Healthcare Recruiting
How to Get a Physical Therapist License in Hawaii (2026)
Hawaii has not joined the PT Compact and runs the slowest PT licensing process in the nation, 12-16 weeks for full endorsement. PTs planning to work in Hawaii must apply 4+ months before their target start date. Once licensed, Hawaii offers competitive compensation with a significant island cost-of-living premium. Queen's Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii are the dominant employers on Oahu.
Hawaii PT license at a glance
- Issuing board: Hawaii Physical Therapy Board, DCCA
- PT Compact member: No, full endorsement required
- Endorsement processing: 12-16 weeks (slowest in the nation)
- Application fee: ~$100
- Jurisprudence exam: Not separately required
- Key tip: FBI fingerprint card required (not Live Scan), mail-based processing adds 4-6 weeks
Hawaii PT compensation 2026
| Setting | Median Base | Sign-On Range |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient clinic (Oahu) | $90,000 | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Acute care hospital | $102,000 | $10,000-$20,000 |
| SNF / sub-acute rehab | $96,000 | $8,000-$18,000 |
| Home health | $98,000 | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Neighbor Islands (Maui, Kauai, Big Island) | $95,000-$108,000 | $10,000-$22,000 + relocation |
Where PT demand is highest in Hawaii
Oahu (Honolulu): The Queen's Medical Center (largest acute care hospital in HI), Hawaii Pacific Health (Pali Momi, Kapiolani, Wilcox), Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. Maui / Neighbor Islands: Maui Health System (Maui Memorial), Hilo Medical Center, Kauai Veterans Memorial, persistent PT shortages with premium sign-on and relocation packages. IHS/Native Hawaiian Health care sites carry NHSC loan repayment eligibility.
Bottom line
Hawaii requires exceptional planning, a 12-16 week licensing process means applying in September to start in January. The lifestyle premium and PT shortage in Neighbor Islands create strong total packages. The FBI fingerprint card requirement (mail-based) is the biggest timeline variable; order it the day you decide to apply.
Related: PT License Florida 2026, Healthcare Recruiting in Hawaii 2026, PT Salary by State 2026.
Hiring in this space?
Ava Health places physicians, nurses, and therapists nationwide
Permanent, locum, and travel placement. No fees to candidates.
Explore staffing services →Free tool
2026 Healthcare Salary Calculator
Estimate comp by specialty, state, experience, and practice setting. Based on MGMA, AMGA, and BLS benchmarks.
Try the salary calculator →Be on the launch list
Salary data, hiring plays, and market trends. We'll email you when issue 1 ships. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.