Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $58.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Waipahu, HI runs $58.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,876 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Waipahu, Hawaii, occupational therapists are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $58.12 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.71. This generous rate offers appealing compensation for various work arrangements, such as part-time positions typically spanning three days a week, allowing therapists to balance their professional and personal lives. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, the hourly pay can be quite lucrative, with rates varying depending on the work setting, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly wage distribution ranges from $41.61 for entry-level positions, scaling up to $76.79 for seasoned professionals, demonstrating a broad spectrum of earning potential based on experience, specialization, and work location.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.61 | $332.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.20 | $377.61 |
| Median (P50) | $58.12 | $464.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.99 | $519.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.79 | $614.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $58.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.12/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $120,880 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,739. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,324.62 | $10,073 | $120,880 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,394.77 | $6,044 | $72,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $929.85 | $4,029 | $48,352 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Waipahu) | $58.12 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $120,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $123,343.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.12/hr = $72,528/year (purchasing power: $60,795).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,880/year (purchasing power: $101,325).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Waipahu grew 18.1% from $47.75/hr (2019) to $56.39/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.89/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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 3.06% 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 Therapist in Waipahu
When considering part-time work in Waipahu, an occupational therapist committing to a 3-day workweek could expect an annual earnings amounting to around $72,823, as opposed to full-time practitioners who earn upwards of $120,876 annually. For per-diem occupational therapists, billing rates commonly fall between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialists with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential often command rates of $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts can further elevate earning possibilities, with weekly rates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. The variation in hourly pay largely depends on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy clinics may offer differing rates compared to school district contracts or home health agencies. Some practitioners opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, while others may trade a lower hourly rate for health insurance and job stability. To effectively negotiate pay in Waipahu's dynamic healthcare environment, therapists should consider their specific settings and be prepared to articulate their unique skills, especially for those progressing toward the entry-level OTD or pursuing specialty certifications like CHT.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Waipahu in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Waipahu?
Are occupational therapists in Waipahu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Waipahu?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Waipahu?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Waipahu. 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 Waipahu 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov