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Occupational Therapy Assistant in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Allied healthcare

Hawaii employs 60 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $72,710 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)

Hawaii median pay: $72,710 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $65,660
Experienced (75th percentile): $76,750
Top earners (90th percentile): $77,280
Employed in Hawaii: 60
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for occupational therapy assistants in major Hawaii markets:

Urban Honolulu: $71,960 (50 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Hawaii

Prices in Hawaii run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $72,710 median is worth closer to $66,100 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)

Hawaii is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +27.7%, faster than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Hawaii License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Hawaii DCCA — Occupational Therapy.

Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
Apply for licensure through Hawaii DCCA.

Official requirements: Hawaii DCCA — Occupational Therapy →

Training in Hawaii

Strong demand in rehab, pediatrics, and senior care. Confirm ACOTE accreditation and fieldwork placements.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Hawaii include:

Hawaii Medical College — Associate
Kapiolani Community College — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Hawaii

Real Hawaii outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:

Hawaii Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Clinic — Hilo
Rehab at Hilo — Hilo
Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center — Honolulu
Life Care Center of Hilo — Hilo
Hale Makua - Kahului — Kahului
Kuakini Geriatric Care, Inc — Honolulu

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Patient, practical people who enjoy helping others rebuild daily-life skills.

Think twice if: You want independent desk work or dislike clinical documentation.

Why it's resilient: Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.

First Steps

Find ACOTE-accredited OTA programs and review fieldwork requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Hawaii?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Hawaii is $72,710 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $65,660, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,280. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Hawaii?

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Hawaii DCCA — Occupational Therapy. Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.

Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Hawaii?

Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.

Which Hawaii metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among Hawaii metro areas, Urban Honolulu leads at $71,960. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Hawaii?

Real Hawaii options include Hawaii Medical College, Kapiolani Community College. Most occupational therapy assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a growing career in Hawaii?

Hawaii projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +27.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Hawaii statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Hawaii DCCA — Occupational Therapy (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Hawaii wages · Hawaii licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.