Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Honolulu, HI: $64.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Honolulu, HI runs $64.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The expected physical therapist hourly pay in Honolulu, HI, for 2026 is projected at $64.26, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This robust compensation supports diverse pathways in the profession, especially for part-time and per-diem physical therapists working in settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, or home health environments. Those working three days a week might earn around $61,077 annually, achieving a desirable work-life balance while enjoying earnings well above entry-level rates, which start around $45.03 per hour. Top earners can command up to $85.60 per hour, showcasing the potential for lucrative employment in specialized areas like sports performance centers and pediatric clinics—all while reflecting the cost of living and demand for health services in this vibrant locale.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.03 | $360.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.40 | $411.23 |
| Median (P50) | $64.26 | $514.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.53 | $620.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.60 | $684.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Honolulu
Based on $64.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.26/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $133,667 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,115. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,570.52 | $11,139 | $133,667 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,542.31 | $6,683 | $80,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,028.21 | $4,456 | $53,467 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Honolulu) | $64.26 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $133,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $125,618.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.26/hr = $80,200/year (purchasing power: $67,226).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,667/year (purchasing power: $112,043).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$54.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Honolulu grew 14.9% from $54.59/hr (2019) to $62.72/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.84/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Honolulu
Examining the broader context of physical therapist hourly rates in Honolulu reveals substantial earning opportunities, particularly for part-time professionals and per-diem positions. A physical therapist working a part-time schedule may choose to incorporate additional work in travel contracts, where weekly earnings often range from $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends—providing financial flexibility. Per diem roles, meanwhile, typically pay from $50 to $75 per hour, although some cash-pay sports or orthopedic specialists can charge as much as $150 to $250 per hour. Hourly wages can vary by employer type, with clinics offering structured compensation often presenting balanced benefits, while places like hospital systems might provide higher rates with robust health insurance. This creates a negotiation landscape where therapists must weigh hourly compensation against potential benefits, emphasizing the importance of understanding market rates and articulating their value clearly during discussions.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Honolulu in 2026?
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Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Honolulu. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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