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Average Community and Social Service Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC

In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, professionals in Community and Social Service Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $54,340. This figure is slightly below the national average of $59,070, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local market. The unique economic landscape of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area shapes compensation for these vital roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $54,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,260.
  • Outlook: The Community and Social Service sector in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, comprises a workforce of 2,240 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.87, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 14.428 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these services within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$54,340

The average Community and Social Service Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-8.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.1

Weekly

$1,045

Monthly

$4,528

Community and Social Service Occupations Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC

Career progression within Community and Social Service Occupations significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced professionals and those in senior or specialized roles can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect the value placed on accumulated experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$36,490$17.5
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$40,755$19.6
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$53,070$25.5
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$67,925$32.7
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$72,260$34.7

Detailed Community and Social Service Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$54,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$54,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $54,340 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national standard, making the nominal income hold its value effectively within the region.

Job Market Context

2,240

Total Jobs

14.428

Per 1K Jobs

0.87

Location Quotient

Below Average

Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.87x the national average concentration of Community and Social Service 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 0.87, the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area has a slightly lower concentration of Community and Social Service Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not as intensely competitive as in some other regions, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Community and Social Service Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Community and Social Service Occupations make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?

The median annual salary for a Community and Social Service Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $54,340. This typically ranges from $36,490 for entry-level positions to $72,260 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 8.0% lower than the national median of $59,070.

Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Community and Social Service Occupationss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $54,340 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.

Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Community and Social Service 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 ($58,390) and Spartanburg, SC.

How does the local workforce size affect job opportunities?

A local workforce of 2,240 indicates a substantial presence of Community and Social Service professionals, suggesting a stable job market with ongoing opportunities for those entering or advancing in the field.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.87 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 0.87 implies that Community and Social Service Occupations are slightly less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a potentially less competitive market and steady demand.

How does the cost of living impact the $54,340 salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $54,340 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, making it a fair reflection of living expenses in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton.

Are there many Community and Social Service jobs per capita in this area?

Yes, with 14.428 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a notable presence of these roles, indicating consistent employment opportunities within the community.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,240 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 14.428 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.