Healthcare Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Hilo, HI is $104,672 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$104,672
vs State Avg
$-11,776
vs National
+$39,252
Cost of Living
152%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $104,672, which is $11,776 below the Hawaii state average of $116,448. Compared to the national median of $65,420, 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 $104,672 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,863. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Hilo spans from $67,200 at the 10th percentile to $147,200 at the 90th percentile — a $80,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,400, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,800. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $70,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,400
+$26,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,600
+$39,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,800
+$52,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $67,200
25th Percentile $83,200
Median (50th) $104,672
75th Percentile $128,000
90th Percentile $147,200

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$119,719
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$116,448
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$115,139
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$111,214
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Hilo

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Hilo

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $104,672 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $67,200 (10th percentile) to $147,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,672, a occupational therapy assistant in Hilo earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Hilo's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $104,672 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $116,448. 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 therapy assistant salary of $104,672 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Hilo? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Hilo require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.