Healthcare Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Occupational Therapist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median occupational therapist salary in Hilo, HI is $149,088 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$149,088
vs State Avg
$-16,772
vs National
+$55,908
Cost of Living
152%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median occupational therapist salary of $149,088, which is $16,772 below the Hawaii state average of $165,860. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Hilo pays above average for this role.

However, Hilo's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $149,088 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $98,084. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Hilo spans from $99,200 at the 10th percentile to $204,016 at the 90th percentile — a $104,816 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $102,400, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $192,000. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $102,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $192,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$102,400
+$38,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,800
+$55,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$192,000
+$72,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $99,200
25th Percentile $123,520
Median (50th) $149,088
75th Percentile $175,680
90th Percentile $204,016

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$170,519
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$165,860
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$163,997
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$158,406
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Hilo

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Hilo

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Hilo, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Hilo

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $149,088 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $99,200 (10th percentile) to $204,016 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,088, a occupational therapist in Hilo earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Hilo's median occupational therapist salary of $149,088 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $165,860. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hilo, HI? ▼
Hilo has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $149,088 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Hilo? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Hilo require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.