Occupational Therapist Pay

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.

$120,876
Median Annual Salary
$58.12/hr
Hourly Rate
$86,546
Entry Level (P10)
$159,727
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Occupational Therapist Hourly Rate in Waipahu, HI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Waipahu, HI occupational therapist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a occupational therapist in Waipahu earning $58.12/hr would make approximately $69,739 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $120,880 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$69,739Reduced (32 hr/wk)$92,985Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$120,880

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$464.92
per 8hr shift
$2,324.62
per week
$10,073
per month
$120,880
per year

Schedule Comparison in Waipahu

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing occupational therapist median salary in Waipahu ($120,876) with Hawaii average ($123,343) and the US national median ($103,400).Waipahu$120,876Hawaii Avg$123,343-2.00%US National$103,400+16.90%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for occupational therapists in Waipahu. Baseline $47.75/hr in 2025, projected to $59.89/hr by 2027.$45$50$54$58$622019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$47.75$48.49$48.09$52.37$54.16$55.08$56.39$58.12$59.89
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$47.75/hrActual
2020$48.49/hrActual
2021$48.09/hrActual
2022$52.37/hrActual
2023$54.16/hrActual
2024$55.08/hrActual
2025$56.39/hrActual
2026(current)$58.12/hrEstimated
2027$59.89/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Waipahu in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Waipahu is $58.12/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.06% annual growth). Rates range from $41.61 at entry level (10th percentile) to $76.79 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 16.9% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Waipahu?

A part-time occupational therapist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Waipahu earns approximately $6,044/month, or $72,528/year at the median hourly rate of $58.12. Many occupational therapists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are occupational therapists in Waipahu paid hourly or salary?

The majority of occupational therapists in Waipahu are paid hourly at a median rate of $58.12/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $120,880/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Waipahu?

A full-time occupational therapist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Waipahu earns approximately $120,880/year at the median hourly rate of $58.12. This is 16.9% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $159,723/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Waipahu?

Part-time and per diem occupational therapists in Waipahu sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $76.79/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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