Average Accountants and Auditors Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Accountants and Auditors in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area earn an average annual salary of $86,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $94,430, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this metropolitan area. Local market conditions, industry concentration, and the overall economic health of the region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital financial professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $136,150.
- Outlook: The job market for Accountants and Auditors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, while not as concentrated as the national average (Location Quotient of 0.65), supports a local workforce of 940 professionals. With 6.072 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is present, indicating a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape for these roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Accountants and Auditors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-8.1%below the national average.
$41.7
$1,669
$7,232
Accountants and Auditors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Accountants and Auditors have experienced a steady upward trend, mirroring national economic growth and increasing demand for financial expertise. This growth is likely driven by evolving regulatory landscapes and the continuous need for accurate financial reporting across various industries within the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area.
Accountants and Auditors Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Accountants and Auditors typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior roles and specialized positions command higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior compensation reflects the accumulation of skills, responsibilities, and proven expertise valued in the accounting profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $48,720 | $23.4 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $65,085 | $31.3 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $77,190 | $37.1 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $108,475 | $52.2 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $136,150 | $65.5 |
Detailed Accountants and Auditors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $86,780 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power relative to the national standard, suggesting that the take-home pay offers a comparable lifestyle to that of the average American, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
940
Total Jobs
6.072
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.65x the national average concentration of Accountants and Auditors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.65, the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area has a lower concentration of Accountants and Auditors compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering a more competitive environment for skilled professionals seeking opportunities, or indicating a more specialized local demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Accountants and Auditors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Accountants and Auditors Salary | $98,030↑ 13% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Accountants and Auditors Salary | $80,100↓ 8% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Accountants and Auditors Salary | $83,750↓ 3% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Accountants and Auditors Salary | $84,390↓ 3% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Accountants and Auditors Salary | $69,100↓ 20% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Accountants and Auditors make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Accountants and Auditors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $86,780. This typically ranges from $48,720 for entry-level positions to $136,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 8.1% lower than the national median of $94,430.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Accountants and Auditors?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $86,780 is below the national average of $94,430, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Accountants and Auditors?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($98,030) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Accountants and Auditors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $86,780, which is lower than the national average of $94,430.
What is the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The cost of living index for Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Accountants and Auditors work in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
There are approximately 940 Accountants and Auditors employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area.
Is the job market for Accountants and Auditors concentrated in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
No, the Location Quotient of 0.65 indicates that the concentration of Accountants and Auditors is lower than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 6.072 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Accountants and Auditors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC