Trades & Labor Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Machinist Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median machinist salary in Chesapeake, VA is $47,893 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$47,893
vs State Avg
$-2,932
vs National
$-977
Cost of Living
98%

Machinist Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)

Chesapeake offers a median machinist salary of $47,893, which is $2,932 below the Virginia state average of $50,825. Compared to the national median of $48,870, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for machinists in Chesapeake spans from $31,360 at the 10th percentile to $72,520 at the 90th percentile — a $41,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,320, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,560. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Machinist Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level machinist earns around $33,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,320
$-680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,000
$-1,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,560
$-1,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $31,360
25th Percentile $38,220
Median (50th) $47,893
75th Percentile $59,780
90th Percentile $72,520

Machinist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Machinist in Chesapeake

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Machinist Jobs in Chesapeake

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Machinist make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median machinist salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $47,893 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $31,360 (10th percentile) to $72,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,893, a machinist in Chesapeake earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for machinist pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median machinist salary of $47,893 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $50,825. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a machinist salary of $47,893 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Chesapeake? ▼
Most machinist positions in Chesapeake 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.