Electrician Schools in Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide

Electricians play an essential role in maintaining Hawaii's infrastructure, but joining this workforce requires meeting the state's specific 240-hour rule for academic coursework. Fortunately, formal schooling and training paths are readily available across the islands to help you meet these requirements. With strong job growth projections, now is the perfect time to explore the electrician schools and programs Hawaii has to offer.

Career Overview: Electrician Jobs in Hawaii

The electrician workforce is projected to grow significantly over the next decade. According to the Department of Labor & Industrial Relations in Hawaii, the electrician occupation has a 0.7% annual growth rate, with 290 new jobs created each year. This demand is driven by construction industries and infrastructure maintenance, with successful contractors achieving significant revenue growth through operational efficiency.

• Job outlook: The median annual wage in Hawaii for an electrician is $74,140, with a total of 520 annual openings.

• Daily responsibilities: Tasks include blueprint reading, diagnostic troubleshooting, installing electric circuits, handling conduits, and adhering to strict safety practices.

• Work environment: Electricians work in diverse settings, including commercial, residential, and industrial sites.

Hawaii Electrician Licensing Requirements

All electrical work in the state is regulated by the Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers. Understanding these requirements is critical because they dictate the specific training you must complete.

The state issues several electrical license categories, including:

• Journey worker electrician: Requires 10,000 hours of experience plus 240 hours of electrical academic coursework.

• Supervising electrician: Requires four years of experience as a licensed journey worker.

• Journey worker industrial electrician: Specialized for industrial settings, requiring 8,000 hours experience and 200 hours coursework.

• Supervising industrial electrician: Requires three years of experience as a licensed journey worker industrial electrician.

• Journey worker specialty electrician: Covers specific electrical fields, requiring 6,000 hours experience and 120 hours coursework.

• Supervising specialty electrician: Requires two years of experience as a licensed journey worker specialty electrician.

• Maintenance electrician: Focuses on maintaining existing systems.

Under HRS Section 448E-5, applicants for the journey worker electrician license must complete at least 240 hours of electrical academic coursework. This requirement necessitates enrollment in technical colleges or approved apprenticeship programs that provide classroom instruction.

In addition to state licensing, many electricians obtain EPA Section 608 certification for handling refrigerants and OSHA 10/30 cards for workplace safety compliance.

To gain experience and prepare for electrical contractor exams, most applicants enroll in an electrician apprenticeship program or attend a technical college to earn certification and secure a trainee position.

In most cases, obtaining an electrician license in Hawaii takes a minimum of five years, or 10,000 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.

Electrician Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a trade school or technical college, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you intend to work. Licensing requirements vary by state; Hawaii requires a minimum level of education.

There's typically a range of degree and certificate programs. Some electrical contractors may offer full-time, hands-on training while you attend a college program at night or on weekends. If you choose to start at a technical college, the time it takes to complete each kind of program and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common programs are:

• Certificate program: three to six months

• Associate's degree: two years

• Bachelor's degree: four years

Put simply, the longer the program, the more it costs. If you wish to be an electrical engineer, you'll need at least a four-year bachelor's degree. If this path interests you, you may want to explore the Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree program at one of Hawaii's four-year universities, such as the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

As noted earlier, in many cases but not always, formal education pays off in higher wages.

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Electrical programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in commercial, industrial, or residential electrical applications. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school. Some are intended to provide students with a foundation of knowledge to prepare them to become helpers and secure their first job with a licensed electrician.

Typically, they include coursework in the fundamentals of the electrical trade. Classroom and laboratory experiences enable students to become proficient in installing and maintaining electrical systems, wiring, transformers, A/C and D/C motor control circuits, instrumentation, and programmable logic controllers used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They all cover safety and the National Electric Code (NEC). Among the most common classes offered in these programs are:

• Foundations of mathematics

• Industrial safety procedures

• Direct current

• Alternating current

• Electrical prints, schematics, and symbols

• Commercial wiring

• Residential wiring

• Electrical controls

• Diagnostic troubleshooting

School Selection Criteria

There are many factors to consider when selecting the right school and program. It is also beneficial to check if the program is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), which sets industry standards for construction education.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. For the 2024-2025 academic year, resident tuition is $131 per credit hour at University of Hawaii Community Colleges, with average annual tuition and fees of approximately $4,050. However, many of the accredited electrician programs listed here are part of apprenticeship programs, so tuition may be reimbursed by, or paid outright by, the student's employer or union. There will be some variations in fees across schools, so be sure to review all costs involved.

