How to Become a Carpenter in Hawaii (2026)
Hawaii employs about 4,810 carpenters earning a median $85,280 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most carpenters train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Hawaii.
Compare Carpenter Schools in Hawaii
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kauai Community College | 49.7 | $3,252 in-state / $8,388 out-of-state | $49,286 | 48% | Yes* | 107 mi |
| 2 | Honolulu Community College | 48.2 | $3,174 in-state / $8,310 out-of-state | $71,254 | 25% | — | 1 mi |
| 3 | Hawaii Community College | 33.3 | $3,204 in-state / $8,340 out-of-state | $46,462 | 33% | — | 212 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 4,810 carpenters according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $85,280 1. The state’s concentration of carpenter jobs is 1.78x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 74,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Carpenter in Hawaii, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Hawaii): $85,280 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Carpenter in Hawaii
How to become a Carpenter in Hawaii? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for carpenters in Hawaii.
How long does it take? Most paths into the carpenter field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do carpenters earn in Hawaii? The median annual wage for carpenters in Hawaii is $85,280 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $52,760 and experienced professionals can earn $115,900 or more 1.
How to Become a Carpenter in Hawaii
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Hawaii training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Hawaii that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- 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 carpenters in Hawaii before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Carpenter Apprenticeship Information in Hawaii
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Hawaii’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Hawaii Workforce Development Division - Apprenticeships 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Hawaii Workforce Development Division
- Address: 830 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Phone: (808) 586-8877
- Email: [email protected]
Carpenter Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
Carpenters Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), carpenters 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 | 3,120 | $94,310 | $89,400 | $53,860 | $115,470 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 700 | $82,110 | $85,220 | $49,530 | $120,640 |
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 carpenters in Hawaii? Hawaii currently employs approximately 4,810 carpenters 1. Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Hawaii? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Hawaii. You can also contact the Hawaii Workforce Development Division - Apprenticeships for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do carpenters earn in Hawaii compared to the national average? The median annual wage for carpenters in Hawaii is $85,280, which is $25,970 above the national median of $59,310 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Hawaii
Top local programs
- Best Carpenter Schools in Hawaii (2026)
- Best Carpenter Schools in Hilo, Hawaii (2026)
- Best Carpenter Schools in Honolulu, Hawaii (2026)
- Best Carpenter Schools in Kailua, Hawaii (2026)
- Best Carpenter Schools in Kaneohe, Hawaii (2026)
- Best Carpenter Schools in Pearl City, Hawaii (2026)
- Best Carpenter Schools in Waipahu, Hawaii (2026)
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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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Hawaii Workforce Development Division - Apprenticeships: http://labor.hawaii.gov/wdd/home/employers/apprenticeship/ ↩︎
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) |