How to Become A Patient Care Technician in Hawaii
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii employs approximately 5,050 workers in the related “Nursing Assistants” category (SOC 31-1131), with a median annual wage of $45,350 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 204,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a patient care technician in Hawaii, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
A note on salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track patient care technician salaries as a separate category. The wage figures on this page are based on the closest matching BLS classification: Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131). Actual patient care technician earnings may vary.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Patient Care Technician in Hawaii
How do I become a patient care technician in Hawaii? Hawaii requires credentials such as Nurse Aide. The licensing authority is the Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - HI Certified Nurse Aide Program 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Hawaii? Yes. Hawaii has licensing or registration requirements for patient care technicians. The Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - HI Certified Nurse Aide Program oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do patient care technicians earn in Hawaii? The BLS does not track patient care technician wages separately. Based on the related “Nursing Assistants” category, the median annual wage in Hawaii is $45,350, with entry-level wages around $36,000 and experienced workers earning $52,660 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - HI Certified Nurse Aide Program
- Median wage (Hawaii): $45,350 per year (based on related “Nursing Assistants” category) 1
- Exam requirement: Third-party exam required
Patient Care Technician License Requirements in Hawaii
The Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - HI Certified Nurse Aide Program oversees patient care technician licensing in Hawaii 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Nurse Aide | DESCRIPTION OF OCCUPATION: A Nurse Aide provides basic patient care under direction of nursing staff. Perform duties, such as feed, bathe, dress, groom, or move patients, or change linens. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Exam: Third-party exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Patient Care Technician Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
Patient Care Technician Wages by Metro Area in Hawaii
Note: The BLS does not track patient care technician wages separately. The data below is based on the closest matching category: Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), nursing assistants 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 | 3,770 | $45,260 | $45,390 | $35,990 | $52,660 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 330 | $47,630 | $46,850 | $39,260 | $56,830 |
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 2025.
Top Metros for Patient care technicians in Hawaii
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest patient care technician employment within Hawaii according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | 3,770 | $45,260 |
| Kahului-Wailuku | 330 | $47,630 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for patient care technicians in Hawaii? Hawaii employs approximately 5,050 workers in the related “Nursing Assistants” category 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a patient care technician in Hawaii with an out-of-state license? Contact the Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - HI Certified Nurse Aide Program for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Hawaii? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Hawaii.
How much do patient care technicians earn in Hawaii compared to the national average? The median annual wage for patient care technicians in Hawaii is $45,350 (based on the related “Nursing Assistants” category), which is $5,820 above the national median of $39,530 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
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 State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - HI Certified Nurse Aide Program - Licensing Information: http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/nurse/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
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/.