Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Hilo, HI: $154,038 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $154,038/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $129,118 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior physical therapists in Hilo, Hawaii, can expect competitive compensation, with a median annual salary projected at $119,194 in 2026. Those at the higher end of the scale, or P90 earners, can reach an impressive $154,038, reflecting the strong demand for experienced professionals in this field. This top-tier pay is significantly above the national median of $105,288, showcasing Hilo's attractive market for seasoned therapists. Achieving such a salary typically requires over seven years of experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in areas such as orthopedics or neurology. The substantial gap between the median and the top earners underscores the potential rewards for physical therapists who continue to elevate their expertise and qualifications in this growing profession.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $140,502 and $154,038 per year (2026 est.). This $60,701 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $119,194 sits 13.21% above the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $119,194 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,502 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $154,038 | $138,464 |
In Hilo, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 29.23% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $119,194 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $140,502–$154,038 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapists in Hilo with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapists in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hilo
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #8 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $154,038).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Hilo ($154,038) is 16.1% above the Hawaii average P90 ($132,672).
2019 BLS Actual
$138,770
2025 BLS Actual
$150,340
2026 Current Est.
$154,038
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
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 | $138,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,407 | Actual |
| 2022 | $143,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $148,838 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,038 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,828 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 8.3% from $138,770 in 2019 to $150,340 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.46% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $157,828 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Earnings in Hilo
In Hilo, several specializations command premium salaries for senior physical therapists, particularly those with credentials in orthopedic, sports, and neurologic therapy. Compensation varies widely depending on the employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering different pay scales compared to hospital systems or skilled nursing facilities. Senior roles such as clinic directors or lead PTs often come with a higher compensation level and additional benefits. Advanced degrees, such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program and completion of the NPTE, are critical for enhancing earning potential. Board specialization in areas like orthopedics (OCS) or sports (SCS) not only boosts salary but also opens doors to leadership positions within the industry. Additionally, non-salary compensation drivers, including productivity-based bonuses and cash-pay versus insurance practice models, increasingly shape the financial landscape for senior physical therapists in HI, further contributing to a dynamic salary structure.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Hilo?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Hilo?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Hilo?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $150,340 for physical therapists in the Hilo metro area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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