Average Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Correctional Officers and Jailers in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area earn an average annual salary of $47,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $53,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific pay scales are influenced by the unique labor market conditions present in this North Carolina metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,690.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area supports a local workforce of 750 Correctional Officers and Jailers. With 4.82 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a moderate presence of this profession. The robust Location Quotient of 2.03 signifies a concentration of these roles that is more than double the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for these essential public service positions within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Correctional Officers and Jailers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-10.4%below the national average.
$22.9
$915
$3,966
Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Correctional Officers and Jailers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in public service and law enforcement compensation. This upward trajectory is often driven by cost-of-living adjustments, increased demand for security personnel, and efforts to retain experienced staff within the correctional system.
Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Correctional Officers and Jailers typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level pay, often reflected in percentile distributions, clearly signifies substantial opportunities for career advancement and increased compensation within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $38,930 | $18.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $35,693 | $17.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $48,040 | $23.1 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $59,488 | $28.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $56,690 | $27.3 |
Detailed Correctional Officers and Jailers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,590 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Correctional Officer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the stable cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a comparable standard of living to other regions.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
4.82
Per 1K Jobs
2.03
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 2.0x the national concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 2.03 for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton indicates that this profession is more than twice as concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially competitive job market, with a higher availability of positions relative to the overall workforce. Such a concentration often points to sustained demand and a well-established presence of correctional facilities within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Correctional Officers and Jailers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $55,390↑ 16% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $48,360↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $50,090↑ 5% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $50,640↑ 6% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Correctional Officers and Jailers Salary | $39,030↓ 18% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Correctional Officers and Jailers make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Correctional Officers and Jailers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $47,590. This typically ranges from $38,930 for entry-level positions to $56,690 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 10.4% lower than the national median of $53,130.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Correctional Officers and Jailers?
No, not compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is average, the nominal salary of $47,590 is below the national average of $53,130, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific location.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Correctional Officers and Jailers?
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 ($55,390) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Correctional Officers and Jailers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $47,590, which is lower than the national average of $53,130.
What is the concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers in this area?
The Location Quotient is 2.03, meaning the concentration of Correctional Officers and Jailers is more than double the national average, indicating a significant presence of this profession.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $47,590 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary figure.
What is the total workforce size for this role locally?
There are approximately 750 Correctional Officers and Jailers employed within the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 4.82 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Correctional Officers and Jailers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC