Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Kailua, HI: $42.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Kailua, HI runs $42.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,907 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Kailua's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,747 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, Hawaii, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected at $42.27 for 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This elevated rate reflects the unique economic landscape of the area, where skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visit settings typically employ these specialists. For those working part-time—such as a 3-day-a-week schedule—this translates into a solid earning potential for those balancing other commitments. The hourly wage for new entrants in the field starts at around $30.94, while more experienced assistants can earn up to $51.07. These figures are drawn from annual salary estimates, illustrating how hourly compensation can facilitate flexible work arrangements, including per diem opportunities, critical for many in this profession.
About the Kailua 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) | $30.94 | $247.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.26 | $290.09 |
| Median (P50) | $42.27 | $338.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.96 | $367.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.07 | $408.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kailua
Based on $42.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.27/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kailua, HI can expect to earn approximately $87,912 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,718. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kailua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kailua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,690.61 | $7,326 | $87,912 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,014.36 | $4,396 | $52,747 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $676.24 | $2,930 | $35,165 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kailua) | $42.27 |
| 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 Kailua, HI earn a median of $87,907 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $88,705.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.27/hr = $52,747/year (purchasing power: $44,214).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,912/year (purchasing power: $73,690).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kailua grew 17.5% from $34.97/hr (2019) to $41.11/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.45/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 Kailua 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 Kailua
Analyzing the financial landscape, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours per week could expect to take home about $52,884 annually, a figure that contrasts sharply with full-time counterparts who enjoy more stability and potentially greater benefits. In the realm of per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Kailua, hourly rates can vary widely, generally billing between $30 and $45, while travel contracts may earn between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. It's essential to understand that the current environment has influenced pay, especially with the post-2022 adjustments to Medicare reimbursements affecting skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and outpatient clinics. Different employer types contribute to various compensation structures; those in outpatient clinics and early intervention programs may see different rates compared to school districts or home health agency roles. Consequently, occupational therapy assistants often have to weigh the benefits of higher hourly pays against potential employer-offered health benefits, making careful negotiations crucial in the Kailua job market.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kailua in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Kailua?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Kailua paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Kailua?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kailua?
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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 Kailua. 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 Kailua 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