Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Social Worker Program
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$70,340 median (17% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#7 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Social Worker Program and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of $70,340, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Hawaii earn 17% above the national median of $60,060. Hawaii ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-0.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,316Median annual salary
$70,340Hourly estimate
$33.8217% above national median
Difference: +$10,280
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#7 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $80,230 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $78,820 |
| #3 | Minnesota | $77,100 |
| #4 | California | $75,320 |
| #5 | Oregon | $71,830 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $70,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| California | $75,320 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Oregon | $71,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Washington | $69,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-3 years |
| Alaska | $57,650 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Washington | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alaska | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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 • Social Worker Program
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-4 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 3 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $70,930 | Degree required | 18 years |
| Audiologist | $92,120 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Hawaii?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Hawaii?
Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss.
What education do you need to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Hawaii?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Hawaii.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Hawaii is $70,340. Salaries range from $49,070 (10th percentile) to $98,040 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Hawaii earn 17% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $70,340.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Hawaii?
Hawaii employs approximately 410 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 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 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Hawaii?
The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Social Worker Program. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/socialworker/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Hawaii?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.