Trade Careers in Hawaii

Hawaii’s construction, hospitality, and infrastructure needs create steady demand for licensed tradespeople. This guide helps you compare trades, find training, and understand licensing in Hawaii.



Why Trade Careers in Hawaii

BenefitDetails
Essential WorkSkilled trades support housing, tourism, and public works
ApprenticeshipsEarn while training with employer and union programs
Quick TrainingCertificates and AAS programs help you start fast
Career GrowthClear paths from apprentice to journeyman/master

Compare Skilled Trades in Hawaii

TradeMedian SalaryTraining TimeLicense Required?
Carpenter$85,2806 months – 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship)Optional (apprenticeship recommended)
Construction Worker$77,1103–12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job)Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors)
Flooring Installer$77,2806–12 months (on-the-job + coursework)Optional (apprenticeship recommended)
Plumber$78,0604–5 years (apprenticeship)Yes (state licensing)
Welder$79,0006–18 months (trade school or apprenticeship)Optional (AWS certification preferred)
Construction Manager$128,9102–4 years (degree or field experience)Varies (contractor license in many states)
Home Inspector$79,3202–6 months (state-approved course)Yes in many states (state license)
Mold InspectorN/A3–12 months (coursework + field hours)Varies (state license or industry certification)
Electrician$96,4604–5 years (apprenticeship)Yes (state licensing)
HVAC Technician$65,4506 months – 2 years (certificate or associate)Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing)
Lineworker$134,3403–4 years (joint apprenticeship)Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications)
Solar Installer$70,3703–12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship)Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial)
Tower Technician$65,9703–9 months (tower climbing school + field training)Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications)
Wind Turbine TechnicianN/A1–2 years (associate or technical diploma)Yes (industry safety certifications)
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)$90,83018–30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship)Yes (FAA A&P license)
Auto Mechanic$52,1606–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship)Optional (ASE certifications preferred)
Automotive Technician$52,1609–18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship)Optional (ASE certifications preferred)
CNC Machinist$84,4109–24 months (certificate or apprenticeship)Optional (NIMS certification beneficial)
Diesel Technician$80,0801–2 years (associate or apprenticeship)Optional (ASE or OEM certifications)
Gunsmith$88,5806–18 months (certificate or apprenticeship)Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial)
Heavy Equipment Operator$115,8606–12 months (trade school or union program)Optional (CDL required for many roles)
Maintenance Technician$57,9606–12 months (trade school or on-the-job)Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications)
Truck Driver (CDL)$59,8203–6 months (CDL program)Yes (CDL Class A or B)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)$45,3504–12 weeks (state-approved program)Yes (state CNA exam)
Patient Care Technician$45,3504–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals)
Hemodialysis Technician$59,9004–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential)
Home Health Aide$38,1103–6 months (training + competency exam)Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program)
Medical Assistant$48,4109–12 months (certificate or diploma)Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA)
Mental Health Technician$55,1506–12 months (certificate + clinical experience)Varies (state registration + employer training)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)$71,14012–18 months (state-approved program)Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN)
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)$71,14012–18 months (state-approved program)Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN)
Dental Assistant$44,7209–18 months (diploma or associate program)Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license)
EKG Technician$111,7303–9 months (certificate program)Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA)
Pharmacy Technician$46,7606–12 months (certificate or on-the-job)Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT)
Phlebotomy Technician$47,7504–6 months (certificate + clinical practice)Yes in many states (national certification preferred)
Radiologic Technologist$101,7002 years (associate degree)Yes (ARRT registration + state license)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer$124,43018–24 months (accredited associate or certificate)Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas)
Sterile Processing Technician$51,6306–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification)
Surgical Technologist$82,64012–24 months (accredited surgical tech program)Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification)
Optician$75,3009–24 months (apprenticeship or associate)Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist$63,1809–24 months (certificate or associate)Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS)
Medical Office Administrator$49,9209–18 months (certificate or associate)Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification)
Occupational Therapy Assistant$72,7102 years (accredited associate degree)Yes (state license via NBCOT exam)
Physical Therapy Aide$33,8103–12 months (certificate or employer training)Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs)
Massage Therapist$81,2809–18 months (state-approved school)Yes (state license)
Personal Trainer$48,2903–6 months (exam prep + practicum)Yes (national certification required by many employers)
Dog TrainerN/A6–12 months (mentorship or certificate)Optional (industry certifications preferred)
Veterinary Assistant$44,0706–12 months (certificate + hands-on experience)Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential)
Veterinary Technician$48,5502 years (associate degree)Yes (VTNE and state license)
Beauty Professional$35,0409–15 months (state-approved school)Yes (state cosmetology license)
Cosmetologist$35,0409–18 months (state-approved school)Yes (state cosmetology license)
EstheticianN/A4–9 months (state-approved program)Yes (state esthetics license)
Culinary Chef$48,4141–2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship)Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit)
Pastry Chef$48,4149–18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship)Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects)
Bookkeeper$48,7306–12 months (certificate or on-the-job)Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial)
Digital Court ReporterN/A6–12 months (certificate program)Optional (AAERT certification preferred)
Paralegal$62,84012–24 months (certificate or associate)Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. State data (Hawaii).


Apprenticeships & Training Paths

Training TypeDurationNotes
Apprenticeship3-5 yearsPaid training with progressive wages
Trade School6-18 monthsAccredited programs; ask about placement
On‑the‑Job TrainingVariesEmployer-led training

Trade Schools in Hawaii


Hawaii Licensing Overview

TradeLicensing Overview (check state/local rules)
ElectricianState and/or local licensing; exams and hours may apply
PlumberContractor or plumbing board requirements vary by jurisdiction
HVAC TechnicianOften licensed via mechanical/contractor board; EPA 608 typically required
Solar InstallerMay require electrical license; NABCEP certification recommended
WelderEmployer or AWS/City certifications based on project requirements

Hawaii Trade Career Outlook

Building & Construction Trades

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Carpenter$85,2804.5%
Welder$79,0002.2%
Plumber$78,0604.5%
Flooring Installer$77,2809.5%
Construction Worker$77,1107.3%

Construction Management & Inspection

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Construction Manager$128,9108.7%
Home Inspector$79,320-0.8%

Electrical & Energy Systems

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Lineworker$134,3406.6%
Electrician$96,4609.5%
Solar Installer$70,37042.1%
Tower Technician$65,9708.6%
HVAC Technician$65,4508.1%
Wind Turbine Technician$64,12049.9%

Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Heavy Equipment Operator$115,8603.6%
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)$90,8304.0%
Gunsmith$88,5802.0%
CNC Machinist$84,4100.0%
Diesel Technician$80,0802.4%
Truck Driver (CDL)$59,8204.0%
Maintenance Technician$57,9603.8%
Auto Mechanic$52,1604.2%
Automotive Technician$52,1604.2%

Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)$71,1402.6%
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)$71,1402.6%
Hemodialysis Technician$59,9005.2%
Mental Health Technician$55,15020.0%
Medical Assistant$48,41012.5%
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)$45,3502.3%
Patient Care Technician$45,3502.3%
Home Health Aide$38,11017.0%

Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer$124,43013.0%
EKG Technician$111,7303.0%
Radiologic Technologist$101,7004.3%
Surgical Technologist$82,6404.5%
Optician$75,3002.9%
Sterile Processing Technician$51,63010.0%
Phlebotomy Technician$47,7505.6%
Pharmacy Technician$46,7606.4%
Dental Assistant$44,7206.4%

Healthcare: Administration & Office Support

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist$63,1807.1%
Medical Office Administrator$49,9204.2%

Therapy, Rehab & Fitness

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Massage Therapist$81,28015.4%
Occupational Therapy Assistant$72,71019.2%
Personal Trainer$48,29011.9%
Physical Therapy Aide$33,8102.8%

Animal Care & Training

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician$48,5509.1%
Veterinary Assistant$44,0708.7%
Dog Trainer$39,9905.1%

Beauty & Personal Care

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Esthetician$45,3306.7%
Beauty Professional$35,0405.6%
Cosmetologist$35,0405.6%

Culinary & Hospitality Careers

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Culinary Chef$48,4147.1%
Pastry Chef$48,4147.1%

Business & Legal Support

TradeMedian SalaryJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Digital Court Reporter$72,420-0.3%
Paralegal$62,8400.2%
Bookkeeper$48,730-5.8%

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; job growth uses state projections when available and national projections when state data is unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. State data (Hawaii) shown where available; national OEWS values used when state data is unavailable. Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.


Get Started in Hawaii

Pick a trade, compare programs, and take the first step toward a stable, hands-on career.


Citations


About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.