Electrician in Hawaii

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI

Median Salary
$83,200
Hawaii (2024)
National Median
$62,350
All states
License Fees
$235
Exam + application
Time to Complete
5 years
From start to licensed

How to Become an Electrician in Hawaii

To become a Journey Worker Electrician in Hawaii, you must obtain a license from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing, Board of Electricians and Plumbers. This requires a minimum of 10,000 hours of experience over at least five years in residential or commercial wiring, along with 240 hours of electrical coursework from a University of Hawaii Community College program. After your application is approved, you must pass the Hawaii Journey Worker Electrician Examination, which is an open-book test based on the National Electrical Code. Licenses must be renewed every three years and require one hour of continuing education focused on NEC code changes.

Electrician Requirements in Hawaii

DetailHawaii
Licensing BodyDepartment of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing, Board of Electricians and Plumbers
State License Required Yes
EducationCompletion of at least 240 hours of electrical coursework at a University of Hawaii Community College with a board-approved course program.
Experience Required10,000.0 hours
Exam Hawaii Journey Worker Electrician Examination ($100)
Application Fee$135
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
Continuing Education1.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age for apprenticeship is 18 years old. Experience must be gained over at least 5 years. CE requirement is completion of a board-approved course on the latest NEC code changes. Exams are open book and allow the use of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Passing score is 70% or higher. The state has adopted the 2020 National Electrical Code. Exam eligibility is valid for two years.

Source: Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing, Board of Electricians and Plumbers

License Tiers

Hawaii offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:

Tier Hours Required
Journey Worker Electrician 10,000
Supervising Electrician 18,000

Electrician Salary in Hawaii

The median electrician salary in Hawaii is $83,200 per year, which is 33.4% above the national median of $62,350.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$43,960
25th$59,940
50th (median)$83,200
75th$115,930
90th (experienced)$121,050

Hawaii employs approximately 3,020 electricians.

Electrician Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+9.5%
Much faster than average
Annual Openings
81
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
818.7
Nationwide

AI Impact on Electricians

Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.78/1.00)

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

Is Becoming an Electrician in Hawaii Worth It?

Factors to consider: Hawaii's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get certified as an electrician in Hawaii?
To become an electrician in Hawaii, you need to complete the required education (Completion of at least 240 hours of electrical coursework at a University of Hawaii Community College with a board-approved course program.), gain 10,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Hawaii Journey Worker Electrician Examination, and submit your application ($135 fee).
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii requires a state license to practice as an electrician. The licensing body is Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing, Board of Electricians and Plumbers. You must pass the Hawaii Journey Worker Electrician Examination.
How much do electricians make in Hawaii?
Hawaii electricians bring home a median salary of $83,200. That's 33% above the national median of $62,350. Wages range from $43,960 (10th percentile) up to $121,050 (90th percentile).
How expensive is electrician licensing in Hawaii?
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($100) and application fee ($135) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become an electrician in Hawaii?
The typical timeline in Hawaii is 5 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
What's required to renew a electrician license in Hawaii?
License renewal in Hawaii requires completing 1.0 hours of continuing education on a 3.0-year cycle.

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