Landing a job as a physical therapist in Hawaii might be more comfortable and more lucrative than getting the same job somewhere else. The average salary of physical therapists in Hawaii is $90,948, according to Salary.com. [1] The range of salaries runs between $83,780 and $98,680. The financial benefits are obvious, but there are important non-financial reasons to choose Hawaii for a career as a physical therapist.

Hawaii is a group of islands with tropical weather and some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Physical therapists can enjoy their rewarding careers while having access to white sand, balmy weather, and a laid-back vibe that appeals to many therapists. As a top destination for sports enthusiasts of all types, Hawaii has a consistent demand for therapists to manage injuries, rehabilitation, and pain caused by functional impairment.

Why Hawaii Makes a Great Choice for a Career in Physical Therapy

Hawaii doesn’t impose limits to direct access for therapists, so the demand for therapists begins immediately after an injury or health problem. Therapists can see patients immediately without a doctor’s recommendation. Other practical benefits of choosing Hawaii for a physical therapy career include:

  • Low Competition: There is no physical therapy school in Hawaii, but the demand for accredited graduates remains as high or higher than that of other cities. [2]
  • Active Potential Patients: Whether working for a clinic, hospital, or private practice, the demand for physical therapists in Hawaii remains high because of active people enjoying surfing, swimming, hiking, beach volleyball, paddleboarding, kayaking, SCUBA diving and other activities where physical injuries are common.
  • Easier Recoveries: The great weather, gentle trade winds, and floral fragrances provide ongoing therapeutic benefits that help patients recover more quickly than in other environments.
  • Hawaii practices a policy of treating concussions of student athletes, which further increases the pool of patients.
  • Laid-back Lifestyle: Physical therapists can enjoy a laid-back culture of delicious cuisine, friendly drivers, shaka handshakes, welcoming leis, and incredible luaus on the beach.
  • Reasonable Hours: Most therapists work a 40-hour week during standard business hours, but some therapists choose alternative work schedules in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working patients
  • Great Work Environment: Physical therapists in Hawaii work in clinics, hospitals, private practices, and special facilities; they often work at schools or for sports teams.

Growing Demand for Physical Therapy in Hawaii

The growing demand for physical therapists in Hawaii is backed by employment statistics. The demand for all healthcare positions increases every year. The recent 19.6% increase in Hawaii and a 36.4% increase in Hawaii County in demand for physical therapists can be attributed to changes that relaxed restrictions on third-party reimbursements for physical therapy. [3]

Therapists help people of any age to manage pain and improve the range of movement. It’s necessary for therapists to earn a graduate degree and get a state license to practice in the state. There are no graduate-level physical therapy programs, but the state does offer programs for physical therapist assistants. Hawaii residents have long practiced traditional Asian medicine, where physical therapies were important aspects of treatment. The state is poised to become one of the best environments in the world for practicing physical therapy.

Physical therapists administer exercise programs, massage therapy, traction, and other physical activities to increase patient strength and reduce physical limitations. They help set and document goals, work with patients indoors and outdoors, and participate in group community activities in Hawaii’s lush environment. Getting a physical therapist job in Hawaii could be the wisest decision a graduate could make for personal, job security, and financial reasons.

References:

[1] https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/physical-therapist-salary/hi

[2] https://covalentcareers.com/resources/reasons-become-physical-therapist-hawaii/

[3] https://alohainternationalemployment.com/careers-expected-grow-2018/