According to a 2014 report published by the United States Department of Labor, the average annual salary for physical therapist assistants throughout the Hawaiian Islands was $34,570, or about $16.62 per hour. For PTAs, experience and specialization was the biggest factor in determining salaries.
For instance, those hired at an entry-level salary in 2014 recorded starting salaries of between $20,560 and $22,250. But, by mid-career, the average jumped to an average of $31,110 annually. By the time Hawaii’s PTAs were considered highly experienced in the field, they earned salaries that ranged between $47,530 and $56,670 as of 2014. PTAs employed by major hospitals and specialty outpatient clinics tended to earn more on average than those in smaller, general private practices.
Honolulu Boasts Highest Number of PTAs in Hawaii, While Other Regions Are In Great Need
In May of 2014, Hawaii’s Department of Labor and Industrial Relations recorded that an estimated 340 licensed physical therapist assistants were employed throughout the state. Of that number, 310 worked in Honolulu alone. This highlights the fact that many areas throughout the Islands are experiencing a critical shortage of physical therapists and PTAs. Not surprisingly, the areas with the most significant shortages are the rural areas that are known for being largely underserved in terms of access to healthcare services.
With an overall population of 1,419,56, Hawaii has a relatively small population. But, a report in 2014 showed that more than 15% of those living in the Rainbow State are over 65 years old. Traditionally, populations with a large number of elderly citizens generally have a greater demand for physical therapy and rehabilitative services.
(Data provided by The U.S. Census Bureau and the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, Research and Economic Analysis Division)
Physical Therapist Assistant Salaries Vary By Region
The capital city of Honolulu set the precedent for high physical therapist assistant salaries in Hawaii. U.S. Department of Labor reports, dated May 2014, showed the average yearly salary for PTAs in Honolulu was $33,420. As the critical need for more practitioners licensed to perform physical therapy and rehabilitative services in other regions of Hawaii begins to be recognized, salaries are expected to rise in order to meet the demand.
A detailed analysis outlining the salaries for PTAs in Honolulu can be seen below (Data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, 2014):