Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in East Honolulu, HI: $86,929 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in East Honolulu, HI earns a median $86,929/year (≈ $41.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in East Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $72,866 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Honolulu, Hawaii, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants is set at $86,929 for 2026. This figure significantly exceeds the national median of $74,332, reflecting a 16.95% premium that highlights the local demand for skilled professionals in this field. Occupational therapy assistant salaries in East Honolulu range from $61,718 at the lower end to $108,748 at the high end. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, giving insight into the unique financial landscape for COTAs in this specific area. With potential earnings that fluctuate based on education and experience, those considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge will find that advancing their qualifications can yield substantial increases in lifetime earnings.
About the East Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,718 | $29.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,390 | $35.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,929 | $41.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,441 | $43.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,748 | $52.28 |
Median Salary Position
16.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Honolulu
In East Honolulu, HI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,030 (2026 est.). At $86,929, the local median is 16.95% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in East Honolulu: You'd be above the median
How East Honolulu Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
East Honolulu median: $86,929/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $88,703 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +16.95% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in East Honolulu, HI earn a median of $86,929 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.95% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $88,703.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,929 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,866 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,934
2025 BLS Actual
$84,553
2026 Current Est.
$86,929
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in East Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,934 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,607 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,139 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,366 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,202 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,553 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,929 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,372 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Honolulu metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $71,934 (2019) to $84,553 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,372 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,438 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $61,718 – $73,390 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,390 – $86,929 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,929 – $91,441 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,441 – $108,748 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in East Honolulu
The local job market for occupational therapy assistants in East Honolulu remains steady, with approximately 12 professionals currently employed in the field. However, it is crucial to consider the cost of living, which boasts an index of 119.3, indicating that everyday expenses are higher than the national average. Among various employment settings, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab programs tend to offer the highest compensation, reflecting the greater productivity expectations and staffing needs found in these environments. Factors such as weekend or PRN premiums further widen the pay gap, along with the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut implemented in 2022, which has affected pay in outpatient and skilled nursing settings. To maximize compensation, COTAs in East Honolulu should explore opportunities for additional certifications and shift flexibility, positioning themselves strategically to enhance their marketability and pay potential.
More salary data for East Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in East 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $84,553 for occupational therapy assistantsin the East Honolulu metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East 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