Hawaii Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Hawaii
Average Cost of Trade School in Hawaii
Most trade programs in Hawaii are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Hawaii, island logistics and limited training capacity can shape program availability, so planning ahead often matters more than in mainland states.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $5,230 higher than in-state on average.
| Hawaii Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $3,623 |
|---|---|
| Hawaii Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $8,853 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Hawaii
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Hawaii Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Hawaii trade training often includes 6–24 months of school-based preparation for entry roles, while apprenticeships commonly run 3–5 years depending on required hours and related instruction.
- Licensing rules vary by trade and can be influenced by local permitting and inspection. For regulated work and contracting, requirements may include supervised hours and exams—confirm with Hawaii licensing resources and local building departments.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Hawaii
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Hawaii. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $27.78 | $1,111 | $4,815 | $57,786 |
| AV Technician | $34.53 | $1,379 | $5,977 | $71,722 |
| Carpenter | $27.03 | $1,081 | $4,685 | $56,222 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $37.29 | $1,492 | $6,464 | $77,563 |
| CNC Machinist | $25.57 | $1,023 | $4,432 | $53,186 |
| Construction | $27.14 | $1,086 | $4,704 | $56,451 |
| Concrete Finisher | $29.76 | $1,190 | $5,158 | $61,901 |
| Diesel Technician | $30.87 | $1,235 | $5,351 | $64,210 |
| Electrician | $32.66 | $1,306 | $5,661 | $67,933 |
| Heavy Equipment | $26.64 | $1,054 | $4,555 | $54,654 |
| HVAC Technician | $30.11 | $1,204 | $5,219 | $62,633 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $29.77 | $1,190 | $5,161 | $61,927 |
| Ironworker | $28.37 | $1,135 | $4,917 | $59,007 |
| Lineworker | $44.44 | $1,778 | $7,704 | $92,442 |
| Marine Mechanic | $30.76 | $1,230 | $5,330 | $63,978 |
| Mason | $28.90 | $1,156 | $5,009 | $60,112 |
| Plumber | $34.58 | $1,366 | $5,921 | $71,054 |
| Roofer | $25.77 | $1,031 | $4,462 | $53,542 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $27.29 | $1,074 | $4,653 | $55,831 |
| Welder | $26.13 | $1,045 | $4,527 | $54,327 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
How Easy It Is to Find Trade Jobs in Hawaii
Entry difficulty: Moderate to more competitive, with licensing and island-specific constraints. Hawaii offers steady trade job availability, but entry can be more competitive due to statewide licensing requirements, a strong union presence in some trades, and the logistical limits of island-based labor markets. Workers who secure credentials often find consistent demand.
Unlike mainland states where trade employment can shift between regions easily, Hawaii’s demand is concentrated around permanent infrastructure, tourism facilities, and public systems that must operate continuously. Hotels, resorts, utilities, military installations, and healthcare facilities create ongoing needs for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders, and maintenance trades.
Geographic isolation increases reliance on local skilled labor, which supports long-term employment but also raises expectations for experience, reliability, and licensing compliance.
What Actually Drives Trade Hiring in Hawaii
- Tourism and hospitality infrastructure: Hotels, resorts, and commercial facilities require continuous maintenance and system upgrades.
- Utilities and energy systems: Power generation, water systems, and renewable energy projects rely on skilled electrical and mechanical trades.
- Military and federal installations: Bases and support facilities generate steady, long-term trade employment.
- Climate and corrosion-related maintenance: Salt air and humidity increase demand for repair and replacement work.
Where Trade Jobs Are Concentrated — and Why
- Oʻahu: The state’s population, government, and commercial center, supporting the highest concentration of trade jobs.
- Maui and Hawaiʻi Island: Tourism facilities, utilities, and regional infrastructure sustain skilled trade demand.
- Island-specific service hubs: Limited labor pools create consistent hiring for experienced local tradespeople.
Tourism, Utilities, and Infrastructure Anchors
Hawaii’s trade workforce is supported by permanent facilities that require constant operation rather than short-term development cycles:
- Hospitality and resort facilities — Ongoing maintenance and upgrades drive electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work.
- Utilities and renewable energy systems — Skilled trades maintain isolated and complex infrastructure.
- Military and public facilities — Long-term roles tied to federal and state operations.
How Trade Workers Actually Get Hired in Hawaii
Trade jobs in Hawaii are commonly accessed through formal licensing pathways and employer-based hiring within localized markets:
- Licensed contractor and employer hiring: Credentials are often required before on-site work.
- Apprenticeships and union programs: A primary entry path for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades.
- Trade schools and technical training: Classroom instruction supports licensing and certification needs.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Opportunities in Hawaii
Hawaii has a strong union presence in many skilled trades, particularly on large commercial, resort, and public projects. Non-union opportunities exist, but licensing requirements and limited labor markets apply across both pathways.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom instruction and on-the-job training | Primarily on-the-job training; structure varies by employer |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scale with scheduled raises | Pay increases based on performance, experience, or employer policy |
| Benefits | Typically includes health insurance, pension, and retirement plans | Benefits depend on employer; may be limited or optional |
| Job Mobility | Dispatch-based work; access to prevailing-wage projects | Direct hiring; project availability varies by island |
| Best Fit For | Those seeking long-term stability and higher wage ceilings | Those prioritizing residential or small-scale service work |