You will also incur costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program length

Apprenticeships typically last four to five years and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job experience. Most require a high school diploma or a GED.

Level of difficulty

Electrician training programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions as electrical technicians in commercial, industrial, or residential settings. The BLS says technical instruction for apprentices includes electrical theory, blueprint reading, mathematics, electrical code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices. Students may also receive specialized training related to soldering, communications, fire alarm systems, and elevators.

Electrician Training Pathways: School vs. Apprenticeship

Aspiring electricians in Hawaii generally choose between two primary paths to meet their training and electrical academic coursework requirements. Both pathways lead to licensure, but they differ in structure and cost.

Accredited Electrician Schools in Hawaii

The following community colleges provide the electrical academic coursework required by the state. These programs typically cover residential wiring, commercial wiring, motor controls, and the National Electrical Code.

• Honolulu Community College: Offers an Associate in Applied Science or Certificate of Achievement in Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technology (EIMT). The school also partners with local unions for apprenticeship instruction.

• Hawaii Community College (Hilo): Provides a Certificate of Achievement or AAS degree. The curriculum includes extensive training in residential wiring and commercial wiring.

• Kauai Community College: Offers a Certificate of Competence or AAS degree, focusing on electrical trades fundamentals and code compliance.

• Leeward Community College: Features an Electrical Technology Program specialized for maintenance electricians and industrial electricians.

• University of Hawai'i Maui College: Offers relevant electrical coursework and training in sustainable technology. Many of Hawaii's technical colleges also provide training for HVAC professionals seeking similar career paths.

Steps for Enrollment and Application

Whether applying to a technical college or an apprenticeship program, you will generally need to follow these steps:

• Prerequisites: A high school diploma or GED. Most programs require a valid driver's license and passing grades in algebra classes.

• Application process: Complete the online application for your chosen school or training fund. You will likely need to submit academic transcripts and may need to take placement tests.

• Financial aid: If attending a community college, complete the FAFSA to apply for Pell Grants and other tuition assistance.

Electrician Salary in Hawaii

Hawaii's high cost of living often correlates with higher median wages for skilled tradespeople. According to Payscale (2023), the median electrician salary in Hawaii varies significantly by experience level:

• Entry-Level / Apprentice (< 2 years): $53,100

• Mid-Level / Journey Worker Electrician (2-4 years): $61,100

• Senior Electrician (4-6 years): $69,600

• Supervisor (> 7 years): $90,900

For a detailed breakdown, visit our state-by-state salary guide.

Hawaii Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeships are a popular career path because they offer paid training. In Hawaii, you have three primary options:

• Union apprenticeship: The Hawaii Electricians Training Fund (HETF) works with IBEW Local 1186. Applicants must pass the NJATC aptitude test, complete a boot camp, and show proof of completing an algebra class.

• Non-union apprenticeship: Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Hawaii offers a recognized apprenticeship program. They also offer a specific Electrician 240 Class for experienced workers who need to meet the academic hours requirement for licensing.

• Government/municipal: The City and County of Honolulu Trades Apprenticeship Program occasionally opens recruitment for Trades Apprentice positions, offering a pathway into public works.

Check out our comprehensive Hawaii Licensing Guide to learn more about launching your career.

Whether you are just starting your training or preparing for your contractor exam, understanding the business side of the trade is crucial. Top contractors like Adams Power use ServiceTitan to manage their operations efficiently, from dispatching to invoicing.

ServiceTitan is a field service management platform built specifically for electrical contractors, with a mobile app that helps technicians manage jobs, access customer information, and complete work efficiently on-site.

Features like Atlas and Field Pro also support ongoing learning and productivity, giving technicians in-app guidance, standardized processes, and best-practice workflows that help reinforce skills long after school ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an electrician in Hawaii?

It typically takes 5 years to become a Journey Worker Electrician. This pathway requires 10,000 hours of documented work experience and 240 hours of electrical academic coursework.

How much does electrician school cost in Hawaii?

Tuition rates for community colleges average $3,000 to $7,000 per year for residents. However, many students choose apprenticeship programs, which often cover tuition costs in exchange for work commitments.

Do I need a license to perform electrical work in Hawaii?

Yes, the Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers requires a license for all electrical work. You must meet specific experience and education requirements to qualify for licensure.

What is the 240-hour requirement for Hawaii electricians?

Hawaii law requires journey worker electrician applicants to complete 240 hours of formal electrical academic coursework. This must be completed at an accredited institution in addition to the required 10,000 hours of on-the-job training.