Human Services Education in Hawaii
A human services degree in Hawaii opens doors to careers in social work, counseling, community management, and more. Bachelor’s-level roles typically start in case management and outreach. Master’s degrees unlock licensure and clinical positions. Hawaii’s human services workers earn competitive salaries, with some roles above the national median, and the field shows strong projected job growth through 2032.
Hawaii’s Department of Human Services employs several thousand workers across the state. Schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and community nonprofits all need people trained to assess needs, coordinate care, and connect residents with the right resources. The question for most students isn’t whether the jobs exist. It’s which degree level gets you there and what the path actually looks like.
This guide breaks down the most common human services careers available in Hawaii by degree level, what each one pays, and how fast the field is growing.
Human Services Careers in Hawaii by Degree Level
Your degree level determines which roles you’re eligible for and what your earning potential looks like. Here’s a practical overview of the careers available at each stage, with current salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Bachelor’s-Level Careers
A bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or a related human services field qualifies you for most entry- and mid-level positions with Hawaii’s state agencies and nonprofits. The Hawaii Department of Human Services is one of the largest employers, with openings across Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai.
| Career | Typical Degree | Hawaii Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Human Services Assistant | Associate or Bachelor’s | $43,040 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Worker | Bachelor’s (BSW preferred) | $66,450 |
| Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor | Bachelor’s + certification | $54,390 |
| Rehabilitation Case Worker | Bachelor’s in SW, Sociology, or Psychology | — |
| Probation Officer | Bachelor’s in SW, Psychology, or Criminal Justice | — |
If you’re pursuing a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credential, your degree must come from a CSWE-accredited program. That distinction matters when applying for state positions that require licensure. You can review the full LBSW, LSW, and LCSW requirements on our Hawaii social work licensing requirements page.
If you’re drawn to substance abuse or mental health counseling work, our Hawaii Substance Abuse Counselor guide covers the CSAC certification path in detail.
Master’s-Level Careers
A master’s degree is required for clinical licensure and most supervisory or management roles. The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential, which requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited school plus supervised field experience, is the most common pathway to independent clinical practice in Hawaii. If you’re planning that route, our guide to MSW programs in Hawaii covers accredited options in the state.
| Career | Typical Degree | Hawaii Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Social Worker / LCSW | MSW (CSWE-accredited) | $66,450 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | Master’s in Counseling, Psychology, or MFT | $76,220 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | Master’s in SW, Business, Psychology, or Sociology | $74,070 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | MSW (CSWE-accredited) | $66,450 |
| Child Welfare Case Manager | Master’s in SW, Business, Psychology, or Sociology | — |
Hawaii salaries are competitive, though they vary by role. Social and Community Service Managers earn a median of $74,070 in Hawaii compared to about $78,240 nationally. For counseling and therapy roles, review our guide to counseling licensure in Hawaii for the full credential requirements.
Doctoral-Level Careers
A doctorate opens the full range of options: university teaching, agency leadership, clinical research, and advanced private practice. It’s not required for most human services careers, but if you want to train the next generation of social workers or lead a major program, a PhD or DSW makes a real difference in what doors are open to you.
Job Growth in Hawaii’s Human Services Field
Hawaii’s human services sector is projected to grow steadily through 2032. According to BLS projections, Social and Human Services Assistants are expected to grow by about 17% statewide, with around 310 average annual job openings. Social and Community Service Managers are projected at about 17% growth, adding roughly 120 openings per year. Healthcare Social Workers show strong projected growth at about 16%, with about 90 annual openings.
These figures reflect a real need. Hawaii’s aging population, its rural neighbor island communities, and ongoing behavioral health demands all drive consistent hiring across state agencies and community organizations.
Licensure and the CSWE Requirement
If you’re planning to work as a licensed social worker in Hawaii, your degree program needs to be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This applies at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Hawaii’s social work licensing board requires CSWE accreditation as a baseline, so your choice of program has direct consequences for your career eligibility after graduation.
Hawaii offers three social work license tiers: the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), the Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Each has distinct education and supervised experience requirements. See the full breakdown on our Hawaii social work licensing requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to work in human services in Hawaii?
Most entry-level positions with Hawaii’s state agencies require at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field. For clinical roles or licensure as an LCSW, you’ll need a master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Some support roles, like human services assistant positions, are accessible with an associate degree.
Does Hawaii pay human services workers well compared to the national average?
It depends on the role. Hawaii’s median salary for social workers is $66,450, close to the national median of $61,330. Marriage and family therapists and substance abuse counselors tend to earn more in Hawaii than the national figures suggest, though the state’s cost of living is significantly higher than most of the country.
What is the job outlook for human services careers in Hawaii?
Strong. The BLS projects about 17% growth through 2032 for Social and Human Services Assistants and Social and Community Service Managers, with dozens to hundreds of annual openings depending on the occupation. Hawaii’s aging population and behavioral health needs are key drivers of that demand.
Do I need CSWE accreditation to become a licensed social worker in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii’s licensing board requires that your BSW or MSW come from a CSWE-accredited program. If licensure is your goal, verify your program’s accreditation status before enrolling, not after.
What’s the difference between a social worker and a human services professional in Hawaii state jobs?
The State of Hawaii posts openings under a combined “Social Worker or Human Services Professional” title. Social Worker track positions typically require a social work degree from an accredited school. Human Services Professional track positions may accept degrees in psychology, sociology, or counseling with a minimum number of credits in social services coursework. The specific requirements are listed in each job posting.
Key Takeaways
- Degree level determines your career track. A bachelor’s degree opens state agency and case management roles. A master’s degree unlocks clinical licensure and management positions.
- CSWE accreditation is required for social work licensure in Hawaii. Both the LBSW and LCSW credentials require a degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Hawaii salaries are competitive, though they vary by role. Some positions exceed the national median. Others track closely with it.
- Job growth is strong and projected. Multiple human services occupations are projected to grow about 17% in Hawaii through 2032, with dozens to hundreds of annual openings depending on the occupation.
- The state is one of the biggest employers. Hawaii DHS and the Department of Health post regular openings across all islands for workers at every credential level.
Ready to explore your options? Find state-specific licensing requirements and degree programs matched to your career goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, Social and Human Services Assistants, Social and Community Service Managers, and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.