Certifications & licenses in Hawaii
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in HI. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Hawaii
Licensing landscape in Hawaii
To become a licensed cosmetologist, applicants in 2026 must complete 1,800 hours of training at an approved beauty school.
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
As of 2025, massage therapist applicants must complete a minimum of 570 training hours and pass the Hawaii State Massage License Exam.
Board of Massage Therapy
A Journey Worker Electrician license requires at least 10,000 hours of hands-on experience and 240 hours of classroom instruction.
Board of Electricians and Plumbers
EMT-Basic training in Hawaii requires a total of 315 hours, which includes 180 didactic hours and 135 clinical experience hours.
Hawaii Medical Board
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Hawaii
With the highest cost of living in the nation, a $75,000 salary in Hawaii has the purchasing power of roughly $40,780 in an average-cost state.
Regional comparison: Hawaii vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs HI |
|---|---|---|
| HI | $45,350 | — |
| CA | $47,630 | +5% vs HI |
| WA | $49,180 | +8% vs HI |
| OR | $49,830 | +10% vs HI |
| State | Required training hours | vs HI |
|---|---|---|
| HI | 570 hours | — |
| CA | 500 hours | -70 hours |
| WA | 625 hours | +55 hours |
| OR | 625 hours | +55 hours |
Healthcare in Hawaii
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $45,350 |
| Dental Assistant | No | $44,720 |
| EMT | Required | $66,410 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $71,140 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $48,410 |
| Medical Coder | No | $63,180 |
| Paramedic | Required | $81,280 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $46,760 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $47,750 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $101,700 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $136,320 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $94,210 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $82,640 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $97,570 |
Skilled Trades in Hawaii
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $59,820 |
| Electrician | Required | $96,460 |
| HVAC Technician | No | $65,450 |
| Plumber | Required | $78,060 |
| Welder | No | $79,000 |
Personal Care & Wellness in Hawaii
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | No | $48,290 |
| Barber | Required | — |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $35,040 |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $81,280 |
Professional & Business in Hawaii
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $74,500 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $62,840 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $64,170 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $46,220 |