Physical Therapist Salary in Pearl City, HI: $121,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Pearl City, HI earns a median $121,914/year (≈ $58.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Pearl City's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $102,191 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, physical therapists in Pearl City, Hawaii, can expect a median annual salary of $121,914, which reflects a notable 15.79% increase compared to the national median of $105,288. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $89,386 and experienced professionals reaching up to $158,821. These numbers, derived from the latest BLS state-level data, highlight Pearl City's competitive pay structure. The city has seen an increasing trend toward cash-pay sports and orthopedic specialties, which tend to push top-end compensation levels higher, benefiting those who focus on outpatient services or establish their own practices. This dynamic shifts the focus on productivity outcomes as both patients and providers seek more efficient care, impacting the local job market in unique ways.
About the Pearl City Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,386 | $42.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,294 | $50.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,914 | $58.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,113 | $69.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158,821 | $76.35 |
Median Salary Position
15.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pearl City
In Pearl City, HI, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,435 (2026 est.). At $121,914, the local median is 15.79% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pearl City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pearl City Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Pearl City median: $121,914/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pearl City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $125,555 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +15.79% more |
Physical Therapists in Pearl City, HI earn a median of $121,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.79% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.90% below the Hawaii state average of $125,555.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pearl City has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pearl City, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $121,914 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,191 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,564
2025 BLS Actual
$118,987
2026 Current Est.
$121,914
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Pearl City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,564 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,382 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,151 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,106 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,987 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,913 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pearl City metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $103,564 (2019) to $118,987 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,913 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,349 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl City 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) | $89,386 – $104,294 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,294 – $121,914 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,914 – $144,113 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,113 – $158,821 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Pearl City
There are currently eight physical therapists employed in Pearl City, indicating a niche yet potentially robust job market for this profession. However, living costs in the area remain high, with a cost-of-living index standing at 119.3, which can diminish actual take-home pay. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics, especially chains like Athletico or private practices, generally offer some of the highest salaries, while hospital rehab facilities and skilled nursing facilities may still provide appealing benefits for those willing to work in different settings. The disparity in salary can often be attributed to varying productivity expectations and the different reimbursement models employed by clinics. For those looking to maximize their physical therapist pay in Pearl City, considering board certifications like OCS or SCS can enhance earning potential, along with focusing on high-demand specialties or exploring travel PT opportunities that often come with premium compensation.
More salary data for Pearl City, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $118,987 for physical therapistsin the Pearl City 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 Pearl City 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