$46K median salary • Top employers hiring now
Hawaii's healthcare industry employs approximately 75,000 workers across the most isolated population center on Earth. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific Health dominate the market, serving 1.4 million residents plus millions of annual tourists. The state ranks 4th nationally in health outcomes, reflecting strong public health infrastructure and active lifestyle culture. Healthcare delivery faces unique challenges—inter-island logistics, high costs, and workforce recruitment difficulties due to extreme cost of living. Native Hawaiian health disparities drive community health initiatives.
Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Hawaii employers.
New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.
Understanding the HI healthcare job market:
Hawaii's healthcare industry employs approximately 75,000 workers across the most isolated population center on Earth. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific Health dominate the market, serving 1.4 million residents plus millions of annual tourists. The state ranks 4th nationally in health outcomes, reflecting strong public health infrastructure and active lifestyle culture. Healthcare delivery faces unique challenges—inter-island logistics, high costs, and workforce recruitment difficulties due to extreme cost of living. Native Hawaiian health disparities drive community health initiatives.
HI salary ranges by experience level:
Hawaii wages are 20-25% above national average but cost of living is 93% above average—the math is challenging. Kaiser union positions offer best compensation packages. Neighbor island positions often include housing assistance or relocation bonuses. Queen's and Hawaii Pacific Health compete for Honolulu talent. Japanese language skills add premium for tourist-serving facilities. Military base clinics (Tripler) offer federal benefits.
Hawaii's isolated healthcare market features these primary CMA employers:
65 hires/yr
Honolulu, Oahu, Maui
Hawaii's largest private employer with integrated health system. Strong ILWU union representation provides exceptional wages and benefits. CMAs are integral to team-based care. Best overall compensation in Hawaii healthcare.
55 hires/yr
Honolulu, Oahu (4 hospitals)
Hawaii's largest nonprofit health system with Kapiolani, Pali Momi, Straub, and Wilcox hospitals. CMAs support extensive clinic network. Strong community mission with competitive benefits.
45 hires/yr
Honolulu, Oahu
Hawaii's oldest and largest acute care hospital system. Founded by Queen Emma to serve Native Hawaiians. CMAs work in prestigious academic-affiliated environment. Strong cultural connection to Hawaii.
20 hires/yr
Honolulu, Oahu
Major military medical center serving Pacific region. Civilian CMA positions available with federal benefits. Largest military hospital in Pacific. Job security with government employment.
18 hires/yr
Maui
Maui's primary health system (Kaiser affiliated). CMAs enjoy island lifestyle with relocation support often available. Serving residents and tourist population.
15 hires/yr
Hilo, Big Island
Big Island's largest hospital serving east Hawaii. Part of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (state). CMAs experience diverse patient population in unique volcanic island setting.
Where the jobs are in Hawaii:
| Region | Annual Openings | % of State |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu/Oahu | 360+ | 75% |
| Maui County | 55+ | 11% |
| Big Island (Hawaii County) | 45+ | 9% |
| Kauai | 20+ | 4% |
| Hawaii Region 5 | 50+ | 5% |
| Hawaii Region 6 | 50+ | 5% |
“Kaiser's union wages make Hawaii affordable for me. I grew up here and can stay because the pay is real—not just tourist-industry wages. I do vitals, injections, EKGs, and work with patients from all backgrounds. The benefits package is the best in Hawaii healthcare. Paradise is actually home.”
Keoni M.
Clinical Medical Assistant
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii
Earning $52K union wage in Honolulu. Best compensation makes island life sustainable.
“I moved from California for the Maui lifestyle. They helped with relocation costs. Yes, housing is expensive, but I surf before work and hike on weekends. The clinical work is the same—vitals, patient care, injections—but the setting is paradise. No regrets.”
Jennifer K.
CMA - Relocated
Maui Health System
Relocated with assistance. Maui lifestyle worth the cost of living adjustment.
Hawaii's healthcare industry employs approximately 75,000 workers across the most isolated population center on Earth. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific Health dominate the market, serving 1.4 million residents plus millions of annual tourists. The state ranks 4th nationally in health outcomes, reflecting strong public health infrastructure and active lifestyle culture. Healthcare delivery faces unique challenges—inter-island logistics, high costs, and workforce recruitment difficulties due to extreme cost of living. Native Hawaiian health disparities drive community health initiatives.
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