HVAC Technician in Hawaii
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Hawaii
To become an HVAC contractor in Hawaii, individuals must obtain a C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor license from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing. This requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and demonstrate four years of supervisory HVAC experience within the last 10 years. Candidates must pass both a trade-specific exam and a business and law exam with a minimum score of 75%. Additionally, any technician handling refrigerants must hold an EPA Section 608 certification.
HVAC Technician Requirements in Hawaii
| Detail | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Exam | C-52 Ventilating & Air Conditioning Contractor Exam (Trade) and Business & Law Exam ($75) |
| Application Fee | $153 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Hawaii does not license HVAC technicians at the state level; rather, it licenses HVAC contractors. To obtain a C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor license, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and possess at least four years of supervisory experience in HVAC within the past 10 years. Applicants must also pass both the C-52 Trade exam and the Business & Law exam with a score of 75% or higher. EPA Section 608 certification is required for technicians who handle refrigerants. While not legally required, many employers prefer candidates with a driver's license, at least one year of related work experience, or a diploma/certificate/associate's degree from an HVAC/HVAC-R education program. One year of relevant HVAC education can be applied towards the supervisory experience requirement. Proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance is also required for contractors. |
Source: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing
HVAC Technician Salary in Hawaii
The median hvac technician salary in Hawaii is $63,780 per year, which is 6.6% above the national median of $59,810.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,790 |
| 25th | $58,560 |
| 50th (median) | $63,780 |
| 75th | $73,470 |
| 90th (experienced) | $89,900 |
Hawaii employs approximately 1,110 hvac technicians.
HVAC Technician Job Outlook
AI Impact on HVAC Technicians
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.85/1.00)
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 HVAC Technician in Hawaii Worth It?
Factors to consider: Hawaii's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.