If you’re looking to make a career change but aren’t having much luck just yet, it might not have anything to do with you at all.

According to the latest report from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the labor force in Hawaii decreased during the last quarter of 2024, with the non-military portion of the workforce decreasing by 5,700 people, while the rate of employment for non-military and non-agricultural jobs decreased by 6,050. The unemployment rate was the same in the last quarter of 2024 as it was in 2023, at 3.1%.

There are some strengths to Hawaii’s job market: The job market for construction work continues to be very strong, with an increase of 4,600 jobs in the last quarter of 2024, an increase of 12%, while healthcare and social assistance both increased by 2,700 jobs or 1.8%. Government-sector jobs, including the military, added 1,700 jobs at the end of 2024, with the federal government adding 400 new positions, the state government of Hawaii adding 1,100 jobs, and local governments adding 300 jobs.

Healthcare, construction, and information technology industries are expected to remain strong, thriving industries in 2025, meaning companies in those areas will be looking for qualified candidates at all levels. Jobs in retail and hospitality might be a little harder to find, as the hospitality industry continues to try and rebound from both the pandemic and the wildfires that destroyed so much in 2023. Visitor arrivals to Hawaii continue to be lower than in years past, further hurting the hospitality economy.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking for a new job or to change industries:

Construction and healthcare jobs are among the most in demand.

There are plenty of contracts opening up and going out to bid for construction, meaning companies will be looking for people to help build all kinds of projects: Houses, offices, storefronts, you name it. If you have experience in construction or contracting work, it’s time to apply to join a team and help build the future of your state! Healthcare jobs are also in high demand as the population continues to age, meaning more people who work as doctors, nurses, physician’s assistants, medical billing and other jobs will be needed. If you have any experience with office work, billing, or any medical training, this means big opportunities for you.

It’s time to get the training you need.

If you don’t have work experience in these in-demand fields, there’s no better time to seek it out. Some jobs might offer training as part of an apprenticeship program or in a work-study situation, but taking the initiative to learn some basic skills before starting can only help to put you ahead of other job seekers. Consider contacting a staffing agency, like Bishop & Company, to understand what kinds of skills are needed for the field you’d like to work in. Some industries do offer training programs with the intent of job placement assistance as well; otherwise, take advantage of professional development courses, free YouTube tutorials and other classes to help you freshen up or develop new skills that will help you find a great job.

Working with a staffing agency can speed up the whole process.

Recruiters and staffing agencies, like Bishop & Company, specialize in helping their clients find good job candidates. We work with job seekers to understand their skills — both hard skills, ones that apply to specific jobs, and soft skills, things that are transferable and applicable to many kinds of jobs — and to find opportunities to match their skills and work experience with their interest in a new line of work. Instead of searching by yourself, teaming up with Bishop & Company means you’ll hear about new job positions before they’re posted publicly for the world to see; you’ll have someone who can help prepare you for the interview and who can help get your resume in great shape before that initial meeting. We’ll even put in a good recommendation for you with your client! We’ll also bring you job postings that best fit your interests and experience. And all of it is free of charge to job seekers.

Find a Great Job in Hawaii Today

Looking for a new job is a lot of work and it can be a lot of stress. Give yourself an extra boost of support by working with our local experts!