Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Honolulu, HI: $93,658 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Honolulu, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,658 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Honolulu's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,506 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,657) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Honolulu can find themselves earning a starting salary around $93,658 in 2026. This figure represents the 10th percentile of salaries, illustrating the initial pay range for entry-level positions in comparison to the city median of $133,657. New professionals should keep in mind that while entry-level salaries may seem lower, there is potential for salary growth over the first few years, as entry-level physical therapists can move toward earning $106,929 or more as they gain experience. Given Honolulu’s competitive job market and the projected growth rate of 2.46% annually, new graduates can expect a promising environment to launch their careers in physical therapy.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Honolulu
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 Honolulu
Entry-level physical therapists in Honolulu, HI typically start between $93,658 and $106,929 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $84,381 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,657 — 26.94% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Hawaii of $120,000 represents just 128.13% of the starting physical therapist pay ($93,658/year) in Honolulu. 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 Honolulu
- 1Research the Honolulu market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $93,658 to $106,929, 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 Honolulu, 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 Honolulu for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Honolulu'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 Honolulu is $84,381 ( 90.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,658, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,039.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,611
2025 BLS Actual
$91,409
2026 Current Est.
$93,658
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,611 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,281 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,386 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,626 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,006 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,409 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,658 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,962 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Honolulu, HI grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,611 in 2019 to $91,409 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,962. New graduates entering the Honolulu job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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 Honolulu
In Honolulu, various employers actively recruit new graduates, with outpatient orthopedic chains often being the most prolific source of entry-level positions. Facilities like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico might offer structured productivity ramps, though compensation could be lower than that of hospital systems, known for including residency programs that facilitate board certification. Skilled nursing facility rehab companies, including Genesis and RehabCare, may present higher starting pay options for new hires. It's essential for early-career professionals to obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and pass the NPTE to secure a state PT license. Participating in residencies or pursuing board specialization credentials can enhance earning potential significantly. With realistic upward mobility in salaries over the first few years, strategic planning and continuous education will be vital as new grads navigate their careers in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Honolulu in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Honolulu?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Honolulu?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Honolulu?
How do I become a physical therapist in Hawaii?
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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 Honolulu. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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