In Hawaii, the requirement for plumbers is increasing. Despite being one of America’s smallest and least populous states, becoming a plumber in Hawaii might be a lucrative career decision.
Hawaii, a melting pot of many diverse nations, also boasts many educational and job options. Let’s look at what it takes to become a plumber in Hawaii.
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Basic Requirements for Becoming a Plumber in Hawaii
In Hawaii, there are specific basic requirements for becoming a plumber.
Being a plumber doesn’t mean you have to mend busted pipes or clean kitchen sinks every day. Plumbers may build and fix electric and sewer fittings, monitor temperature and suction meters, and estimate repair and installation expenses.
They must also be conversant with the state’s laws in which they practice. To be a proficient plumber, you’ll need to put in a few years of instruction and skills.
The majority of this training, however, is performed on the field. The following are the minimum criteria to work as a plumber in Hawaii:
- You must be at least 18 years old and have completed high school or possess a GED credential.
- Apprenticeships are a great way to gain marketable skills.
- To legally practice as a plumber, you must complete the licensure test.
Becoming a Plumbing Apprentice in Hawaii
Being a plumbing apprentice is a great way to start your career in Hawaii.
After completing the educational qualifications, the first step toward becoming a plumber is to work as an apprentice plumber. You must complete this course to start your licensing journey in Hawaii.
The following are your possibilities for a plumber apprenticeship:
- The Workforce Development Sector of the Department of Labor & Industrial Relations accepts applications for apprentice programs, and these are state-approved and an excellent method to validate your training.
- Join a union to begin employment.
- Take advantage of a sponsored internship with a qualified plumber or a company.
- Attend a trade school or university that offers programs that mix the teaching processes with hands-on experience through fellowships.
How to Obtain a Hawaii Plumbing License?
There are two types of plumbing licenses available in Hawaii:
Plumber’s Apprentice: After completing your apprenticeship, you can begin the process of becoming a journeyman plumber.
To appear for the journeyman licensure test, you must finish 10,000 hours (5 years) as a trainee.
The Uniform Plumbing Code must be followed during the apprenticeship. You will have to pay $40 for the registration.
Master Plumber: To be a master construction worker, you must first work as a journeyman plumber for two years. Following that, you must pass the master plumber test.
You must pass the test, and licensing requirements set out by the State of Hawaii for any license.
The Exam for Plumbers’ Licensing
Firstly, you need to apply online to take the test. The Professional and Vocational Licensing Division in Honolulu will also require evidence of employment and a $40 administration fee.
You may take the Prometric test at a variety of places. When you obtain your letter of acceptance, you will be informed of the possible venues.
The next step is to complete the Examination Enrollment form and return it to the Technical and Vocational Licensing Branch, including the $90 test cost.
You need not worry about anything as you will be getting all the results and your performance evaluation within ten days. If you pass the exam, you will utilize a plumbing license.
Exam for Journeymen
The Journeyman exam has 100 questions and gives the applicant three hours to complete it.
The following are the elements of the written test:
- There are 25 fundamental intelligence problems.
- Water distribution systems are the subject of 20 questions.
- There are 20 questions on sewage, garbage, and hygienic outlets.
- Size and estimation are the topics of ten questions.
- The following are ten questions about healthcare and fuel biogas.
- Ten questions about particular and secondary trash.
- There are five questions about constructing sewers.
Exam for a Master Plumber
To sit for the master plumber test, you must have two years of journeyman plumbing experience. You must also pass the licensing program with a score of at least 70%.
The test consists of 100 questions, which are divided into the following categories:
- There are 25 fundamental intelligence problems.
- This quiz has 25 questions about drainage, garbage, and clean vents.
- There are 19 questions on size and estimating in this quiz.
- There are thirteen questions about fuel and medicinal gas facilities.
- There are six questions about excavations.
- Fittings and trim are the subjects of six inquiries.
- Six sewer-related questions.
Getting Ready for the Exam
Preparing for the exam is critical since you do not like to squander time or money taking the exam many times.
The topics may look challenging at first, but once you’ve received the necessary instruction, they’ll feel incredibly familiar. Many books are also available to assist you in sharpening up your abilities before the test.
Online materials might also be helpful. In truth, there are several tools accessible to assist you in improving your practical abilities. You may learn about plumbing fittings, equipment, and fundamental techniques by looking up material online.
Make careful you read the Plumbing Code from beginning to end. This should cover most of the issues.
Insurance for Plumber in Hawaii
In Hawaii, all qualified plumbers must carry the necessary insurance for their profession.
Worker’s Liability: Plumbers must present proof of workers comp coverage, as well as a declaration from their insurance provider stating that any modifications in coverage would be reported to the commission.
Plumbers must produce proof confirming their insurance company covering for liability coverage and loss of property. To do business in Hawaii, the insurance company must be licensed.
Property damage liability must be insured for at least $50,000 per occurrence, and bodily injury liability for at least $300,000 per occurrence and $100,000 per person.
License Reciprocity in Hawaii
There are no reciprocal deals in place between Hawaii and any other jurisdiction. The same licensure and certification criteria apply to all candidates.
Salary of Plumber in Hawaii
As per the report’s release, Hawaii has a headcount of 1,455,271 inhabitants. In Hawaii, around 2,000 plumbers are working.
A plumber’s income in Hawaii varies depending on region, skill level, and knowledge. Plumbers in Hawaii are now paid the most in Pearl City, Honolulu, and Waimanalo.
Plumbers earn a decent yearly pay of $73,810, or $35.49 per hr. At the beginning of their careers, trainees may intend to achieve $40,140 annually. Master plumbers may also make more than $130,000 every year.
The amount of money a plumber earns in Hawaii is mainly determined by his location and the quantity of experience he has. Although growth may appear to be gradual, consistent, skilled labor will eventually pay off with a high wage.
Costs
The fee for obtaining a plumbing license varies, and the charge is adjusted every year. Therefore, the first year’s price is $102, the following year’s cost is $306, and the final year’s fee is $201.
The licensing price in 2020 was $102, which implies the charge in 2021 will be $306.
License Renewal in Hawaii
In Hawaii, all plumbing licenses must be renewed every three years. When requesting renewal, plumbers must also provide evidence of continuous proficiency.
Final Thoughts
The epidemic has wreaked havoc on Hawaii’s construction sector. Earnings have fallen in most sectors, and the unemployment figure has risen.
Individuals have avoided hiring plumbers to maintain social distance, and most business locations have experienced extended periods of idleness.
Now that maintenance workers have been recognized as part of the vital construction industry, plumbers seem to improve.
Plumbing businesses confront personnel constraints and growing interest for plumbers, as the building services sector has begun to pick up.
Although the current situation appears to be dire, plumbers in Hawaii have a bright future ahead of them. In Hawaii, now is a perfect moment to become a plumber.
If you have any questions regarding becoming a plumber with a valid and active plumbing license in Hawaii, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
