Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Transportation
Commercial Pilot Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for commercial pilot in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Commercial Pilot in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: 12 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Licensees are required to submit a report by the 10th day of the following month on the amount of marine life taken and sold, fishing effort expended and bait caught. 2) If the marine life involved a regulated bottomfish species including opakapaka (Pristipomoides filamentosus), onaga (Etelis coruscans), ehu (Etelis carbunculus), kalekale (Pristipomoides sieboldii), lehi (Aphareus rutilans), gindai (Pristipomoides zonatus) or hapuupuu (Epinephelus quernus) taken in the main Hawaiian Islands then a fishing trip report must be submitted within 5 days after the end date of the trip.
- 2
Education: No educational requirements.
- 3
Experience: No experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 5
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
APPLICATION AND FEES:.
- 8
$100 resident/$250 non-resident fee
- $10 duplicate license fee.
- 9
The license is valid for 1 year from date of issuance and must be renewed if the licensee continues to fish for commercial purposes.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Land & Natural Resources • Division of Aquatic Resources
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$102,390 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Commercial Pilot licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; APPLICATION AND FEES:.).
- 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Land & Natural Resources~Division of Aquatic Resources and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of $102,390, Commercial Pilots in Hawaii earn 17% below the national median of $122,670. Hawaii ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 12 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-0.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,316Median annual salary
$102,390Hourly estimate
$49.2317% below national median
Difference: -$20,280
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCommercial Pilot Salary Ranking
#37 of 50 statesfor Commercial Pilot median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Jersey | $229,820 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $227,140 |
| #3 | New York | $172,500 |
| #4 | Texas | $162,930 |
| #5 | Delaware | $155,640 |
Nearby States Comparison
Commercial Pilot licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $102,390 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 12 months |
| California | $122,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-12 months |
| Oregon | $112,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Washington | $123,530 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alaska | $110,930 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Washington | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alaska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Hawaii State Dept. of Land & Natural Resources • Division of Aquatic Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, Honolulu, HI, 96813
Phone: 8085870100
Related Careers in Hawaii
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $59,320 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-4 months |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $83,200 | Specific course required | 2 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 3 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Commercial Pilot in Hawaii?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 12 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Commercial Pilots in Hawaii?
Hawaii lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Commercial Pilots.
What education do you need to become a Commercial Pilot in Hawaii?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Commercial Pilot licensure in Hawaii.
What is the typical Commercial Pilot salary in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in Hawaii is $102,390. Salaries range from $41,750 (10th percentile) to $169,190 (90th percentile).
How does the Commercial Pilot salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
Commercial Pilots in Hawaii earn 17% below the national median of $122,670, with a state median of $102,390.
How many Commercial Pilots work in Hawaii?
Hawaii employs approximately 450 Commercial Pilots according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Commercial Pilot license to Hawaii from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Commercial Pilots in Hawaii?
The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Land & Natural Resources / Division of Aquatic Resources. Review agency details at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/licenses-permits/.
How often do you renew a Commercial Pilot license in Hawaii?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.