As one of the oldest and best-paying jobs in construction, the field of carpentry remains appealing for many workers in Hawaii - both young and old. Thankfully, the field is constantly growing, and the demand for new workers continues to be encouraging.
In case you would like to join the set of dexterous individuals who fulfill this demand every year, there is a handful of crucial information you have to digest first before you begin. Among these are possible prerequisites, training paths, certification and licensing, and a handful of others.
You don’t have to worry, though. The sections below provide detailed explanations of these major questions and, as a bonus, reveal how much you can expect to earn as a carpenter in Hawaii.
How to Become a Carpenter in Hawaii
Individuals become carpenters in Hawaii by either enrolling in a trade program at a community college/trade school or by becoming an apprentice. Both options are valid and offer their distinct advantages.
For those who wish to enroll in college programs, there is often a requirement to possess either a high school diploma or GED. Age requirements also specify that applicants must be at least 17 years old.
Those who wish to go for apprenticeship programs must do so through approved trade unions or contractors. You may also find some carpenter apprenticeship programs backed by government employment agencies.
Most of these programs last for up to three years.
Top Carpentry Schools in Hawaii
Usually, a carpenter training school should have a modern training facility and a team of world-class instructors to become notable. It should also strongly connect with the industry to make employment easier for graduates.
The list below contains some of the most prominent carpentry schools in Hawaii that meet these criteria.
1. Hawaii Community College
1175 Manono Street, Hilo, HI 96720 - 509
One of the oldest and most prominent schools in Hawaii, Hawaii Community College has a wonderful Carpentry program to add to its collection of other high-quality trade programs.
Students who graduate from here do so with a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills, and experience. Topics like understanding and utilizing mathematical concepts in carpentry, understanding wood properties, and learning how to use power tools are all treated in depth.
2. Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund (HCATF) Training Center
2040 Lauwiliwili Street, Kapolei, HI 96817
Students in Hawaii who wish to acquire the highest Lego of carpentry training while also experiencing how it feels to work in a real-world setting may consider an apprenticeship program instead of a trade school program.
One of the most noteworthy alternatives is the carpenter training program offered at the Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund (HCATF) Training Center.
Among some of the unique features of the program is the fact that students here get to work with actual professionals who are masters of the craft and are still practicing.
3. Honolulu Community College
874 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu Hi 96817
Lastly, another viable college option for anyone wanting to study carpentry in Hawaii, particularly in the Honolulu area, is the carpentry program at Honolulu Community College.
Thanks to a team of experienced instructors, students are well-drilled in crucial topics such as the fundamentals of wood-frame construction, reading construction blueprints, and understanding materials and fasteners.
Students can choose between a basic certificate program and an associate’s degree. The former can be completed in one year, while the latter takes two years at least.
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Carpentry Licensure and Certification Requirements in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of six states that requires a license for carpenters. The specialty license requirement applies specifically to certain specializations, including framing installation, nonbearing partitions, and others.
To apply, candidates must possess at least four (4) years of full-time experience on the job within the last ten (10) years. After applying, they must sit for an examination with two different sections. The first section is the business and law section, while the second section examines topics specific to carpentry.
As a contractor, you must also have a certificate of liability insurance with a specific minimum amount. The application fee is $50, while the examination fee is $130. You will also have to pay a renewal fee every two years that costs between $415 to $545.
Salary and Job Outlook
Carpenters in Hawaii earn the highest annual average salary in the country. At 85,736 dollars per year, they earn 42% more than the national average for other states. They also enjoy overtime of about $7,015 every year should they choose.
Factoring location, the highest paying cities in the state are Kihei, Kailua Kona, and Waimea, with annual average salaries of $97,692, $90,567, and $89,073, respectively.
Honolulu carpenters earn an annual average salary of $83,993.
Other factors that can influence how much a carpenter earns in Honolulu include experience, certification, specialization, and specific establishments, among others.
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