Hawaii is quietly turning into a powerhouse for women in construction. Women now account for about 13% of the state’s construction workforce, a higher share than in most of the country, and their paychecks, once adjusted for Hawaii’s steep living costs, rank among the best in the nation. Apprentices and union leaders say a mix of mentorship, solid wages and clear career paths is helping women not just enter the trades, but stick with them.
Hawaii's Construction Numbers
A report from Construction Coverage finds that Hawaii has the second-highest proportion of women working in construction at roughly 13.2%. The same analysis places the state seventh in the country for women’s median annual construction pay after accounting for regional living costs, putting that figure around $62,818. Using U.S. Census data and cost-of-living adjustments, author Jonathan Jones concluded that Hawaii “stands out as one of the best places in the country for women in construction.”
On the Job: Mentors and Apprentices
Those statistics show up in the field, not just on spreadsheets. The Hawaii Carpenters Union runs a mentorship effort that pairs journey-level workers with apprentices and, when possible, connects women entering the trade with female mentors, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. One apprentice featured in that reporting, 20-year-old Leanne Tacadena, is working on a Kakaako project and using her earnings to help cover expenses for her twin sister, who is in college.
Pay, Benefits and Pathways
For many women, the money is a major draw. Tacadena told the paper she is aiming for a journey-level wage of about $55.50 an hour, and union figures that include benefits push the effective hourly value to about $86.76, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “Construction in Hawaii embraces women as part of the industry, including attorneys and mid-level management,” Hawaii Carpenters Union spokesperson Andrew Pereira said in the same report.
Why Hawaii Stands Out
Industry observers point to several reasons Hawaii scores so well. Even after cost-of-living adjustments, pay is relatively high. The state also has a significant number of higher-paying office and management positions, roles where women are frequently represented. On top of that, a tight labor market has nudged employers to broaden who they recruit. The Construction Coverage study highlights how the mix of job types and wage levels boosts Hawaii’s ranking, while groups such as ABC Hawaii point to targeted training, safety courses and outreach efforts that help women see a clear entry lane into the trades.
For women weighing their options, Hawaii’s combination of pay, benefits and active apprenticeship programs offers a concrete alternative to four-year degree routes. The gender gap in construction is still there, but mentors, unions and new recruits alike say the state is at least nudging that gap in a new direction, one worksite at a time.
