Medical Assistant in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Hawaii employs 3,890 medical assistants, with a statewide median of $48,410 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.
What Medical assistants Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)
- Hawaii median pay
- $48,410 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,580
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $55,940
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $60,030
- Employed in Hawaii
- 3,890
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $42,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for medical assistants in major Hawaii markets:
- Kahului
- $51,200 (410 employed)
- Urban Honolulu
- $47,720 (2,700 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 $48,410 median is worth closer to $44,009 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)
Hawaii is projected to grow medical assistants employment +13.8%, faster than the +12.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 540 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Hawaii License and Certification Requirements
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Hawaii state license.
- Hawaii does not license medical assistants.
- Complete a medical assistant program (certificate or associate).
- Earn CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) certification — preferred by most clinics and a common stepping stone into nursing.
Official requirements: No Hawaii state license →
Training in Hawaii
One of the fastest clinic-based entries. Certification and an externship placement are what get you hired.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Hawaii include:
- Hawaii Medical College — Certificate / Associate
- Kapiolani Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Kauai Community College — Certificate
- University of Hawaii Maui College — Certificate
Where Medical assistants Work in Hawaii
Real Hawaii hospitals that employ medical assistants include:
- US Army Tripler Gen Hosp — Tamc
- The Queens Medical Center — Honolulu
- Kaiser Foundation Hospital — Honolulu
- Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children — Honolulu
- VA Pacific Islands Hcs — Honolulu
- Maui Memorial Medical Center — Wailuku
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want the fastest entry into clinical healthcare and are comfortable with both patient care and administrative tasks.
Think twice if: A pay ceiling in the low-to-mid $40s and a broad scope of low-autonomy tasks sounds frustrating rather than engaging.
Why it's resilient: Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
First Steps
Look for accredited medical assistant programs at community colleges — many run 9–12 months and include an externship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical assistants make in Hawaii?
The median wage for medical assistants in Hawaii is $48,410 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,580, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $60,030. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Medical Assistant in Hawaii?
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Hawaii state license. Hawaii does not license medical assistants.
Is being a Medical Assistant a good career in Hawaii?
Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
Which Hawaii metros pay medical assistants the most?
Among Hawaii metro areas, Kahului leads at $51,200, followed by Urban Honolulu ($47,720). 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 Medical Assistant in Hawaii?
Real Hawaii options include Hawaii Medical College, Kapiolani Community College, Kauai Community College. Most medical assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Medical Assistant a growing career in Hawaii?
Hawaii projects medical assistants employment to change +13.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 540 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 31-9092. Licensing summary compiled from the No Hawaii state license (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; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
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.