Occupational Therapist Jobs in Honolulu, HI

Honolulu, Hawaii$156,400 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Occupational Therapist Jobs in Honolulu

Looking for a Occupational Therapist job in Honolulu? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Occupational Therapist in Honolulu, HI.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Honolulu has a strong job market for Occupational Therapists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Honolulu

Entry Level
$109,480
Median
$156,400
Senior Level
$211,600

Occupational Therapist salaries in Honolulu are 84% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Honolulu is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient AssessmentTreatment PlanningAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationCommunication

Occupational Therapist Job Market in Honolulu

Honolulu, HI is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Occupational Therapist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Honolulu offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Tourism and Defense sectors create robust demand for Occupational Therapist talent. The market for Occupational Therapist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Occupational Therapists in Honolulu

Local hospital systemsRegional healthcare networksPrivate medical groups

Major employers hiring Occupational Therapists in Honolulu include Local hospital systems, Regional healthcare networks, Private medical groups. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Honolulu offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Occupational Therapists in Honolulu

Living in Honolulu as a Occupational Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (184% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Occupational Therapist salary, housing is quite affordable at 14% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

184
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Occupational Therapist in Honolulu

Honolulu Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Occupational Therapists in Honolulu: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Occupational Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Hawaii

Hawaii has relatively high state income taxes. A Occupational Therapist earning $156,400 might pay approximately $12,512 in state income tax. However, Hawaii's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Occupational Therapists

The job outlook for Occupational Therapists in Honolulu is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Honolulu offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation.

Relocating to Honolulu

Honolulu has a very high cost of living. Many Occupational Therapists negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. Hawaii has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in Honolulu, HI?

The average Occupational Therapist salary in Honolulu, HI is $156,400 per year. Entry-level Occupational Therapists typically start around $109,480, while experienced professionals can earn $211,600 or more. The national average for Occupational Therapist roles is $85,000.

How many Occupational Therapist jobs are available in Honolulu?

Honolulu has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Occupational Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Occupational Therapists include Local hospital systems, Regional healthcare networks, Private medical groups. The Tourism and Defense sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Honolulu a good city for Occupational Therapists?

Honolulu is an solid choice for Occupational Therapists. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's tourism industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Occupational Therapists in Honolulu?

Top skills for Occupational Therapists in Honolulu include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Occupational Therapists in Honolulu?

Honolulu's cost of living is significantly above the national average (184% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Honolulu is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Occupational Therapists in Honolulu?

Honolulu Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Healthcare Jobs in Honolulu