Respiratory Therapist Salary in Hawaii (2026)
Hawaii respiratory therapists earn a mean of $93,380/yr (BLS OEWS May 2025), 7% above the national mean of $87,300.
Mean: $93,380Median: $94,210Hourly: $44.89/hrEmployed: 510
Hawaii vs National Average
Hawaii Mean$93,380
National Mean$87,300
Percentile range in Hawaii: $80,130 (10th) to $102,780 (90th).
Cost of Living Context
Hawaii has a cost of living index of 148 (national baseline: 100). The COL-adjusted salary equivalent is approximately $63,100, representing the purchasing power of this salary in a hypothetical average-cost US market. The high cost of living reduces the effective value of the above-average nominal salary.
Hawaii Metro Area Breakdown
BLS OEWS May 2025 mean annual wages by metropolitan statistical area.
#1Urban Honolulu
$92,940Top RT Employers in Hawaii
Queens Medical Center
Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children
Straub Medical Center
Hawaii Pacific Health
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii
Hawaii Licensure Requirements
- Licensing Board
- Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs - Respiratory Therapist Licensing
- Initial Fee
- $60 initial application
- CE Hours Required
- 20 hours per 2-year renewal
- Renewal Cycle
- Every 2 years
All Hawaii applicants must hold an NBRC credential (CRT or RRT) and provide proof of completion of a CoARC-accredited programme. Background check required.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hawaii
Is Hawaii RT salary good after cost of living?
Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the nation (COL index 148 vs national baseline 100). The $93,380 state mean sounds strong, but on a purchasing-power-adjusted basis, Hawaii RT salaries translate to roughly $63,100 in national purchasing power. This makes Hawaii one of the lower-value states despite its high nominal salary.
How many RTs work in Hawaii?
Only about 510 RTs are employed in Hawaii (BLS OEWS May 2025), making it one of the smallest RT labour markets in the country. This small market means limited job openings but also limited competition. Most Hawaii RT positions are concentrated in Honolulu at the major hospital systems.
Does Hawaii require the RRT credential?
Hawaii requires RTs to be licensed by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Licensure requires passing the NBRC TMC exam at minimum CRT level. Major Honolulu hospital systems require or strongly prefer the RRT for clinical positions.
What are the lifestyle trade-offs for RTs in Hawaii?
Hawaii offers outstanding climate and lifestyle, but the cost of living significantly erodes purchasing power. Many Hawaii RTs supplement income with per diem or part-time positions at multiple facilities. Housing costs in Honolulu are particularly high. Some RTs find the Hawaii RT market a good fit for a period of their career before returning to the mainland for better purchasing power.