How to Become a Machinists in Virginia
Machinists in Virginia earn a median salary of $60,920/year, which is 8% above the national average. Virginia has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a machinists takes home approximately $2,588/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a machinists can afford in Virginia
Becoming a machinists in Virginia
Meet education requirements
Machinists positions in Virginia typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Virginia. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many machinists positions in Virginia require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Virginia licensure or certification
Virginia may require specific licensing or professional certification for machinistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Virginia Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Virginia
Virginia employs 6,140 machinists. The highest concentrations are in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford and Lynchburg.
Machinists salary by metro area in Virginia
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $62K | $29.79/hr | 240 |
| Lynchburg | $62K | $29.67/hr | 640 |
| Richmond | $61K | $29.54/hr | 710 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $61K | $29.29/hr | 2,650 |
| Harrisonburg | $58K | $27.69/hr | 40 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft | $57K | $27.18/hr | 140 |
| Charlottesville | $53K | $25.39/hr | 50 |
| Roanoke | $50K | $24.05/hr | 350 |
Machinists salary range in Virginia
Machinists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinists make in Virginia?▼
The median machinists salary in Virginia is $60,920 per year ($29.29/hr). This is 8% above the national median of $56,150. Salaries range from $44,340 to $85,030.
What are the requirements to become a machinists in Virginia?▼
Machinists positions in Virginia typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Virginia may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Virginia licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a machinists afford to live in Virginia?▼
At the median salary of $60,920, a machinists in Virginia would take home approximately $4,000/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 35.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for machinists in Virginia?▼
The highest paying metro areas for machinists in Virginia are Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford ($61,970), Lynchburg ($61,710), Richmond ($61,440). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Virginia have state income tax for machinists?▼
Yes, Virginia has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $60,920 salary, this means roughly $2,987/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.