Pipefitter in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Hawaii employs 2,500 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $78,060 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.

What Pipefitters Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)

Hawaii median pay: $78,060 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $47,750
Experienced (75th percentile): $97,950
Top earners (90th percentile): $113,300
Employed in Hawaii: 2,500
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major Hawaii markets:

Urban Honolulu: $81,120 (1,810 employed)
Kahului: $77,610 (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 $78,060 median is worth closer to $70,964 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)

Hawaii is projected to grow pipefitters employment +4.5%, about in line with the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 260 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Hawaii License and Certification Requirements

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship — regulated by the No standalone Hawaii pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via DCCA).

Hawaii has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
Note: plumbing-scope piping work is licensed through DCCA.

Official requirements: No standalone Hawaii pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via DCCA) →

Training in Hawaii

High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. Hawaii's power, refining, and military facilities drive demand.

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.

Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

First Steps

Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do pipefitters make in Hawaii?

The median wage for pipefitters in Hawaii is $78,060 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,750, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $113,300. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in Hawaii?

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship, overseen by the No standalone Hawaii pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via DCCA). Hawaii has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.

Is being a Pipefitter a good career in Hawaii?

Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

Which Hawaii metros pay pipefitters the most?

Among Hawaii metro areas, Urban Honolulu leads at $81,120, followed by Kahului ($77,610). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Is Pipefitter a growing career in Hawaii?

Hawaii projects pipefitters employment to change +4.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 260 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 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone Hawaii pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via DCCA) (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.