Machinist Apprenticeship in Virginia

At $60,920/yr, Virginia Machinists earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 27% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

Virginia pays modestly above the national Machinist median — $60,920 vs. $56,150, a 8% premium. Not a top-paying state, but above average.

The trade is projected to contract by 0.0% through 2034, but retirements still generate 29,500 openings per year. Skilled Machinists in the right geographic markets will find work.

Virginia's 6,140 Machinists represent just 1.8% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

Becoming a Machinist through apprenticeship takes roughly 4 years — 8,000 hours split between on-the-job training and classroom study covering precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy. Wages start at a fraction of journeyman rate and increase on a set schedule.

Virginia's 2,435 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

Machinist compensation in Virginia runs from $44,340 to $85,030 — a compressed $40,690 range. Less wage variation typically means more predictable career economics but fewer breakout earning opportunities.