Machinist Apprenticeships in Virginia
Virginia has 72 registered apprenticeship sponsors training machinists — 5 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
72
Union / joint programs
5
Median machinist wage
$60,920
Virginia, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+8.5%
930 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair Union / joint | NORFOLK | Single Employer |
| Newport News Shipbuilding Union / joint | NEWPORT NEWS | Single Employer |
| Smurfit WestRock Company Union / joint | COVINGTON | Single Employer |
| U.S. Pipe Union / joint | Lynchburg | Single Employer |
| (VA) FLEET READINESS CENTER MID-ATLANTIC AND AFFILIATES Union / joint | VIRGINIA BEACH | Single Employer |
| Advanced Machining Solutions | Roanoke | Single Employer |
| AMERICAN MACHINE COMPANY | RICHMOND | Single Employer |
| AMG, INC. | Lynchburg | Single Employer |
| Amsted Rail | Petersburg | Single Employer |
| APMF LLC | Lynchburg | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Machinists Earn in Virginia
Wages
- Median annual wage: $60,920
- Average annual wage: $62,000
- Machinists employed statewide: 6,140
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +8.5%
- Average openings per year: 930
- Employment: 8,470 → 9,190
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.