Licensing Guides
Hawaii Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Hawaii
Electrical
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Hawaii?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Hawaii?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Hawaii?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Hawaii?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Hawaii?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Hawaii?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Hawaii.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 3,020 in Hawaii.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, doesn't provide a projection for Hawaii.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Hawaii in July 2025 totaled 40,600 an increase of 1,300 (3.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 2,900 or 8% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Hawaii
Is a state license required to be an electrician in Hawaii? Yes.
All electrical work performed in the state of Hawaii requires a license issued by the Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers, which is a part of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing Division.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Hawaii
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the electrical field in Hawaii. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Complete the required number of classroom hours and hands-on job experience required for licensure.
Apply for and take a licensing exam.
Pay all applicable fees.
If you plan to operate your own electrical business in Hawaii, you must become a Hawaii electrical contractor. To do so, you register with the Hawaii Contractors License Board and obtain workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance that covers property damage and bodily injury. You’ll also have to pass a contractor exam.
How to Become an Electrician in Hawaii
To become a licensed electrician in Hawaii, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements
Pay all applicable fees.
Below are the specifics for each license.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Five years of experience, but not less than 10,000 hours, in residential or commercial wiring, and satisfactory completion of 240 hours of electrical academic coursework at an accepted University of Hawaii Community College that offers an appropriate program of study.
Apply for license: Must submit an application form, including an experience verification form, with a $40 application fee.
Pass exam: Upon approval by the board of your application, you will be sent an "Examination Registration Form” with the information you need to take the exam administered by PSI Services.
Pay Fee: $306 or less (Prorated cost decreases per month and year throughout the three-year licensing cycle.)
Limitations: Can perform basic electrical work under general supervision.
SUPERVISING ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Four years of experience as a licensed journey worker electrician or the equivalent.
Apply for license: Must submit an application, including an experience verification form, with a $40 application fee.
Pass exam: Upon approval by the board of your application, you will be sent an "Examination Registration Form” with the information you need to take the exam administered by PSI Services.
Pay Fee: $306 or less (Prorated cost decreases per month and year throughout the three-year licensing cycle.)
Limitations: Can perform and supervise residential and commercial electrician work.
JOURNEY WORKER INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Four years—but not less than 8,000 hours—in industrial electrical work, and satisfactory completion of 200 hours of electrical academic coursework at a University of Hawaii Community College.
Apply for license: Must submit an application, including an experience verification form, with a $40 application fee.
Pass exam: Upon approval by the board of your application, you will be sent an "Examination Registration Form” with the information you need to take the exam administered by PSI Services.
Pay Fee: $306 or less (Prorated cost decreases per month and year throughout the three-year licensing cycle.)
Limitations: Restricted to work relating to substation, switchgear, automatic controls, and other industrial electrical work in existing industrial buildings and workplaces.
SUPERVISING INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Three years of experience as a licensed journey worker industrial electrician or the equivalent.
Apply for license: Must submit an application, including an experience verification form, with a $40 application fee.
Pass exam: Upon approval by the board of your application, you will be sent an "Examination Registration Form” with the information you need to take the exam administered by PSI Services.
Pay Fee: $306 or less (Prorated cost decreases per month and year throughout the three-year licensing cycle.)
Limitations: Can perform and supervise work relating to substation, switchgear, automatic controls, and other industrial electrical work in existing industrial buildings and workplaces.
JOURNEY WORKER SPECIALTY ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Three years—but not less than 6,000 hours—working in the trade, and satisfactory completion of an appropriate University of Hawaii Community College program, totaling 120 hours of electrical academic coursework.
Apply for license: Must submit an application, including an experience verification form, with a $40 application fee.
Pass exam: Upon approval by the board of your application, you will be sent an "Examination Registration Form” with the information you need to take the exam administered by PSI Services.
Pay Fee: $306 or less (Prorated cost decreases per month and year throughout the three-year licensing cycle.)
Limitations: Can perform installation, repair, alteration, and maintenance work, but is not authorized to attach lighting and power circuits to multiple systems.
SUPERVISING SPECIALTY ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Two years of experience as a licensed journey worker specialty electrician or the equivalent.
