Healthcare Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Occupational Therapist Salary in Hawaii

The median occupational therapist salary in Hawaii is $165,860 per year, which is 78.0% above the national median of $93,180.

Median Salary
$165,860
vs National
+$72,680
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Occupational Therapist Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for occupational therapist compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for occupational therapists seeking high pay. At $165,860 per year, occupational therapists in Hawaii earn $72,680 more than the national median of $93,180.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $165,860 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $97,565.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: occupational therapists at the 10th percentile earn $110,360, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $226,968 — a $116,608 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $170,519.

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Hawaii and beyond.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $113,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $213,600 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$113,920
+$49,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$165,540
+$72,540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$213,600
+$93,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $110,360
25th Percentile $137,416
Median (50th) $165,860
75th Percentile $195,444
90th Percentile $226,968

Occupational Therapist Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for occupational therapists in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Hawaii

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Hawaii has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Hawaii? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Hawaii is $165,860 per year, which is 78.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $110,360 (10th percentile) to $226,968 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $165,860, a occupational therapist in Hawaii earns approximately $80 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for occupational therapists? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for occupational therapist pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapists earn $113,920, while senior professionals earn $213,600.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for occupational therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapists is Hawaii at $165,860. Hawaii's median of $165,860 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($136,043) and Massachusetts ($133,247).
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapist in Hawaii earns approximately $113,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $165,540. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $213,600.
What city in Hawaii pays occupational therapists the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for occupational therapists, with a median salary of $170,519. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.