Hawaii Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

Licensed electricians in Hawaii provide important services for their customers. Not only do they install electrical wires in new homes, but electricians also repair existing wire connections. As a result, the electrical industry is growing at a steady rate. Electrician careers in the U.S. are growing at about 6% per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hawaii’s statewide electrician career growth is expected to match the nation’s overall job growth.  

If you want to become a licensed electrician in Hawaii, it’s important to understand the steps to getting there, from your education to training and taking the license test. Our guide contains everything you need to know about getting a Hawaii electrical license and locating employment opportunities, including helpful links and information.

Does Hawaii require an electrical license?

Yes, electricians in Hawaii must be licensed to perform electrical work on residential and commercial properties. Performing electrical work without a license is against the law in Hawaii. Licenses are issued by the Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers, a division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Hawaii?

Hawaii issues several types of electrician licenses, all through the Professional & Vocational Licensing Division of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. We’ve listed each type of license and a brief overview of the qualifications below:

• Journey Worker Electrician: Minimum of 10,000 hours (at least five years) of hands-on experience in either commercial or residential (or a combination of both) wiring, plus completion of at least 240 hours of electrical coursework at a University of Hawaii community college with a board-approved course program.
• Journey Worker Industrial Electrician: A minimum of 8,000 hours (at least 4 years) of field experience in industrial electrical work is required, and completion of at least 200 hours of academic coursework in electrical studies at a University of Hawaii community college.
• Journey Worker Specialty Electrician: Minimum of 6,000 hours (at least 3 years) of hands-on electrical trade experience plus completing an electrician program of at least 120 credit hours at an accredited University of Hawaii community college.
• Supervising Electrician: A minimum of four years experience as a licensed journeyman electrician (or the educational or military equivalent) is required.
• Supervising Industrial Electrician: A minimum of three years experience working as a licensed industrial journeyman electrician (or similar experience and education) is required.
• Supervising Specialty Electrician: A minimum of two years of practical experience as a licensed journeyman specialty electrician (or the equivalent education) is required.
• Maintenance Electrician: This license limits the scope of electrical work you can legally perform, but it’s a great way to get your foot in the door as a Hawaii electrician. You must have at least one year of practical maintenance industrial experience plus complete a University of Hawaii community college course totaling at least 80 hours of classroom electrical work.

Optional certifications for Hawaii electricians

You must have an electrician’s license to legally perform electrical work in Hawaii. However, securing optional professional certifications indicates to potential employers and customers that you have specific skills and experience with niche systems.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the largest professional association of its kind. It is responsible for codifying NFPA 70®, or the National Electrical Code® (NEC®). The NFPA issues multiple professional certifications for electricians, including niche certifications for niche work such as building security alarms and fire suppression systems.

NECA certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the country’s largest and most well-respected association of professional electricians. It offers multiple continuing education courses and professional certifications. Plus, when you’re a member of a professional organization, there are great networking opportunities that can help you land a new job or find skilled people to hire.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) is an elite certification that only the most accomplished electricians achieve. The IEC also offers other certifications recognized in all 50 states. You can take practice tests for electrician exams and attend continuing education courses virtually.

How much does an electrician make in Hawaii?

Electrician pay in Hawaii is usually comparable to the cost of living in the area, especially in larger metro areas and tourist locations. The average wages for commonly offered electrical positions in Hawaii are as follows:

• Apprentice electrician: $29.60 per hour
• Electrical technician: $45.01 per hour
• General electrician: $86,425 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $88,883 per year
• Electrical foreman: $34.29 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $117,588 per year

The wages of professional electricians in Hawaii are higher than the national average on every level, but that’s to be expected in Hawaii, where salaries aren’t always directly comparable to the mainland. For example, the national average salary of a general electrician in the U.S. is $63,685 per year, compared to Hawaii’s $86,425. Even the starting salary for an electrician is higher in Hawaii, at $29.60 per hour versus the U.S. national average of $21.99 per hour.

