Healthcare Resource
How to Get a Physical Therapist License in Hawaii (2026)
In brief
Physical Therapist licensure in Hawaii 2026: non-Compact state, Hawaii DCCA endorsement, exceptionally long processing times, and island-specific compensation.
Steps at a glance
Note: Hawaii is not a PT Compact member, plan far ahead
Hawaii has not joined the PT Compact. All PTs must complete full endorsement through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Processing runs 12-16 weeks, apply 4+ months before your target start date.
Submit NPTE verification
Request FSBPT send NPTE scores to the Hawaii Physical Therapy Board (under DCCA). Minimum score 600.
Submit endorsement application and fees
Apply via the Hawaii DCCA online portal. Application fee approximately $100. Include license verifications from all prior states.
Background check
Hawaii state background check required. FBI check via fingerprint card (not Live Scan). Results can take 4-6 weeks.
License issuance
Expect 12-16 weeks total. Hawaii DCCA is the slowest PT licensing board nationally. Plan travel and housing arrangements accordingly.
In this article
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.
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