Carpenter Apprenticeship in Hawaii

Wages, programs & career outlook
HI Median Salary
$85,970/yr
+45% vs. national
National Median
$59,310/yr
HI Employment
5,630
Carpenters employed
HI Sponsors
216
Registered programs

Hawaii Wage Spread

Annual wages for Carpenters in Hawaii across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$50,800
25th %ile
$64,110
Median
$85,970
75th %ile
$109,380
90th %ile
$117,760

Carpenter Apprenticeship in Hawaii

Carpenters in Hawaii earn a median of $85,970/yr — 79% above the national all-occupation median of $48,060. That puts this apprenticeship path well into upper-middle-income territory for the state.

Hawaii Carpenters earn $85,970/yr — a 45% premium over the $59,310 national median for the trade. Strong union presence or high demand likely drives the spread.

The employment outlook is solid if unspectacular: 4.5% growth projected through 2034 for Carpenters. What matters more than the growth rate is the 74,100 annual openings — mostly from retirements — that keep demand steady.

With 5,630 Carpenters employed (0.7% of the U.S. total), Hawaii is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

The pathway to journeyman Carpenter takes 4 years of structured training — 8,000 hours total. Apprentices divide time between the jobsite and technical education in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation, earning progressively higher wages throughout.

Hawaii has 216 organizations running registered apprenticeship programs. Start with your local trade union or check apprenticeship.gov — the state's mid-range sponsor count means programs exist but may not be around every corner.

Apprentices entering the Carpenter trade in Hawaii start near the $50,800 floor but have a clear path to $117,760 — a $66,960 arc that reflects how the trade values experience and skill accumulation.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Hawaii

216 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Hawaii. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Hawaii Optometry Association - OA Aeia Honolulu County
Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLP Aiea Honolulu County
Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc Aiea Honolulu County
ZR Systems LLC Aiea Honolulu County
Marine Corps Community Services Camp Smith
Kountry Style Kitchen Ewa Beach
McMann Eye Institute Ewa Beach
Ohana Nui Landscape LLC Ewa Beach
American Job Center Hawaii - Hawaii Island Hilo
Bay Clinic, Inc Hilo
DAR Enterprises Hilo
Hawai'I County Workforce Investment Board Hilo
Hawaii Electric Light Company Hilo Hawaii County
Hilo Family Health Clinic Inc. Hilo
KTA Superstores Hilo
YWCA Hawaii Island Hilo
Cataract and Vision Center of Hawaii Honlulu
Jenkins Eye Center Honlulu
Lunalilo Home Honlulu
Ka Hale O Na Keiki Inc (Preschool) Honoka`A
Hamakua Health Center Honokaa
Hamakua-Kohala Health Honokaa
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS Honolulu Honolulu County
Aina Haaina Eye Center Honolulu
Akamai Foot Doctor Honolulu
+ 5 more sponsors in Hawaii

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Carpenter salary in Hawaii?
The BLS reports a median wage of $85,970/yr for Carpenters in Hawaii (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
What is the length of a Carpenter apprenticeship program?
Most Carpenter apprenticeships run 4 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Carpenters?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
What is the job outlook for Carpenters?
Demand for Carpenters is steady, with 4.5% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Carpenter apprenticeship in Hawaii?
Contact one of the 216 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Hawaii, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Carpenter apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $42,985/yr in Hawaii). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Carpenter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Hawaii

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.