Apply for license: Must submit an application, including an experience verification form, with a $40 application fee.
Pass exam: Upon approval by the board of your application, you will be sent an "Examination Registration Form” with the information you need to take the exam administered by PSI Services.
Pay Fee: $306 or less (Prorated cost decreases per month and year throughout the three-year licensing cycle.)
Limitations: Can perform and supervise installation, repair, alteration, and maintenance work.
MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: One year of electrical maintenance work, and satisfactory completion of an appropriate study program offered by a University of Hawaii Community College, totaling 80 hours of electrical academic coursework or two years of schooling in the trade, with no less than 1,000 hours of hands-on lab exercises.
Apply for license: Must submit an application, including an experience verification form, with a $40 application fee.
Pass exam: Upon approval by the board of your application, you will be sent an "Examination Registration Form” with the information you need to take the exam administered by PSI Services.
Pay Fee: $306 or less (Prorated cost decreases per month and year throughout the three-year licensing cycle.)
Limitations: Limited to performing electrical maintenance work on existing electrical installations only.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Hawaii
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Hawaii? There are seven different electrician licenses in the state, each with their own qualification requirements and limitations. The license types are:
Journey Worker Electrician
This is the most comprehensive entry-level electrician license in the state. Journey Worker Electricians can perform general electrical installation and wiring work under supervision, covering both residential and commercial applications.
Supervising Electrician
This advanced license allows electricians to supervise other journey worker electricians.
Journey Worker Industrial Electrician
This is a specialized license for industrial electrical work. This license is restricted to work relating to substations, switchgear, automatic controls, and other industrial electrical work in existing industrial buildings and workplaces.
Supervising Industrial Electrician
Allows supervision of industrial electrical work and other journey worker industrial electricians.
Journey Worker Specialty Electrician
This license allows installation, repair, alteration, and maintenance work, but license holders are not authorized to attach lighting and power circuits to multiple systems—a significant limitation compared to the full Journey Worker Electrician license.
Supervising Specialty Electrician
Allows supervision of specialty electrical work and other journey worker specialty electricians.
Maintenance Electrician
This is the most restricted license category, limited to electrical maintenance work only.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Hawaii
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Hawaii.
First and most important, it is required by law in Hawaii to be licensed through the state to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Hawaii?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Hawaii is $86,6900 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Hawaii those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $62,800
Intermediate (2-4 years): $73,700
Senior (4-7 years): $79,400
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Hawaii?
There is a $40 application fee. The license fee is prorated based on when you apply in the three-year application cycle:
If applying for your license between July 1, and June 30, of the first year of the triennium: $306
If applying for your license between July 1, and June 30, of the second year of the triennium: $204
If applying for your license between July 1, and June 30, of the third year of the triennium: $102
There will also be costs associated with getting the required education. For Hawaii community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $2,815 per year for in-state students and $7,663 for out-of-state students.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Hawaii?
Obtaining an electrician license in Hawaii takes a minimum of four years, or 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience, combined with anywhere from 120 to 1,000 hours of classroom work, depending on the desired level of licensure.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your supervisor.
As a licensed contractor you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Hawaii Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Hawaii.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the United States Department of Labor.
You can seek out a union apprenticeship available through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. JATCs have been established through the combined efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) who have come together to form the National Training Alliance.
Or you can complete a technical school program conducted by or accepted by a University of Hawaii Community College.
There are a number of local community colleges that offer approved programs. A few are:
Hawaii Community College
Honolulu Community College
Kauai Community College
Leeward Community College
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition at a Hawaii community college is approximately $2,815 per year for in-state students and $7,663 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Hawaii, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide.
Hawaii Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Hawaii requires an electrician exam for each level of licensing:
Journey Worker Electrician
$95 exam fee
70 questions that must be completed in 180 minutes
Question topics include general electrical knowledge, conductors and cables, raceways and enclosures, lighting, and safety information.
Supervising Electrician
$95 exam fee
70 questions that must be completed in 180 minutes
Question topics include general electrical knowledge, branch circuits, conductors and cables, raceways and boxes, lighting, and safety information.
