HAWAII CAREER DATA PROFILE

Automotive Technician Career Guide in Hawaii

Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Hawaii.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Automotive Technician in Hawaii Snapshot
Median Salary $52,160
Hourly Wage $25.08
Job Growth +3.0% (2022–2032)
License Required

How to Become an Automotive Technician in Hawaii

Applicants generally combine approved automotive education with documented work experience and must pass the applicable licensing examination. ASE credentials may qualify applicants for examination or endorsement pathways.

Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.

Automotive Technician Salary in Hawaii

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Hawaii median wage for automotive technician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.

Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.

Hawaii Median $52,160
Hourly Wage $25.08
National Median $49,670

Compared with the national median of $49,670, the median wage in Hawaii is approximately $2,490 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in Hawaii

Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board

Official Website: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/motorvehicle/

License Types:

  • Motor Vehicle Mechanic
  • Motor Vehicle Mechanic – Engine Repair
  • Motor Vehicle Mechanic – Electrical Systems
  • Motor Vehicle Mechanic – Brakes
  • Motor Vehicle Mechanic – Suspension and Steering
  • Motor Vehicle Mechanic – Automatic Transmission
  • Motor Vehicle Repair Dealer

Authority Notes:

Hawaii licenses mechanics by repair classification. Applicants must satisfy experience, examination, and renewal requirements applicable to the requested classifications.

Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.

CAREER PREPARATION

Automotive Technician Training Requirements in Hawaii

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Automotive technicians in Hawaii must meet state motor vehicle mechanic licensing requirements for the repair classifications in which they work.

  • Complete automotive education or acquire qualifying supervised repair experience.
  • Apply for the appropriate mechanic classification through the Hawaii Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board.
  • Pass the required examination or provide an accepted current ASE certification for the applicable specialty.
  • Obtain EPA Section 609 certification before servicing automotive air-conditioning equipment.
  • Maintain and renew state credentials as required by the licensing board.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Automotive Technician Training Providers in Hawaii

Provider City Program Website
Honolulu Community College – Automotive Technology Honolulu View Program
Hawaii Community College – Automotive Mechanics Technology Hilo View Program
Kauai Community College – Automotive Technology Lihue View Program
Leeward Community College – Automotive Technology Pearl City View Program

Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.

PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Programs in Hawaii

Automotive Technician Career Training

Organization: Servco Pacific

Program Website

Automotive Technician Training

Organization: Cutter Automotive Galleries

Program Website

Toyota Technician Training & Education Network

Organization: Toyota Motor North America

Program Website

Ford Automotive Career Exploration

Organization: Ford Motor Company

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in Hawaii

Hawaii requires motor vehicle mechanics who independently diagnose or repair regulated vehicle systems to hold the appropriate mechanic license issued through the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Automotive Technician Job Outlook in Hawaii

+3.0% (2022–2032) Projected Employment Growth
2022 - 2032 Projection Period

Hawaii should continue to need automotive technicians to maintain passenger vehicles, rental fleets, commercial vehicles, and vehicles affected by the islands’ humid and salt-air conditions.

Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.

CAREER QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the automotive technician salary in Hawaii?

The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in Hawaii is approximately $52,160 per year, or $25.08 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Hawaii require automotive technician licensing?

Yes. Hawaii requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt automotive technician work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board.

How long does it take to become an automotive technician in Hawaii?

The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.

Are automotive technicians in demand in Hawaii?

Hawaii projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 3% from 2022 to 2032. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

Career Data Sources

State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Hawaii Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii Automotive Technician Wages
  3. Hawaii Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii Automotive Technician Employment Trends
  4. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board — Licensing authority. Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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