Cosmetologist in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Hawaii employs 930 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $35,040 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)
- Hawaii median pay
- $35,040 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $29,120
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $56,360
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $73,820
- Employed in Hawaii
- 930
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Hawaii markets:
- Kahului
- $60,710 (80 employed)
- Urban Honolulu
- $31,020 (740 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Hawaii
Prices in Hawaii run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $35,040 median is worth closer to $31,855 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)
Hawaii is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +2.1%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 240 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Hawaii License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist (Beauty Operator) license — regulated by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Barbering & Cosmetology.
- Complete about 1,800 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Hawaii Board of Barbering & Cosmetology (DCCA).
Official requirements: Hawaii DCCA — Board of Barbering & Cosmetology →
Training in Hawaii
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Hawaii's resort/tourism economy supports salon demand; understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Hawaii include:
- Hawaii Institute of Hair Design — Certificate
- Honolulu Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.
Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.
Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cosmetologists make in Hawaii?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Hawaii is $35,040 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $29,120, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $73,820. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Hawaii?
Cosmetologist (Beauty Operator) license, overseen by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Barbering & Cosmetology. Complete about 1,800 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Hawaii?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Hawaii metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Hawaii metro areas, Kahului leads at $60,710, followed by Urban Honolulu ($31,020). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Cosmetologist in Hawaii?
Real Hawaii options include Hawaii Institute of Hair Design, Honolulu Community College, Makana Esthetics Wellness Academy. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Hawaii?
Hawaii projects cosmetologists employment to change +2.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 240 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Hawaii statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Barbering & Cosmetology (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Hawaii wages · Hawaii licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.