Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Kailua, HI: $96,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Kailua, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,076 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kailua's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,533 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,517) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Kailua, Hawaii, the starting physical therapist salary is projected to be around $96,076 in 2026. While this may seem modest compared to the city’s median salary of $124,517, it presents a viable opportunity for early-career professionals in a region where the cost of living is relatively high. It's important to understand that, although entry-level positions may begin at the lower end of the spectrum, there is a clear pathway for salary progression. Over the first few years, salaries can climb towards the 25th percentile at $104,943, and newer professionals may transition to the city median as they gain experience and hone their skills. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.46%, the Kailua market looks favorable for new physical therapy graduates, making it a compelling choice for those starting their careers.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kailua
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 Kailua
Entry-level physical therapists in Kailua, HI typically start between $96,076 and $104,943 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,237 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,517 — 18.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Hawaii of $120,000 represents just 124.90% of the starting physical therapist pay ($96,076/year) in Kailua. 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 Kailua
- 1Research the Kailua market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $96,076 to $104,943, 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 Kailua, 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 Kailua for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kailua'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 Kailua is $63,237 ( 65.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,076, experienced hygienists can earn up to $159,313.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$75,511
2025 BLS Actual
$93,769
2026 Current Est.
$96,076
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,511 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,225 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,280 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,549 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,837 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,334 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,769 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,439 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Kailua, HI grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $75,511 in 2019 to $93,769 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,439. New graduates entering the Kailua job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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 Kailua
In Kailua, several types of employers actively recruit new physical therapy graduates. Outpatient orthopedic chains frequently onboard new DPT graduates with structured productivity ramps to ease their transition into full-time roles. In contrast, local hospital systems often provide residency programs that guide new therapists toward board certification, which can enhance their credentials and starting pay. Additionally, skilled nursing facility rehab firms, such as Genesis and RehabCare, may offer higher starting salaries than typical outpatient settings. Graduates are encouraged to obtain their DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTE, and secure state licensing to maximize their employability. In the first few years, developing expertise in specialty areas through optional residency or fellowship programs can significantly elevate their pay potential. In this evolving landscape, starting at an entry-level salary might be just the beginning, with numerous opportunities for growth available within the thriving healthcare community in Kailua.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Kailua in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Kailua?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Kailua?
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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 Kailua. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kailua 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