Kailua vs Urban Honolulu: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Kailua, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kailua, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,907▲ | $73,982 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.27▲ | $35.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,337 | $67,505▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,433▲ | $67,505 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,578▲ | $78,907 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,219▲ | $79,554 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Kailua, HI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Kailua and Urban Honolulu is $13,925 (18.82%). Kailua's median is +18.26% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kailua spans $41,882,Urban Honolulu spans $12,049. Kailua has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kailua ($73,686 effective) pays 10.52% more than Urban Honolulu ($66,674 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kailua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,907/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,219)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,686)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Kailua grew 0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Kailua, HI
$85,149 (2024) → $85,504 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$60,220 (2019) → $71,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kailua, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Kailua or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kailua and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Kailua to Urban Honolulu as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Kailua vs Urban Honolulu?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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