Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Personal Care
Nail Technician Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nail technician in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nail Technician in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Current employment in field required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Veterinary Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$29,120 median (16% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of 29,120, Nail Technicians in Hawaii earn 16% below the national median of $34,660. Hawaii ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$29,120Hourly estimate
$14.0016% below national median
Difference: -$5,540
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNail Technician Salary Ranking
#43 of 50 statesfor Nail Technician median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kentucky | 60,950 |
| #2 | Maine | 49,430 |
| #3 | Washington | 47,840 |
| #4 | Alaska | 46,040 |
| #5 | New Mexico | 42,840 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nail Technician licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $29,120 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| California | $35,000 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Oregon | $35,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Washington | $47,840 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alaska | $46,040 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
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 | 50 | 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
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Veterinary Examiners
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $38,960 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Cosmetologist | $52,000 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Esthetician | $41,560 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Massage Therapist | $80,590 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nail Technician in Hawaii?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Nail Technicians in Hawaii?
Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nail Technicians.
What education do you need to become a Nail Technician in Hawaii?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Nail Technician licensure in Hawaii.
What is the typical Nail Technician salary in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for Nail Technicians in Hawaii is 29,120. Salaries range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $66,590 (90th percentile).
How does the Nail Technician salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
Nail Technicians in Hawaii earn 16% below the national median of $34,660, with a state median of 29,120.
How many Nail Technicians work in Hawaii?
Hawaii employs approximately 70 Nail Technicians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nail Technician 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 Nail Technicians in Hawaii?
The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Veterinary Examiners. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/veterinary/.