HVAC Technician in Hawaii

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$63,780

trending_up +6.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Hawaii.

engineering

1,110

Jobs (HI)

monitoring Surging

+8.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$228

Licensing fees

schedule

4 years (supervisory experience)

Time to complete

route 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.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,790

25th percentile $58,560

50th (median) $63,780

75th percentile $73,470

90th (experienced) $89,900

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Hawaii. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Hawaii requirements

Licensing body	Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing
State license	Not required
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

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+8.1%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

40,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

425,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -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.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+8.1%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if an hvac technician career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as an hvac technician in Hawaii? expand_more

The path to hvac technician licensure in Hawaii: complete the required education (High school diploma or equivalent.), pass the C-52 Ventilating & Air Conditioning Contractor Exam (Trade) and Business & Law Exam, and submit your application ($153 fee).

Do I need a license to work as an hvac technician in Hawaii? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as an hvac technician in Hawaii. Note: 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.

What do hvac technicians earn in Hawaii? expand_more

In Hawaii, the median pay for hvac technicians comes to $63,780/year. — 7% higher than the $59,810 national figure. The range spans from $45,790 at the entry level to $89,900 for top earners.

How expensive is hvac technician licensing in Hawaii? expand_more

Between exam fee ($75) and application fee ($153), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How many months or years does hvac technician certification take in Hawaii? expand_more

Most candidates in Hawaii complete the process in 4 years (supervisory experience), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.