Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Human Resources Specialists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, earn an average annual salary of $68,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry concentration and regional demand, play a significant role in compensation levels within this North Carolina metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $101,700.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 610 Human Resources Specialists, the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area demonstrates a moderate concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.66. While this suggests a slightly lower prevalence compared to the national average, the presence of nearly 4 jobs per 1,000 workers points to a stable, albeit not booming, demand for HR expertise within the region's economic landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-13.1%below the national average.
$33
$1,321
$5,725
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Human Resources Specialists have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, evolving HR practices, and increased demand for specialized HR functions likely contributed to upward pressure on wages, even if the local rate remains below the national benchmark.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Human Resources Specialists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles and reflecting a substantial career growth trajectory within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $43,760 | $21 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $51,525 | $24.8 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $61,480 | $29.6 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $85,875 | $41.3 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $101,700 | $48.9 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $68,700 for Human Resources Specialists 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 the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for professionals residing in this area without the added pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
3.946
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.66x the national average concentration of Human Resources Specialists 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 0.66 indicates that Human Resources Specialists are less concentrated in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals entering the field or seeking to advance their careers without facing intense competition from a large pool of similarly qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Human Resources Specialists Salary | $80,580↑ 17% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Human Resources Specialists Salary | $71,110↑ 4% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Human Resources Specialists Salary | $70,060↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Human Resources Specialists Salary | $79,490↑ 16% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Human Resources Specialists Salary | $65,630↓ 4% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $68,700. This typically ranges from $43,760 for entry-level positions to $101,700 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 13.1% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national standards.While the average salary of $68,700 is stable with the local cost of living, it falls below the national average, indicating less competitive compensation in this specific region.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
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 ($80,580) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $68,700 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is approximately $10,390 less than the national average of $79,090.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for HR Specialists in this area?
An LQ of 0.66 means that HR Specialists are less concentrated in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton than the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive job market relative to the number of available positions.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the HR Specialist salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
No, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $68,700 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Human Resources Specialists are employed in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
There are approximately 610 Human Resources Specialists employed 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 610 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 3.946 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC