Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in Honolulu earn a median $58,270/year with 6% job growth and ~120 annual openings in the Honolulu, HI area. Prioritizing schools with campus presence in or near Honolulu.

  • Salary range: $38,960–$82,510+
  • Hawaii license: required for contracting
  • 2 programs and 1 schools listed for this metro
HVAC in Honolulu
Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii market rely on year-round heating and cooling demand. Accredited HVAC programs in the region prepare technicians for residential service, commercial installs, and EPA 608 certification.
Salary Range
$38,960 entry-level to $82,510+ for experienced technicians. Median: $58,270/year.
Source: BLS OEWS SOC 49-9021
Job Outlook
+6% projected growth with approximately 120 annual openings in the Honolulu, HI area. Demand outpaces supply in most submarkets.
Top Employers
and dozens of independent contractors hiring entry-level technicians in the Honolulu area.
Hawaii HVAC License Requirements
Understanding your state's licensing rules before choosing a program helps you pick a curriculum that meets the requirements.
Hawaii License: Required
Hawaii requires a C-16 specialty contractor license for HVAC and refrigeration work.
Full Hawaii license requirements →
EPA 608 Certification Guide
Accredited HVAC Schools in Hawaii
These accredited programs serve the Honolulu metro area. Filter by format, cost, or certification focus to narrow your results.
Prioritizing schools with campus presence in or near Honolulu.
HVAC Programs Near Honolulu
AAS DegreeIn-Person

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, AAS

Honolulu Community College

Two-year Associate of Applied Science combining theory and extensive hands-on lab work on commercial package and split systems, liquid chillers, ice machines,…

Duration
2 yr
Tuition
$7,860
Credit Hours
60
EPA 608Financial Aid
View All Hawaii Programs
From Training to $58,270+/Year
Here's a realistic timeline from starting HVAC school to earning the median salary in the Honolulu market.
01
Enroll in a Certificate Program
6–12 months. Learn HVAC fundamentals, refrigeration, electrical, and get EPA 608 certified. Most Honolulu-area programs cost $8,000–$18,000 with financial aid available.
02
Get EPA 608 Certified
Required by federal law before handling refrigerants. Most certificate programs include exam prep. The exam costs $20–$40 and certification never expires.
03
Land Your First Tech Role
Entry-level positions in Honolulu typically start at $38,960$48,700/year. Many employers offer sign-on bonuses given the current technician shortage.
04
Earn NATE Certification
NATE-certified techs earn 10–20% more on average. Specialize in residential, commercial, or refrigeration to command premium rates in the Honolulu market.
HVAC Schools in Honolulu — Common Questions
Answers to what people searching for HVAC training in Honolulu ask most.
How much do HVAC technicians make in Honolulu?
The median HVAC technician salary in the Honolulu, HI area is $58,270 per year, according to BLS OEWS data. Entry-level technicians typically earn $38,960–$48,615 while experienced technicians and journeymen can earn $82,510+.
Do I need a license to work as an HVAC technician in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires a C-16 specialty contractor license for HVAC and refrigeration work.
How long does HVAC training take in Honolulu?
Most HVAC certificate programs take 6–12 months. Associate degree programs take 18–24 months. HVAC apprenticeship programs in Honolulu typically take 4–5 years but pay wages from day one. The fastest route to employment is a certificate program followed by an entry-level tech position.
Is the HVAC job market good in Honolulu?
Yes. The Honolulu, HI area is projected to add approximately 120 HVAC job openings per year, with 6% employment growth through 2032 — above the national average of 6%. Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii market rely on year-round heating and cooling demand. Accredited HVAC programs in the region prepare technicians for residential service, commercial installs, and EPA 608 certification.
What certifications do I need to work HVAC in Honolulu?
EPA Section 608 certification is required by federal law for anyone handling refrigerants, and is mandatory in Honolulu as elsewhere. Most employers also prefer or require NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification. Hawaii also requires an HVAC contractor license for independent contracting work.
Find Your HVAC School
Near Honolulu.
Browse accredited programs, compare tuition costs, and request info from Honolulu-area HVAC schools — all free, no account required.
Get Matched to ProgramsAll Hawaii Programs