Warm temperatures year-round with humidity and salt-air exposure in many areas keep cooling systems under steady year-round load across Hawaii. Average pay runs $67,070/year — 3.5% above the national average — with 1,300 techs employed across Kahului and Urban Honolulu.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$43,120
entry-level
25th Pct
$55,630
early career
Median
$65,450
typical wage
75th Pct
$77,190
experienced
90th Pct
$99,430
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs — Contractors License Board
License type: C-52 Ventilating & Air Conditioning Contractor / C-40 Refrigeration Contractor
Threshold or scope: None — required statewide
Continuing education: 4 hours per 2-year renewal cycle
Key details: Designated qualifier with 4 yrs supervisory HVAC experience (last 10 yrs) + trade/business exams + insurance + financials.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
2
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
189
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
1,300
SOC 49-9021
42.86¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#51 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
1A
Very Hot-Humid
extreme_cooling
Hawaii sits in a Very Hot-Humid climate zone where extreme summer heat drives the HVAC market statewide. Cooling demand dominates the trade — AC service, refrigerant work, and high-efficiency system installations make up the bulk of HVAC technician work, with peak season running from May through September.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Hawaii earn a mean annual wage of $67,070, about 3.5% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $43,120, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $99,430. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The two largest HVAC job markets in Hawaii are Urban Honolulu with about 1,060 HVAC mechanics and Kahului with about 110 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Hawaii are Honolulu Community College, Hawaii Community College - OCET, and University of Hawaii / Kauai CC OCET. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
