding productivity expectations shaped by industry pressures, such as reimbursement cuts from CMS, while also evaluating the comparative benefits of working in outpatient facilities versus hospital settings.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Hilo in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Hilo?
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Related Pages
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hilo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov