Sheet Metal Worker in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Hawaii employs 490 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $96,350 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.
What Sheet metal workers Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)
- Hawaii median pay
- $96,350 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $52,730
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $105,460
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $118,960
- Employed in Hawaii
- 490
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $60,750 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for sheet metal workers in major Hawaii markets:
- Urban Honolulu
- $93,380 (440 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 $96,350 median is worth closer to $87,591 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)
Hawaii is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +1.4%, slower than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Hawaii License and Certification Requirements
No individual license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship — regulated by the No Hawaii individual license — SMART apprenticeship (HVAC-scope contracting via DCCA).
- Apply to a SMART sheet-metal apprenticeship (earn-while-you-learn, ~4–5 years).
- Complete on-the-job training plus related instruction in fabrication and HVAC duct work.
- Note: HVAC/sheet-metal contracting is licensed through the DCCA Contractors License Board.
Training in Hawaii
Combines fabrication and HVAC install; union (SMART/SMACNA) training centers are the main entry. Oahu's commercial construction drives demand.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Hawaii include:
- Hawaii Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Honolulu Community College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like precision fabrication work and are comfortable with rooftops, ladders, and construction sites.
Think twice if: Sharp metal edges, heights, loud fabrication shops, and seasonal outdoor work sound unappealing.
Why it's resilient: Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.
First Steps
Look for SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) apprenticeship openings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sheet metal workers make in Hawaii?
The median wage for sheet metal workers in Hawaii is $96,350 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $52,730, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $118,960. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Sheet Metal Worker in Hawaii?
No individual license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship, overseen by the No Hawaii individual license — SMART apprenticeship (HVAC-scope contracting via DCCA). Apply to a SMART sheet-metal apprenticeship (earn-while-you-learn, ~4–5 years).
Is being a Sheet Metal Worker a good career in Hawaii?
Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.
Which Hawaii metros pay sheet metal workers the most?
Among Hawaii metro areas, Urban Honolulu leads at $93,380. 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 Sheet Metal Worker in Hawaii?
Real Hawaii options include Hawaii Community College, Honolulu Community College. Most sheet metal workers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Sheet Metal Worker a growing career in Hawaii?
Hawaii projects sheet metal workers employment to change +1.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No Hawaii individual license — SMART apprenticeship (HVAC-scope contracting 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.