Independent salary reference. Not affiliated with BLS, IBEW, NECA, or any electrical contractor. All wage figures cite the source; individual earnings vary by employer, certifications, and market.
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BLS OES May 2024

Electrician Salary in Hawaii 2026

Updated 17 April 2026

$74,600/yr average · $35.87/hr

State Median

$75k

vs. National

+$13k

Top 10%

$110k

COL-Adjusted

$39k

Where Hawaii Ranks

Hawaii ranks #8 nationally for electrician median wages. The national median is $61,590 (BLS OES May 2024). Hawaii pays $13,010 above the national average.

Hawaii's cost-of-living index is 192 (MERIC 2026, where 100 = US average). After adjustment, the purchasing power of an electrician's salary here is equivalent to $38,854/yr in national-average dollar terms. The high cost of living significantly reduces the real value of nominal wages.

Pay by Metro Area

BLS OES May 2024 MSA-level data. Top 5 metropolitan areas in Hawaii.

Metro AreaMedian Annualvs. State Avg
Honolulu (Oahu)$78,400++3.8k
Maui County$73,200-1.4k
Hawaii County (Big Island)$70,800-3.8k
Kauai County$70,400-4.2k
Kapolei / Ewa$76,800++2.2k

Pay by Experience Level

LevelHourlyAnnual
Apprentice (Year 1)$22 - $28/hr$46,000 - $58,000
Apprentice (Year 4-5)$30 - $40/hr$62,000 - $83,000
Journeyman (Employee)$36 - $52/hr$75,000 - $108,000
Master Electrician (Employee)$44 - $62/hr$91,000 - $129,000
Self-Employed Contractor$100 - $185/hr billed$100,000 - $260,000 net

Hawaii Licensing Requirements

Licensing AuthorityHawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) - Board of Electricians and Plumbers
Journeyman Requirement5 years (10,000 hours) supervised electrical work + pass Hawaii Journey Worker Electrician examination. Hawaii uses Journey Worker, Maintenance, Supervising, and Specialty (low-voltage) categories
Master RequirementSupervising Electrician credential requires 1 year as a licensed Journey Worker + pass Supervising examination + employer's intent letter
FeeApproximately $200 exam + $109 license issuance (Hawaii DCCA fee schedule)
ReciprocityNone; Hawaii does not reciprocate with mainland states

See full 50-state licensing matrix at electriciansalary.com/licensing

Union Presence in Hawaii

IBEW Locals: IBEW Local 1186 (statewide Hawaii, headquartered Honolulu)

Union share: approximately 51% of electricians in Hawaii are union, one of the highest rates in the US.

Union electricians in Hawaii typically earn 20-35% more in total compensation than non-union electricians, when wages, health insurance, pension, and annuity are included.

Full IBEW wage scale breakdown and union vs non-union analysis

Job Outlook in Hawaii

Hawaii electricians benefit from sustained military electrical construction (Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Marine Corps Base Hawaii), the Lahaina rebuild on Maui following the August 2023 wildfires, and the state's renewable mandate of 100% by 2045 driving steady photovoltaic, battery storage, and grid work. Hawaii's extreme cost of living (192 MERIC index, highest in the US) substantially erodes nominal wage advantage.

Major Employers in Hawaii

Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)Albert C Kobayashi (ACK) IncHawaiian Dredging ConstructionGoodfellow BrosRalph S Inouye Co

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do electricians make in Hawaii?
Electricians in Hawaii earn $74,600/yr ($35.87/hr) on average per BLS OES May 2024. Apprentices start at around $47,200/yr. Top-earning master electricians and self-employed contractors can exceed $110,400/yr.
How does Hawaii rank for electrician pay?
Hawaii ranks #8 nationally for electrician median wages. After cost-of-living adjustment (MERIC index 192), the real purchasing power is $38,854/yr.
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Hawaii?
5 years (10,000 hours) supervised electrical work + pass Hawaii Journey Worker Electrician examination. Hawaii uses Journey Worker, Maintenance, Supervising, and Specialty (low-voltage) categories. For master level: Supervising Electrician credential requires 1 year as a licensed Journey Worker + pass Supervising examination + employer's intent letter.
Are union electricians better paid in Hawaii?
Yes. IBEW Local 1186 (statewide Hawaii, headquartered Honolulu) operate in Hawaii, with approximately 51% of electricians in Hawaii are union, one of the highest rates in the US. Union electricians earn 20-35% more in total compensation when wages, health insurance, pension, and annuity are included.
What is the job outlook for electricians in Hawaii?
Hawaii electricians benefit from sustained military electrical construction (Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Marine Corps Base Hawaii), the Lahaina rebuild on Maui following the August 2023 wildfires, and the state's renewable mandate of 100% by 2045 driving steady photovoltaic, battery storage, and grid work. Hawaii's extreme cost of living (192 MERIC index, highest in the US) substantially erodes nominal wage advantage.

Related Pages

All StatesLicensing RequirementsJourneyman SalaryMaster Electrician SalaryUnion vs Non-Union

Source: BLS OES May 2024 (47-2111), MERIC 2026 COL Index, IBEW local agreements 2025-2026.

Updated 2026-04-27