Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations earn an average annual salary of $84,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $103,510, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,730.
- Outlook: The Architecture and Engineering sector in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, comprises a workforce of 2,010 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.78, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally dense market. The presence of nearly 13 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent demand for these specialized skills within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-18.3%below the national average.
$40.7
$1,627
$7,049
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Architecture and Engineering Occupations have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for infrastructure and development, and advancements in technology within the field.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential with accumulated experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,350 | $23.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $63,443 | $30.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $78,140 | $37.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $105,738 | $50.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $129,730 | $62.4 |
Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $84,590 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is on par with the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
2,010
Total Jobs
12.978
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.78x the national average concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations 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 0.78, the Architecture and Engineering Occupations market in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the job market may be less competitive than in major metropolitan hubs, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for skilled professionals seeking roles in this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $97,260↑ 15% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $88,980↑ 5% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $85,780↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $87,820↑ 4% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $82,360↓ 3% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $84,590. This typically ranges from $49,350 for entry-level positions to $129,730 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 18.3% lower than the national median of $103,510.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $84,590 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $103,510. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?
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 ($97,260) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $84,590, which is lower than the national average of $103,510.
What is the concentration of Architecture and Engineering jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.78, indicating that these occupations are slightly less prevalent in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC affect salary perception?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it's the same as the national average. Therefore, the $84,590 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary.
What is the total workforce size for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in this area?
There are approximately 2,010 individuals employed in Architecture and Engineering Occupations within the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,010 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 12.978 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Architecture and Engineering Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC