Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Kaneohe, HI: $42.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Kaneohe, HI runs $42.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Kaneohe's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,875 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kaneohe, HI, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $42.37 by 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This higher rate reflects the unique challenges and costs associated with living and working in Hawaii. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this translates into an appealing income that can support a balanced lifestyle while maintaining flexibility. Those engaged in per diem roles—often found in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or outpatient settings—can expect hourly earnings that vary based on experience and specific work arrangements. The estimated hourly range here goes from $31.22 at the entry level to $50.03 for top earners, illustrating the earning potential across different levels of experience within Kaneohe.
About the Kaneohe 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) | $31.22 | $249.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.48 | $291.82 |
| Median (P50) | $42.37 | $338.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.26 | $362.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.03 | $400.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kaneohe
Based on $42.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.37/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kaneohe, HI can expect to earn approximately $88,125 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,842. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kaneohe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kaneohe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,694.72 | $7,344 | $88,125 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,016.83 | $4,406 | $52,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $677.89 | $2,938 | $35,250 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kaneohe) | $42.37 |
| 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 Kaneohe, HI earn a median of $88,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.55% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.60% below the Hawaii state average of $88,651.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.37/hr = $52,875/year (purchasing power: $44,321).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,125/year (purchasing power: $73,869).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kaneohe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kaneohe grew 17.5% from $35.06/hr (2019) to $41.21/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.56/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 Kaneohe 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 Kaneohe
Part-time occupational therapy assistants who work 24 hours a week can anticipate annual earnings that provide a solid living, but they may fall short compared to full-time counterparts. Agency or per diem positions typically offer a wider range of rates, with pay frequently billed between $30 and $45 an hour depending on the facility or patient needs. Many agencies now offer travel contracts that could yield between $1,100 and $1,700 per week, enhancing the appeal of such positions despite fluctuating demand. Hourly rates differ significantly based on employer types, revealing a landscape where skilled nursing facilities, school districts, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies add unique pay structures. Some occupational therapy assistants might opt for lower rates that include health benefits instead of higher pay without them, making it essential to weigh total compensation against personal needs. It can be beneficial to know what similar positions pay in order to negotiate effectively. In Kaneohe, being informed about the local compensation trends will aid workers in securing the most favorable wage.
More salary data for Kaneohe, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kaneohe in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Kaneohe?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Kaneohe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Kaneohe?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kaneohe?
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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 Kaneohe. 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 Kaneohe 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