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Average Machinists Salary in Richmond, VA

Machinists in Richmond, VA, command an impressive average annual salary of $66,980, significantly surpassing the national average of $57,000. This elevated pay is likely influenced by a combination of local industry demands and the specific skill requirements for specialized manufacturing roles within the Richmond metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $66,980 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,540.
  • Outlook: The machinist job market in Richmond, VA, presents a stable outlook with a local workforce of 710 professionals. While the Location Quotient of 0.56 suggests a lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of 1.09 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these skilled trades.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$66,980

The average Machinists in Richmond, VA earns+17.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$32.2

Weekly

$1,288

Monthly

$5,582

Machinists Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA

The salary spectrum for machinists in Richmond, VA, naturally widens with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end, while senior machinists with extensive expertise and specialized certifications can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the career progression and earning potential available to dedicated professionals in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$44,590$21.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$50,235$24.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$61,440$29.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$83,725$40.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$97,540$46.9

Detailed Machinists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$66,980

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,980

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $66,980 and a Cost of Living Index mirroring the national average at 100, machinists in Richmond, VA, can expect their earnings to hold steady purchasing power. This means the higher nominal salary directly translates to a comparable standard of living when compared to the national average.

Job Market Context

710

Total Jobs

1.09

Per 1K Jobs

0.56

Location Quotient

Below Average

Richmond, VA has 0.56x the national average concentration of Machinists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.56 indicates that machinists are less concentrated in Richmond, VA, than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering skilled professionals a competitive edge in securing employment and negotiating favorable compensation.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Machinistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Machinists make in Richmond, VA?

The median annual salary for a Machinists in Richmond, VA is $66,980. This typically ranges from $44,590 for entry-level positions to $97,540 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 17.5% higher than the national median of $57,000.

Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Machinists?

Yes, Richmond, VA offers a lucrative environment for Machinists.Machinists in Richmond earn approximately $9,980 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national index, this makes the location financially advantageous.

Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Machinists?

The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($55,840) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local machinist workforce compare nationally?

With a total local workforce of 710 and a Location Quotient of 0.56, machinists are less concentrated in Richmond, VA, compared to the national landscape.

What is the job availability like for machinists in Richmond, VA?

There are approximately 1.09 machinist jobs per 1,000 workers in Richmond, VA, indicating a steady but not overwhelming demand for the profession.

Does the cost of living affect machinist salaries in Richmond, VA?

No, the cost of living in Richmond, VA, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher average salary of $66,980 offers strong purchasing power.

What is the salary difference between entry-level and senior machinists in Richmond, VA?

While specific figures vary, senior machinists with more experience and specialized skills in Richmond, VA, can expect to earn substantially more than their entry-level counterparts, reflecting significant career growth potential.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 1.09 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.