Journey Worker Industrial Electrician
$95 exam fee
70 questions that must be completed in 180 minutes
Question topics include general electrical knowledge, conductors and cables, raceways and boxes, grounding and bonding, and safety information.
Supervising Industrial Electrician
$95 exam fee
70 questions that must be completed in 180 minutes
Question topics include general electrical knowledge, conductors and cables, raceways and boxes, grounding and bonding, and safety information.
Journey Worker Specialty Electrician
$95 exam fee
50 questions that must be completed in 120 minutes
Question topics include general electrical knowledge, conductors and cables, fire detectors and alarm systems, grounding and bonding, and safety information.
Supervising Specialty Electrician
$95 exam fee
50 questions that must be completed in 120 minutes
Question topics include general electrical knowledge, conductors and cables, fire detectors and alarm systems, grounding and bonding, and safety information.
Maintenance Electrician
$95 exam fee
50 questions that must be completed in 120 minutes
Question topics include general electrical knowledge, conductors and cables, raceways and boxes, grounding and bonding, and safety information.
The electrician examinations are offered by PSI Services, LLC. Exam candidates may register for examination after the Board approves an applicant for examination and sends a letter of approval.
Visit this link to register for any of the exams.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Hawaii?
At each level you must complete a certain amount of training before sitting for the exam. The required experience and education will help prepare you for the examination. You will want to study the National Electrical Code (NEC). The tests are open book and allow you to have permanent tabs in the NEC so you can easily navigate it during the exam. You can also take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Hawaii?
All electrician licenses are issued by the Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers, part of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division (PVL).
Does My Hawaii Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
No, Hawaii does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states. Some states allow you to bypass exam and experience requirements under certain circumstances, so make sure to check licensing information if you plan to work in another state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not have reciprocal agreements with other states, but you may use out-of-state experience to meet licensing requirements.
Submit the standard Experience Verification Form completed and signed by a licensed electrician.
If your supervisor is licensed outside Hawaii, include a license verification showing the license’s effective date.
The licensed electrician must provide their license details and sign the form in the presence of a notary.
National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national professional electrician certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Hawaii?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Hawaii. Opportunities include:
IBEW Local 1260: Offers scholarships for members' dependents and working members for personal development in electrical trades.
General Contractors Association of Hawaii (GCA): Provides scholarships for construction and engineering majors, including those in electrical fields.
Makaha Learning Center: Offers the Ho'omau Scholarship for construction and trade school/apprenticeship programs in Hawaii.
HEI Scholarship Program: For dependents of Hawaiian Electric Industries employees pursuing college.
Every scholarship has slightly different requirements and application processes but in general you will need to:
Visit the organization's website.
Fill out an application.
Include a letter or letters of recommendation.
Wait for scholarships to be awarded.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Hawaii?
Your electrical license can be verified through the online license search portal provided by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. This portal allows for free and real-time verification of various professional licenses, including electrician licenses.
Simply go to the official DCCA license verification page at https://mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov/public-license-search.
Input the necessary details, such as the license number, name, or other relevant information, into the search fields.
The system will then display the license information, including the license status, expiration date, and other relevant details, confirming if the license is valid.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Hawaii?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Hawaii electrician licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud in obtaining a license
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Unethical conduct or practice harmful to the public
Habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Hawaii electrician license regulations, you can refer to the DCCA Administrative Rules.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Hawaii?
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 487‑13, furnishing electrical services without a required license is considered an unlawful act or practice. Civil penalties include:
$500–$2,500 per unlicensed act or practice, enforceable via civil suit by the Office of Consumer Protection or DCCA.
Any contract for unlicensed electrical work is void, and the worker cannot recover payment for the work or materials.
You can also be charged with a misdemeanor and up to one year in jail. If the unlicensed work costs more than $20,000, you can be charged with a felony.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Hawaii electrical license regulations you can refer to the DCCA Administrative Rules.
Continuing Education
All licensed electricians will need to provide proof of completing the continued competency requirement at the time of license renewal. The requirement is four hours of continuing education covering updates to the National Electrical Code.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
