Trades & Labor Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Machinist Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median machinist salary in Arlington, VA is $64,508 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$64,508
vs State Avg
+$13,683
vs National
+$15,638
Cost of Living
132%

Machinist Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median machinist salary of $64,508, which is $13,683 above the Virginia state average of $50,825. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $64,508 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,870. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for machinists in Arlington spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $97,680 at the 90th percentile — a $55,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,880, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,040. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Machinist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level machinist earns around $44,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,880
+$10,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000
+$16,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,040
+$23,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $51,480
Median (50th) $64,508
75th Percentile $80,520
90th Percentile $97,680

Machinist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$49,847
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$48,870
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$47,893
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$46,915
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Machinist in Arlington

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Machinist Jobs in Arlington

Browse open machinist positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Machinist make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median machinist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $64,508 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $97,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,508, a machinist in Arlington earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for machinist pay? ▼
Arlington's median machinist salary of $64,508 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $50,825. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $64,508 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Arlington? ▼
Most machinist positions in Arlington require a high school diploma. Key skills include CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, Metalworking. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.