Welder Career Guide in Hawaii
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Hawaii.
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How to Become a Welder in Hawaii
Training is available through University of Hawaii community colleges, union apprenticeships, shipyard employers, and construction contractors. Marine, structural, and pipe welding commonly requires project-specific qualification.
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.
Welder Salary in Hawaii
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Hawaii median wage for welder 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.
Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in Hawaii is approximately $28,000 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Hawaii
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 PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Hawaii
Welders in Hawaii generally enter the occupation through technical-school instruction, apprenticeship, military training, or paid employer training.
- Learn SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, cutting, layout, fabrication, and blueprint interpretation.
- Gain supervised experience in structural, pipe, marine, stainless-steel, or aluminum welding.
- Pass AWS, ASME, Navy, or employer qualification tests when required by the project.
- Complete OSHA safety training for hot work, confined spaces, fall protection, ventilation, and compressed gases.
- Perform contracted construction work through a business holding the appropriate Hawaii contractor classification.
Welder Training Providers in Hawaii
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu Community College | Honolulu | View Program |
| Hawaiʻi Community College | Hilo | View Program |
| Kauaʻi Community College | Līhuʻe | View Program |
| University of Hawaiʻi Maui College | Kahului | 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 OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Hawaii
Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Welder Licensing Requirements in Hawaii
Hawaii does not issue a general occupational license for welders employed by a contractor or manufacturer. Businesses contracting for structural steel, welding, piping, boiler, shipyard, or mechanical construction must hold the applicable Contractors License Board classification.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Hawaii
Hawaii projects welder employment to increase from approximately 670 jobs in 2024 to 680 jobs in 2034. This represents 2% growth and approximately 70 annual openings.
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 QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the welder salary in Hawaii?
The statewide median wage for welders in Hawaii is approximately $79,000 per year, or $37.96 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Hawaii require welder licensing?
Licensing requirements for welder workers in Hawaii vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Hawaii Contractors License Board before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a welder 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 welders in demand in Hawaii?
Hawaii projects welder employment to grow by approximately 2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 70 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
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.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Hawaii Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii Welder Wages
- Hawaii Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Hawaii Welder Employment Trends
- Hawaii Contractors License Board — Licensing authority. Hawaii Contractors License Board