Hourly electricians may get overtime pay, which can increase their income. And, when you have multiple professional certifications, niche skills, or plenty of education and experience, you can usually command a higher salary for the position you’re looking at than someone without.

How to get an electrician license in Hawaii

All Hawaii electrician careers start with an apprenticeship. You must complete your apprentice program before you are eligible to apply for other licenses. As a Hawaii electrician apprentice, you will perform electrical maintenance and installation work under the direction of a supervisory technician or journey worker electrician.

Hawaii electrician apprenticeship programs

There are many apprenticeship opportunities available on each of the Hawaiian Islands. Some of the top electrical apprenticeship programs in Hawaii include:

• Hawaii Department of Labor – Workforce Development Apprenticeship Program
• Hawaii Electricians Training Fund
• University of Hawaii – Honolulu Community College

Hawaii electrician apprenticeship program information: Hawaii apprenticeship application fees are between $25 and $100. Expect to pay up to $10,000 for electrician courses from a trade school or community college. Accredited trade schools generally offer financial aid options for apprentices. Some apprenticeships are paid for by sponsors. Electrician courses must be taken in a classroom.

Hawaii electrician apprenticeship prerequisites:

• Be at least 18 years old to enroll in an apprenticeship
• Pass a general aptitude examination
• Be physically capable of performing work as an electrician apprentice
• Have taken and passed an Algebra I class
• Participate in an interview
• Be a United States citizen to work on military bases

On-the-Job Experience:

• Troubleshoot electrical problems
• Install and connect wires
• Replace electrical wiring systems
• Repair electrical wires in existing dwellings

Hawaii license examination information

Applicants must score at least 70% on exams. The Hawaii Department of Consumer Affairs—Professional and Vocational Licensing Board administers the exams, which cost between $100 and $200 per test.

Hawaii electrical examination content includes:

• General Electrical Knowledge
• Raceways and Enclosures
• Feeders, Services, and Branch Circuits
• Grounding and Bonding
• Motors and Controls
• Safety

Test Preparation Resources:

Hawaii Electrician Exam – Tests.com

Electrician Practice Exam

Should I join an electrician union in Hawaii?

Electricians are not required to join a union. However, union members enjoy several benefits. Union representatives negotiate salaries, resulting in higher pay for members. Union members also have a pension plan, paid vacations, and sick pay.

If you are looking for an electrician’s union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the largest in the county. Its local branch, IBEW 1186, is in Honolulu. The IBEW offers apprenticeships across the country, which are recognized by state licensing agencies, including Hawaii’s.

How to use your electrician license to get a Job

Private companies and government organizations are looking for skilled electricians. Search the following job websites to find an electrician job:

• Hawaii.gov
• CareerBuilder
• Indeed
• Glassdoor

You can also use your professional network to find a job. Many apprentices find jobs where they completed their field training or are referred to jobs by their mentors or instructors. You can seek a job through your union membership if you’re in a union.

Electrician Insurance in Hawaii

Hawaii electricians encounter different job hazards. Live wires shock electricians. Minor mistakes can cause fires in residential and commercial buildings.

Hawaii electricians must be insured before they accept a job for electrical work. Electricians are usually insured by their employers. Self-employed electricians must pay for their own coverage. If you have a business with employees, you must carry Hawaii workers’ compensation insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Changing technology impacts the electrical industry. Electricians must know how to install or rewire electrical systems to meet the demand for smart homes and decorative lighting.
Cybersecurity threatens electrical grid lines, but electrical companies are finding ways to eliminate it. Electricians can attend trade shows to learn about the latest tools and technology. If you have experience installing electric vehicle charging ports or working with solar panels, you may find plenty of business as more people convert to sustainable vehicles and home power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my license only valid in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, so your Hawaii electrical license is only valid in that state.

I need to change my Hawaii electrical license information

Contact the Department of Taxation or go online to request a changed document.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Hawaii?

Renew your Hawaii electrical license triennially or every third year (2026, 2029, 2032). Hawaii electrician license renewal fees are $306 for an active license or $12 for an inactive license.