Occupational licensing · Hawaii · burden rank #8 of 51
Hawaii Occupational Licensing Requirements
Hawaii's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Hawaii sits in the high-burden band (#8 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Arizona; Washington; New Mexico; Montana. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Open a named profession or a peer state before treating rank as a career verdict.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #8 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,365
- Avg initial fee
- $237
Hawaii vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
36 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 84% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Arizona; Washington; New Mexico; Montana. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Hawaii, Electrician lists 7,157 education hours with an exam and a $204 initial fee. Compare the same license in Arizona on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Hawaii, Elevator Installer lists 7,157 education hours with an exam and a $287 initial fee. Compare the same license in Arizona on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Hawaii's higher initial fees at $598 after 20 education hours. Open Washington for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Hawaii's higher initial fees at $416 after 5,578 education hours. Open Washington for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Hawaii against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Hawaii already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Hawaii: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#8 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- New Mexico · burden #9/51
- Washington · burden #7/51
- Arizona · burden #6/51
- Montana · burden #10/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($237 here).
- New Mexico · avg $237 initial fee
- Montana · avg $230 initial fee
- Rhode Island · avg $229 initial fee
- Louisiana · avg $228 initial fee
Agriculture in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Animal Care in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 5,578 | Yes | $416 | $337 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 2,289 | Yes | $208 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Construction in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| 7,157 | Yes | $204 | $163 | 1 yr | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 7,157 | Yes | $287 | $247 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $410 | $331 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 5,157 | Yes | $163 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 32 | Yes | $163 | $143 | 3 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 7,157 | Yes | $243 | $204 | 1 yr | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Cosmetology in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,395 | Yes | $134 | $68 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,474 | Yes | $153 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 893 | Yes | $163 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| 844 | Yes | $135 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 859 | Yes | $166 | $85 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 584 | Yes | $120 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Design in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $331 | $253 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
Education in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 95 | No | $163 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $205 | $126 | 5 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $244 | $165 | 5 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $205 | $126 | 5 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Engineering in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $410 | $331 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Finance in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $405 | $326 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 67 | Yes | $202 | $162 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 20 | Yes | $598 | $401 | 1 yr | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
Food & Hospitality in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 13 | Yes | $39 | $32 | 3 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Healthcare in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 3,289 | Yes | $208 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 3,289 | Yes | $292 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 183 | Yes | $143 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| 1,395 | Yes | $174 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 3,789 | Yes | $253 | $213 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 4,789 | Yes | $410 | $331 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,831 | Yes | $208 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 5,184 | Yes | $297 | $258 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 3,789 | Yes | $292 | $253 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 4,184 | Yes | $337 | $297 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 2,352 | Yes | $208 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $247 | $208 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 2,789 | Yes | $213 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| 2,289 | Yes | $208 | $168 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 3,789 | Yes | $292 | $213 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Legal & Security in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| 65 | No | $203 | $123 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 4,744 | Yes | $326 | $287 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Mental Health in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 3,789 | Yes | $213 | $174 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| 3,289 | Yes | $210 | $170 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 3,289 | Yes | $253 | $213 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 6,578 | Yes | $416 | $337 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Miscellaneous in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Real Estate in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 166 | Yes | $326 | $247 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 150 | Yes | $243 | $200 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 226 | Yes | $326 | $267 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Transportation in Hawaii
| HI profession | HI edu hrs | HI exam | HI initial $ | HI renew $ | HI cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 32 | Yes | $123 | $83 | 4 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 286 | Yes | $162 | $83 | 4 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 103 | Yes | $123 | $83 | 4 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Hawaii ranks #8 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Top quartile, highest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Hawaii directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Hawaii
NCSL and state-board extracts for Hawaii. Burden peers on this ladder include Arizona, Washington, New Mexico, Montana; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Hawaii render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.