If you want to become a licensed electrician in Hawaii, take a few moments to review the licensing requirements. This guide contains everything you need to know about getting a Hawaii electrical license and locating employment opportunities.

Does Hawaii require an electrical license? 

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.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Hawaii?

Hawaii electrical license categories include:

• Maintenance Electrician
• Journey Worker Electrician
• Supervisory Electrician

Maintenance electricians are authorized to repair and replace defective electrical elements. They work under the direction of supervisory electricians. Maintenance electrician applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have 2 years of experience as a licensed journey electrician
• Pass an examination

Journey worker electricians are authorized to work on complex electrical wiring projects (commercial and residential) without supervision. Journey worker electrician applicants must:

• Have 5 years and at least 10,000 hours of experience with commercial or residential wiring
• Enrolled in a Hawaii electrician program at the University of Hawaii Community College
• Be at least 18 years old
• Pass an examination

Supervisory electricians are authorized to perform electrical work and create plans for commercial and residential projects. They supervise other electricians, including apprentices. Supervisory electrician applicants must:

• Have at least 4 years of experience as a licensed Hawaii journey worker electrician
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass an examination

Licenses are issued by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional and Vocational Licensing. License fees are between $102 and $306.

The average hourly pay for Hawaii electricians is $29.76.

How to get an electrician license in Hawaii

Apply for a Hawaii apprenticeship program. 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:

• 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 a 70% on exams. Fees are between $100 and $200 per test. Exams are administered by the Hawaii Department of Consumer Affairs – Professional and Vocational Licensing Board.

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 of membership. Union representatives negotiate salaries, resulting in higher pay for members. Union members have a pension plan, paid vacations, and sick pay.

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:

• Electrical Agent
• CareerBuilder
• Electrical Jobs Today
• Glassdoor

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.

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 is a threat to electrical grid lines. Electrical companies are finding ways to eliminate cybersecurity threats. Electricians can attend trade shows to learn about the latest tools and technology.

Is my license only valid in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. Your Hawaii electrical license is only valid in the state.

I already have a license but:

• I changed my name – Submit a form to change the name on your license. Fee – $10.00
• I misplaced the card – Submit a form to request a new card. Fee – $10.00
• I changed my address – Submit a form to change your address. Fee – $10.00

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

Renew your Hawaii electrical license every three years. The electrician license renewal fees are between $102 and $306.