Moving between states / Hawaii
Kentuckyto
Hawaii, RN or LPNMoving from Kentucky to Hawaii as a registered or practical nurse
What a registered or practical nurse licensed in Kentucky has to do to work in Hawaii, what the move does to your pay, and who in Hawaii is hiring from out of state.
Endorsement needed. Hawaii is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so your Kentucky multistate licence does not work there. Apply to the Hawaii Board of Nursing for licensure by endorsement before you move; it commonly takes six to twelve weeks. Your Kentucky licence stays valid for compact states.
What the move does to your paycheck
On a $60,000 salary Hawaii takes roughly $2,220 a year more than Kentucky does.
| Salary | Kentucky state tax | Hawaii state tax | Difference a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $1,600 | $3,080 | -$1,480 |
| $60,000 | $2,400 | $4,620 | -$2,220 |
| $90,000 | $3,600 | $6,930 | -$3,330 |
Rough figures for a single filer: exact in the flat-rate and no-tax states, approximated at 70% of the top bracket in the progressive ones. In Kentucky: many cities and counties add an occupational tax. Property and sales tax are not in it.
CNA: Kentucky to Hawaii
Transfers by reciprocity. Your Kentucky certificate stays on the Kentucky Board of Nursing, Nurse Aide Registry; to work in Hawaii you apply to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Nurse Aide Registry (administered by Prometric) for reciprocity. It accepts an active certificate in good standing from another state; there is no retest if your record is clean. Most registries list you within two to six weeks.
Electrician: Kentucky to Hawaii
Exam required. Hawaii licenses electricians through the Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers and does not reciprocate with any state. Your Kentucky hours count toward eligibility, so get them certified in writing by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Electrical Licensing before you move and book the Hawaii exam early.
CDL: Kentucky to Hawaii
Transfers at the DMV. A commercial driver's licence transfers like any licence: within 30 days of becoming a Hawaii resident you surrender the Kentucky CDL at a Hawaii driver licence office, pass the vision test, pay the fee, and your endorsements carry over. A hazmat endorsement needs a fresh TSA threat assessment in Hawaii. Your driving record follows you through the federal CDLIS system.
Does Hawaii pay you to come?
No statewide program in Hawaii pays people to move in. Towns sometimes list an offer through MakeMyMove, and employers in short-staffed trades pay relocation themselves; ask for it in writing before you accept.
Openings filed in Hawaii
25 open positions filed with the Department of Labor by Hawaii employers who could not fill them locally.
- Sr. Field Performance Technician (Talent Pool, Future)Sunrun · Honolulu
- Certified Journeyman Electrician (Talent Pool, Future)Sunrun · Honolulu
- Field Sales ConsultantSunrun · Honolulu
- Shop HelperA Team Pacific Roofing, Inc. · Kapolei · $23.18 to 25/hr
- Aquaculture WorkerAloun Farm, Inc. · Kekaha · $16/hr
- Sr. Solar Service TechnicianSunrun · Honolulu
Your own route from Kentucky to Hawaii
Tell us your trade and your licence. We write the steps for your case, check the job offer for scams, and keep your resume ready for Hawaii employers.
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