Electrician in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Hawaii employs 3,070 electricians, with a statewide median of $96,460 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)
- Hawaii median pay
- $96,460 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,730
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $120,740
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $124,590
- Employed in Hawaii
- 3,070
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major Hawaii markets:
- Urban Honolulu
- $100,270 (2,290 employed)
- Kahului
- $98,480 (310 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 $96,460 median is worth closer to $87,691 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)
Hawaii is projected to grow electricians employment +10.2%, faster than the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 340 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Hawaii License and Certification Requirements
Journey Worker Electrician license — regulated by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Electricians & Plumbers.
- Complete about 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job experience under a licensed electrician or an approved apprenticeship.
- Pass the journey worker electrician exam (electrical theory, NEC as adopted by Hawaii, and state rules).
- Apply to the Hawaii Board of Electricians & Plumbers (DCCA).
Official requirements: Hawaii DCCA — Board of Electricians & Plumbers →
Training in Hawaii
IBEW/IEC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route. Hawaii licenses electricians statewide through DCCA; renew with 24 CE hours every two years.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Hawaii include:
- Hawaii Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Honolulu Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Kauai Community College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.
Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.
Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
First Steps
Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Hawaii?
The median wage for electricians in Hawaii is $96,460 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,730, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $124,590. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in Hawaii?
Journey Worker Electrician license, overseen by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Electricians & Plumbers. Complete about 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job experience under a licensed electrician or an approved apprenticeship.
Is being an Electrician a good career in Hawaii?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which Hawaii metros pay electricians the most?
Among Hawaii metro areas, Urban Honolulu leads at $100,270, followed by Kahului ($98,480). 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 an Electrician in Hawaii?
Real Hawaii options include Hawaii Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kauai Community College. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Electrician a growing career in Hawaii?
Hawaii projects electricians employment to change +10.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 340 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 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Electricians & Plumbers (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.