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

Skilled trades

Hawaii employs 2,500 plumbers, 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 Plumbers 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 plumbers 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 plumbers 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

Journey Worker Plumber license — regulated by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Electricians & Plumbers.

Complete an approved apprenticeship of about five years (at least 10,000 hours of experience).
Pass the journey worker plumber exam.
Apply to the Hawaii Board of Electricians & Plumbers (DCCA).

Official requirements: Hawaii DCCA — Board of Electricians & Plumbers →

Training in Hawaii

UA Locals and PHCC contractors offer earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships. Hawaii licenses plumbers statewide through DCCA.

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want durable demand and do not mind dirty, physical work.

Think twice if: You need clean environments, predictable hours, or low physical strain.

Why it's resilient: Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.

First Steps

Search state plumbing apprenticeship requirements and local union/non-union programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do plumbers make in Hawaii?

The median wage for plumbers 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 Plumber in Hawaii?

Journey Worker Plumber license, overseen by the Hawaii DCCA — Board of Electricians & Plumbers. Complete an approved apprenticeship of about five years (at least 10,000 hours of experience).

Is being a Plumber a good career in Hawaii?

Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.

Which Hawaii metros pay plumbers 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 Plumber a growing career in Hawaii?

Hawaii projects plumbers 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 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.