Physical Therapist Salary in Honolulu, HI: $133,657 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Honolulu, HI earns a median $133,657/year (≈ $64.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $112,034 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Honolulu, Hawaii, can expect a median annual salary of $133,657, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the state. Salary estimates for this occupation indicate a range between $93,658 at the 10th percentile and $178,039 at the 90th percentile, based on BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. This figure significantly exceeds the national median salary of $105,288, positioning Honolulu as an attractive market for PTs. The job structures across outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities play a critical role in shaping these compensation levels, with outpatient settings often offering lower base salaries but potential for bonuses tied to patient productivity. As the healthcare landscape evolves, physical therapists in Honolulu find themselves navigating a competitive salary environment shaped by structural employment choices.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,658 | $45.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,929 | $51.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,657 | $64.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,264 | $77.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,039 | $85.60 |
Median Salary Position
26.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,381 (2026 est.). At $133,657, the local median is 26.94% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $133,657/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $125,618 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +26.94% more |
Physical Therapists in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $133,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $125,618.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $133,657 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,034 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,539
2025 BLS Actual
$130,448
2026 Current Est.
$133,657
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
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 | $113,539 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,532 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,384 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,576 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,657 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,945 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $113,539 (2019) to $130,448 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,945 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,406 (20.61%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $93,658 – $106,929 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,929 – $133,657 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,657 – $161,264 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,264 – $178,039 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Honolulu
Honolulu's job market for physical therapists consists of approximately 68 employed professionals, reflecting a stable demand for rehabilitation services in this region. However, with a cost-of-living index sitting at 119.3, the purchasing power of these salaries can be affected, emphasizing the need for therapists to consider their overall financial picture. Among employment options, hospitals tend to provide the most competitive compensation packages, while outpatient clinics may offer incentives for productivity or cash-pay models. Factors such as productivity expectations, Board Certification stipends, and clinic ownership opportunities can greatly influence income. For those aiming to maximize their physical therapist pay in Honolulu HI, pursuing advanced certifications such as OCS or SCS, exploring cash-based practices, or negotiating for productivity bonuses at outpatient chains could enhance earnings potential, making strategic career choices essential in a thriving but competitive market.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Honolulu?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $130,448 for physical therapistsin the Honolulu metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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