Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area earn an average annual salary of $59,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,840, a common occurrence in regions with a cost of living that aligns with the national median. Local economic factors and demand within the healthcare sector directly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,270.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton region supports a local workforce of approximately 300 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. With a Location Quotient of 0.87, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 1.925 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these essential healthcare roles.
Salary Overview
The average Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-7.7%below the national average.
$28.8
$1,151
$4,989
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians across the nation have seen steady growth over the past four years. This upward trend is driven by increasing healthcare needs, technological advancements in diagnostics, and a persistent demand for skilled laboratory professionals.
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior technologists with specialized skills and years of experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the accumulation of expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,720 | $17.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $44,903 | $21.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $56,340 | $27.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $74,838 | $36 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $93,270 | $44.8 |
Detailed Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,870 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for professionals considering relocation to this area.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
1.925
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.87x the national average concentration of Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.87 indicates that Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians are slightly less concentrated in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Salary | $61,080↑ 2% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Salary | $56,230↓ 6% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Salary | $60,430↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Salary | $56,510↓ 6% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Salary | $55,950↓ 7% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $59,870. This typically ranges from $36,720 for entry-level positions to $93,270 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 7.7% lower than the national median of $64,840.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicianss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $59,870 is below the national average of $64,840, though the cost of living is on par with the national index.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians?
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 ($61,080) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $59,870 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is approximately $4,970 less than the national average of $64,840 for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.87?
An LQ of 0.87 means that the concentration of Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is 13% lower than the national average. This suggests a slightly less competitive job market relative to national concentrations.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is at the national average (100), meaning the $59,870 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' indicate?
The figure of 1.925 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies the density of Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technician roles within the local workforce, indicating a steady presence of these positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 1.925 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC