How to Become a Bookkeeper in Hawaii (2026)
Hawaii employs about 5,220 bookkeepers earning a median $48,730 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most bookkeepers train through an approved program before entering the field in Hawaii.
Compare Bookkeeper Schools in Hawaii
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kapiolani Community College | 64.3 | $3,284 in-state / $8,420 out-of-state | $51,544 | 22% | Yes* | 31 mi |
| 2 | Leeward Community College | 59.1 | $3,214 in-state / $8,350 out-of-state | $43,818 | 35% | Yes* | 45 mi |
| 3 | Kauai Community College | 49.7 | $3,252 in-state / $8,388 out-of-state | $49,286 | 48% | Yes* | 143 mi |
| 4 | University of Hawaii Maui College | 49.5 | $3,284 in-state / $8,420 out-of-state | $51,461 | 28% | Yes* | 59 mi |
| 5 | Hawaii Community College | 33.3 | $3,204 in-state / $8,340 out-of-state | $46,462 | 33% | — | 177 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Hawaii employs approximately 5,220 bookkeepers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $48,730 1. Nationally, bookkeeper employment is projected to grow -5.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 170,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Bookkeeper in Hawaii, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school or community college
- Typical timeline: varies by program; confirm with the school
- Median wage (Hawaii): $48,730 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Bookkeeper in Hawaii
How to become a Bookkeeper in Hawaii? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for bookkeepers in Hawaii.
How long does it take? bookkeeper training length in Hawaii varies by program. Confirm current requirements with the school and the state board before you enroll.
What do bookkeepers earn in Hawaii? The median annual wage for bookkeepers in Hawaii is $48,730 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $35,760 and experienced professionals can earn $65,090 or more 1.
How to Become a Bookkeeper in Hawaii
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Hawaii training programs require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete an approved training program. Enroll in an approved bookkeeper program in Hawaii that combines classroom instruction with supervised practice.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to bookkeepers in Hawaii before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Bookkeeper Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks wages in Hawaii vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 3,590 | $48,030 | $49,780 | $35,090 | $64,390 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 660 | $54,900 | $55,780 | $40,110 | $71,970 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for bookkeepers in Hawaii? Hawaii currently employs approximately 5,220 bookkeepers 1. Nationally, bookkeeper employment is projected to grow -5.8% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Hawaii? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Hawaii.
How much do bookkeepers earn in Hawaii compared to the national average? The median annual wage for bookkeepers in Hawaii is $48,730, which is $480 below the national median of $49,210 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Hawaii
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |