Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Science
Environmental Scientist Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for environmental scientist in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal al every 2 yearsLicensing Blueprint for Environmental Scientist in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: 2-12 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Master's degree in engineering from an approved institution of higher education and a bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 3 years lawful experience
- OR 2) Master's degree in engineering from an approved school or college of higher education & 4 years lawful experience
- OR 3) Bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 4 years lawful experience
- OR 4) Graduate of a 4-year engineering technology or arts and science curriculum with a math, science, or science-related major & 8 years lawful experience
- OR 5) 12 years lawful experience.
- 2
Education: Degree required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
A Professional Engineer engages in the practical application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development and utilization of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services.
- 7
Experience and education requirements: 1) Master's degree in engineering from an approved institution of higher education and a bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 3 years lawful experience
- OR 2) Master's degree in engineering from an approved school or college of higher education & 4 years lawful experience
- OR 3) Bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 4 years lawful experience
- OR 4) Graduate of a 4-year engineering technology or arts and science curriculum with a math, science, or science-related major & 8 years lawful experience
- OR 5) 12 years lawful experience.
- 8
National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEES) exams: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in one of the following disciplines (agricultural, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, or structural).
- 9
Application fee of $150 for endorsement, $100 for PE exam, $50 for FE exam, exam fees, $128 for 2-year license, and $100 for biennial compliance resolution fund.
- 10
License renewal every 2 years is $104.
Exam and processing details
- National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEES) exams: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in one of the following disciplines (agricultural, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, or structural)
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| License renewal every 2 years | $104 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch.
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al every 2 years
- Salary Position
$75,050 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#30 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Environmental Scientist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEES) exams: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in one of the following disci....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; A Professional Engineer engages in the practical application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development and utili...).
- 6. Budget filing costs (License renewal every 2 years: $104).
- 7. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch. and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al every 2 years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of $75,050, Environmental Scientists in Hawaii earn 6% below the national median of $80,060. Hawaii ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-12 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-0.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,316Median annual salary
$75,050Hourly estimate
$36.086% below national median
Difference: -$5,010
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEnvironmental Scientist Salary Ranking
#30 of 50 statesfor Environmental Scientist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $97,520 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $96,330 |
| #3 | Oregon | $93,560 |
| #4 | Rhode Island | $90,460 |
| #5 | Illinois | $89,010 |
Nearby States Comparison
Environmental Scientist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $75,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 2-12 years |
| California | $97,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 2 years |
| Oregon | $93,560 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Washington | $88,670 | No educational requirements | Both state and third-party exams required | 8 years |
| Alaska | $87,060 | 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 | 50 | 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: Continuing education required 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 Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch.
P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801
Phone: 8085863000
Related Careers in Hawaii
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $45,000 | Degree required | 1-2 years |
| Chemical Technicians | $57,790 | Degree required | 2 years |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $56,490 | Degree required | 2 years |
| Forester | $70,660 | Degree required | 2 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Environmental Scientist in Hawaii?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-12 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Environmental Scientists in Hawaii?
Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Environmental Scientists.
What education do you need to become a Environmental Scientist in Hawaii?
The board typically expects Degree required for Environmental Scientist licensure in Hawaii.
What is the typical Environmental Scientist salary in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for Environmental Scientists in Hawaii is $75,050. Salaries range from $52,060 (10th percentile) to $104,950 (90th percentile).
How does the Environmental Scientist salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
Environmental Scientists in Hawaii earn 6% below the national median of $80,060, with a state median of $75,050.
How many Environmental Scientists work in Hawaii?
Hawaii employs approximately 670 Environmental Scientists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Environmental Scientist license to Hawaii from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Environmental Scientists in Hawaii?
The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch.. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/engineer/.
How often do you renew a Environmental Scientist license in Hawaii?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al every 2 years.