Verified by HI Board of Healthcare

Veterinarian Licensing in Hawaii

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinarian in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

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Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Veterinarian in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 1-18 years

Core Requirements

1
Be at least 18 years of age. 2) Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.
2
Education: Degree required.
3
Experience: No experience required.
4
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
6
Education requirements: Graduate of a veterinary college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or an expected graduate within 6 months from an AVMA accredited veterinary college.
7
National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME)-developed, computer-based North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE).
8
State of Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine licensing exam.
9
If between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, pay $360 for license ($100 for application, $30 for exam, $100 for compliance resolution fund, $130 1/2 renewal).

Exam and processing details

National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME)-developed, computer-based North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE)

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 • Board of Veterinary Examiners
Current Filing Fee
See agency
Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
Salary Position
$102,730 median (18% below national)
State Salary Rank
#38 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be at least 18 years of age. 2) Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.).
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 National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME)-developed, computer-based North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE).
5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; If between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, pay $360 for license ($100 for application, $30 for exam, $100 for compliance resolution fund,...).
6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Veterinary Examiners 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 $102,730, Veterinarians in Hawaii earn 18% below the national median of $125,510. Hawaii ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$102,730

Hourly estimate

$49.39

18% below national median

Difference: -$22,780

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation

P1010th percentile$50,170
P2525th percentile$80,000
P50Median$102,730
P7575th percentile$140,460
P9090th percentile$189,390

State vs National Median

State: $102,730

National: $125,510

Total employment: 360 | Annual openings: N/A

Veterinarian Salary Ranking

#38 of 50 statesfor Veterinarian median salary

Rank	State	Median Salary
#1	California	$158,950
#2	Washington	$155,060
#3	New Jersey	$148,550
#4	West Virginia	$134,290
#5	Vermont	$134,240

Nearby States Comparison

Veterinarian licensing across the region

State	Median Salary	Education	Exam	Timeline
Hawaii	$102,730	Degree required	Third-party exam required	1-18 years
California	$158,950	Varies by state board	State-approved exam	Varies by board
Oregon	$102,910	Varies by state board	State-approved exam	Varies by board
Washington	$155,060	Degree required	Third-party exam required	Varies by board
Alaska	$125,510	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	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

Official website verified

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

Visit Official Website Call Board Open in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Veterinarian in Hawaii?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Veterinarians in Hawaii?

Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Veterinarians.

What education do you need to become a Veterinarian in Hawaii?

The board typically expects Degree required for Veterinarian licensure in Hawaii.

What is the typical Veterinarian salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Veterinarians in Hawaii is $102,730. Salaries range from $50,170 (10th percentile) to $189,390 (90th percentile).

How does the Veterinarian salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?

Veterinarians in Hawaii earn 18% below the national median of $125,510, with a state median of $102,730.

How many Veterinarians work in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs approximately 360 Veterinarians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Veterinarian 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 Veterinarians 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/.

How often do you renew a Veterinarian license in Hawaii?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.