In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors earn an average annual salary of $54,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,060, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. Factors such as the concentration of the profession and the overall economic landscape of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,780.
- Outlook: The job market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 250 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.73 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate but not saturated demand for their services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-9.8%below the national average.
$26.1
$1,042
$4,515
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and increasing demand for specialized guidance services. This growth is typically driven by evolving educational landscapes and a greater emphasis on career development.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Salary progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and a proven track record in guiding individuals through educational and career paths.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $36,360 | $17.5 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $40,635 | $19.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $55,410 | $26.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $67,725 | $32.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $64,780 | $31.1 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $54,180 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is below the national average for the profession, it is balanced by the local cost of living, offering a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.611
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.73x the national average concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors 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 0.73, the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not as dominant a feature of the local employment landscape compared to other regions. This could imply a competitive environment for job seekers, but also potential opportunities for those with specialized skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $54,180. This typically ranges from $36,360 for entry-level positions to $64,780 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 9.8% lower than the national median of $60,060.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $54,180 is below the national average of $60,060, although the cost of living is at the national average, balancing purchasing power.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
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 ($59,860) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $54,180, which is lower than the national average of $60,060.
What is the Cost of Living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for these counselors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.73, indicating fewer professionals per capita relative to the rest of the country.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.73 mean for job opportunities?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.73, suggests that the demand for these professionals might be lower or less specialized compared to national trends, potentially leading to a more competitive job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 1.611 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC