Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Hilo, HI: $62,554 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,554 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilo's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,434 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,149) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of occupational therapy assistance in Hilo, Hawaii, can expect starting salaries beginning around $62,554 in 2026. This figure represents the 10th percentile for entry-level occupational therapy assistants, establishing a solid foundation for career growth ahead. When compared to the median salary of $84,149 for the region, early-career professionals in this field face a noticeable gap of approximately $21,595. However, the growth trajectory from the 10th percentile to the median could be encouraging, as pay may increase steadily based on experience and additional qualifications. With a steady demand for occupational therapy assistants, Hilo presents a promising market for new graduates looking to make their mark.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilo
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Hilo, HI typically start between $62,554 and $72,856 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,209 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,149 — 13.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Hawaii of $24,000 represents just 38.37% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($62,554/year) in Hilo. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $62,554 to $72,856, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hilo, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hilo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hilo's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Hilo is $40,209 ( 64.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,554, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,763.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,311
2025 BLS Actual
$60,844
2026 Current Est.
$62,554
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,311 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,024 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,314 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,649 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,083 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,844 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,554 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,311 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,311 in 2019 to $60,844 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,311. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Hilo
In Hilo, several employers are known to recruit newly qualified occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are particularly active in hiring COTAs, providing significant opportunities for those starting their careers. While outpatient clinics typically prefer seasoned professionals, they often offer training positions in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy, catering to new grads who are eager to learn. Holding an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT exam for COTA credentialing, and obtaining a state license are vital for enhancing starting pay in HI. Given the impact of the recent 15% Medicare Part B cut on OTA services, entry-level pay may be compressed in some settings, affecting annual earnings in the first few years. Nevertheless, with targeted experience and possibly pursuing advanced practice areas through AOTA, new occupational therapy assistants can realistically aim for salary growth as they transition into their careers.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Hilo in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Hilo?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Hilo?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Hilo?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Hawaii?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hilo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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