Machinist Apprenticeship in Virginia

Wages, programs & career outlook
VA Median Salary
$60,920/yr
+8% vs. national
National Median
$56,150/yr
VA Employment
6,140
Machinists employed
VA Sponsors
2435
Registered programs

Virginia Wage Spread

Annual wages for Machinists in Virginia across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$44,340
25th %ile
$49,480
Median
$60,920
75th %ile
$70,390
90th %ile
$85,030

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.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Virginia

2435 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Virginia. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Abingdon Center Abingdon
Alana's Hair Place LLC Abingdon Washington County
Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center Abingdon
Commonwealth Senior Living at Abingdon Abingdon
EO Companies Abingdon Washington County
Eye Physicians of Southwest Abingdon Washington County
Pioneer Chevrolet Abingdon Washington County
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Abingdon Washington County
Vanity Beauty Lounge Abingdon Washington County
Virginia Career Works--Bristol Center Abingdon
Walmart Vision Center, Abingdon 0154 Abingdon Washington County
Wize Solutions Abingdon Washington County
SHEPHERD KGM SERVICES LLC Aldie Loudoun County
ABM Alexandria Alexandria City
American Boiler, Inc Alexandria Fairfax County
B-SAR Electric, LLC Alexandria Fairfax County
BECKER ELECTRIC CO., INC. Alexandria Alexandria
Beauthuyfy Salon LLC Alexandria Alexandria City
Blush Salon LLC Alexandria Alexandria City
CT Cuts Alexandria Alexandria City
City of Alexandria Virginia Sanitation Authority Alexandria Alexandria City
Costco Vision Center 1115 Alexandria Alexandria Fairfax County
Dawn Marie's Visage LLC Alexandria Alexandria City
Depeyrot Partners LLP Alexandria Alexandria City
ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS LLC. Alexandria Fairfax County
+ 5 more sponsors in Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Machinist salary in Virginia?
The median annual wage for Machinists in Virginia is $60,920 as of May 2024. Wages range from $44,340 at the 10th percentile to $85,030 at the 90th percentile.
How long is a Machinist apprenticeship?
The standard Machinist apprenticeship is 4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
Should I do a Machinist apprenticeship or go to trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Machinists, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
Is there demand for Machinists?
Demand for Machinists is declining, with 0.0% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Machinist apprenticeship in Virginia?
Contact one of the 2435 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Virginia, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Machinist apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $30,460/yr in Virginia). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Machinist in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Virginia

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.