How to Become a CNC Machinist in West Virginia (2026)
West Virginia employs about 1,700 cnc machinists earning a median $47,350 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most cnc machinists train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in West Virginia.
Compare CNC Machinist Schools in West Virginia
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County | 71.2 | Contact school for pricing | $46,534 | 79% | — | 117 mi |
| 2 | Somerset County Technology Center | 66.2 | Contact school for pricing | $46,805 | 87% | — | 152 mi |
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| 3 | Fayette County Career & Technical Institute Practical Nursing Program | 58.9 | Contact school for pricing | $44,765 | 74% | — | 119 mi |
| 4 | Washington State College of Ohio | 58.4 | $4,128 in-state / $4,152 out-of-state | Not reported | 32% | Yes* | 54 mi |
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| 5 | BridgeValley Community & Technical College | 55.3 | $5,800 in-state / $12,428 out-of-state | $57,464 | 34% | Yes* | 31 mi |
| 6 | Community College of Beaver County | 55.1 | $7,500 in-state / $20,700 out-of-state | $56,347 | 12% | Yes* | 147 mi |
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| 7 | Westmoreland County Community College | 49.1 | $6,018 in-state / $14,424 out-of-state | $49,187 | 31% | Yes* | 142 mi |
| 8 | Stark State College | 46.3 | $4,790 in-state / $7,886 out-of-state | $49,440 | 23% | Yes* | 153 mi |
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| 9 | New River Community and Technical College | 42.3 | $5,156 in-state / $9,646 out-of-state | $39,109 | 36% | Yes* | 63 mi |
| 10 | Community College of Allegheny County | 40.9 | $4,842 in-state / $12,583 out-of-state | $54,519 | 24% | Yes* | 140 mi |
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Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
West Virginia employs approximately 1,700 cnc machinists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $47,350 1. The state’s concentration of cnc machinist jobs is 1.31x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, cnc machinist employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 29,500 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a CNC Machinist in West Virginia, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (West Virginia): $47,350 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a CNC Machinist in West Virginia
How to become a CNC Machinist in West Virginia? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for cnc machinists in West Virginia.
How long does it take? Most paths into the cnc machinist field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do cnc machinists earn in West Virginia? The median annual wage for cnc machinists in West Virginia is $47,350 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $37,300 and experienced professionals can earn $71,980 or more 1.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in West Virginia
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most West Virginia training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in West Virginia that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to cnc machinists in West Virginia before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
CNC Machinist Apprenticeship Information in West Virginia
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. West Virginia’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Workforce West Virginia - Apprenticeships 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: West Virginia Community and Technical College System
- Address: 1018 Kanawha Blvd E., Charleston, WV 25301
- Phone: (304) 558-0265
- Email: [email protected]
CNC Machinist Wages by Metro Area in West Virginia
Machinists Wages by Metro Area in West Virginia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), machinists wages in West Virginia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland | 680 | $46,290 | $49,350 | $37,300 | $69,840 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 620 | $68,850 | $75,140 | $48,820 | $113,750 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg | 210 | $59,390 | $60,320 | $39,950 | $75,920 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | 140 | $46,530 | $51,660 | $40,330 | $77,560 |
| Charleston | 110 | $48,110 | $53,420 | $35,780 | $74,770 |
| Winchester | 100 | $49,130 | $55,990 | $41,490 | $76,660 |
| Morgantown | 90 | $50,510 | $52,010 | $37,800 | $69,420 |
| Beckley | 70 | $55,950 | $52,170 | $38,620 | $63,510 |
| Wheeling | 60 | $58,780 | $56,200 | $38,270 | $72,060 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cnc machinists in West Virginia? West Virginia currently employs approximately 1,700 cnc machinists 1. Nationally, cnc machinist employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in West Virginia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in West Virginia. You can also contact the Workforce West Virginia - Apprenticeships for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do cnc machinists earn in West Virginia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cnc machinists in West Virginia is $47,350, which is $8,800 below the national median of $56,150 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Workforce West Virginia - Apprenticeships: https://workforcewv.org/images/files/job-seekers/REGISTERED_STATEWIDE_APPRENTICESHIP_SPONSORS.pdf ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |