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Physical Therapist Assistant in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Allied healthcare

Hawaii employs 250 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $67,510 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.

What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)

Hawaii median pay: $67,510 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $49,920
Experienced (75th percentile): $72,440
Top earners (90th percentile): $74,770
Employed in Hawaii: 250
U.S. median (for comparison): $65,510 (May 2024)

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

Urban Honolulu: $66,500 (200 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 $67,510 median is worth closer to $61,373 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)

Hawaii is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +26.7%, faster than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Hawaii License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) — regulated by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Physical Therapy.

Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs.
Apply to the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy (DCCA).

Official requirements: Hawaii DCCA — Board of Physical Therapy →

Training in Hawaii

A 2-year associate leads to a well-paid, hands-on clinical role. Verify CAPTE accreditation and NPTE pass rates.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Hawaii include:

Hawaii Medical College — Associate
Kapiolani Community College — Associate

Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Hawaii

Real Hawaii outpatient rehab clinics that employ physical therapist 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: People who like active work and helping patients make visible progress.

Think twice if: You need low-contact work or dislike repetitive coaching and physical assistance.

Why it's resilient: Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.

First Steps

Look for CAPTE-accredited PTA programs in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do physical therapist assistants make in Hawaii?

The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Hawaii is $67,510 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,920, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $74,770. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Hawaii?

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), overseen by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Physical Therapy. Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.

Is being a Physical Therapist Assistant a good career in Hawaii?

Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.

Which Hawaii metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?

Among Hawaii metro areas, Urban Honolulu leads at $66,500. 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 a Physical Therapist Assistant in Hawaii?

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

Is Physical Therapist Assistant a growing career in Hawaii?

Hawaii projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +26.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 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 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Physical 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.