Healthcare Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Physical Therapist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median physical therapist salary in Hilo, HI is $156,352 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$156,352
vs State Avg
$-17,590
vs National
+$58,632
Cost of Living
152%

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

Hilo offers a median physical therapist salary of $156,352, which is $17,590 below the Hawaii state average of $173,942. Compared to the national median of $97,720, 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 $156,352 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $102,863. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in Hilo spans from $106,880 at the 10th percentile to $208,320 at the 90th percentile — a $101,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $108,800, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $204,800. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $108,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$108,800
+$40,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$156,800
+$58,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$204,800
+$76,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $106,880
25th Percentile $128,320
Median (50th) $156,352
75th Percentile $186,240
90th Percentile $208,320

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$178,828
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$173,942
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$171,987
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$166,124
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Hilo

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Hilo

Browse open physical therapist positions in Hilo, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Hilo

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $156,352 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $106,880 (10th percentile) to $208,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $156,352, a physical therapist in Hilo earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Hilo's median physical therapist salary of $156,352 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $173,942. 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 physical therapist salary of $156,352 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Hilo? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Hilo require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.