Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Honolulu, HI: $45.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Honolulu, HI runs $45.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,359 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,622 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, the estimated median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants stands at $45.37, notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This elevated rate is beneficial for part-time staff, such as those working three days a week, who can capitalize on competitive pay while enjoying flexible schedules in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $30.12 per hour, while top earners may reach $56.94 per hour. These figures reflect the projected earnings for 2026 and are based on annual salary estimates, providing a clear perspective on how this profession values its workforce in relation to the broader national averages.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.12 | $240.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.96 | $295.68 |
| Median (P50) | $45.37 | $362.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.82 | $406.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.94 | $455.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Honolulu
Based on $45.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.37/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $94,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,444. 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) | $1,814.80 | $7,864 | $94,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,088.88 | $4,718 | $56,622 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $725.92 | $3,146 | $37,748 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Honolulu) | $45.37 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $94,359 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $88,683.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.37/hr = $56,622/year (purchasing power: $47,462).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,370/year (purchasing power: $79,103).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Honolulu grew 17.5% from $37.54/hr (2019) to $44.13/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants 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 2.81% 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 Occupational Therapy Assistant in Honolulu
Financial considerations for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Honolulu can be quite favorable. A COTA working 24 hours a week could take home a substantial income that, while not full-time, still offers decent annual earnings compared to the full-time standard. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Honolulu typically varies, with many positions billing between $30 and $45 an hour; travel contracts can yield even higher weekly rates ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Yet, the trend has shown a decline in premiums for agency work following the significant Medicare cut, which may affect the appeal of those roles. Additionally, hourly pay can differ based on employer types, with school districts and outpatient clinics often providing competitive compensation, while some may offer benefits that justify lower hourly rates. For junior COTAs entering negotiations in this vibrant market, understanding the balance between hourly pay and benefits is crucial to make informed career decisions.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Honolulu in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Honolulu?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Honolulu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Honolulu?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Honolulu?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
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 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov