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Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Hawaii

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Be at least 18 years of age. 2) Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.

  2. 2

    Education: Degree required.

  3. 3

    Experience: No experience required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Education requirements: Graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited physical therapy program.

  7. 7

    National Physical Therapist Exam (NPTE) of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

  8. 8

    In 2022, pay $185 (application $50, license $85, compliance resolution fund $50).

  9. 9

    In 2023, pay $300 (application $50, license $85, compliance resolution fund $100, ½ renewal for 2nd year of 2-year license $65).

Exam and processing details

  • National Physical Therapist Exam (NPTE) of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Physical Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $62,120 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #32 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be at least 18 years of age. 2) Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Physical Therapist Exam (NPTE) of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; In 2022, pay $185 (application $50, license $85, compliance resolution fund $50).).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Physical Therapy and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Hawaii

With a median salary of $62,120, Physical Therapist Assistants in Hawaii earn 5% below the national median of $65,510. Hawaii ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$62,120

Hourly estimate

$29.87
5% below national median

Difference: -$3,390

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$48,480
  • P2525th percentile$57,250
  • P50Median$62,120
  • P7575th percentile$70,360
  • P9090th percentile$71,640

State vs National Median

State: $62,120
National: $65,510

Total employment: 310 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#32 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$79,410
#2Massachusetts$77,780
#3Alaska$76,310
#4Texas$76,250
#5New Jersey$74,780

Nearby States Comparison

Physical Therapist Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Hawaii$62,120Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
California$79,410Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$69,510Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$72,950Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alaska$76,310Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Hawaii50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Physical Therapy

P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801

Phone: 8085863000

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Hawaii

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required1-4 months
AnesthesiologistN/ADegree required3 years
Athletic Trainer$70,930Degree required18 years
Audiologist$92,120Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Hawaii?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hawaii?

Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapist Assistants.

What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Hawaii?

The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Hawaii.

What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hawaii is $62,120. Salaries range from $48,480 (10th percentile) to $71,640 (90th percentile).

How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?

Physical Therapist Assistants in Hawaii earn 5% below the national median of $65,510, with a state median of $62,120.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs approximately 310 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to Hawaii from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hawaii?

The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Physical Therapy. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/physicaltherapy/.

How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in Hawaii?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.