In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, professionals in the Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers field earn an average annual salary of $43,210. This figure is notably below the national average of $51,560, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living may influence compensation levels in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,470.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area supports a robust workforce of 1,690 individuals in roles such as Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers. With a Location Quotient of 2.85, this occupation is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a strong local demand and a substantial presence within the regional economy.
Salary Overview
The average Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-16.2%below the national average.
$20.8
$831
$3,601
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and evolving industry demands.
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Within the Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers profession, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,640 | $16.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,408 | $15.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $41,340 | $19.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,013 | $26 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,470 | $27.1 |
Detailed Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,210
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $43,210 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of the salary is on par with the national standard, meaning that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services locally is also at the national average.
Job Market Context
1,690
Total Jobs
10.921
Per 1K Jobs
2.85
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 2.9x the national concentration of Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.85 for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these roles is more than double the national average relative to the overall workforce, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and a potentially abundant supply of these specialized jobs for workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary | $49,920↑ 16% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary | $49,360↑ 14% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary | $46,860↑ 8% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary | $50,170↑ 16% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary | $48,060↑ 11% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigherss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $43,210. This typically ranges from $33,640 for entry-level positions to $56,470 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 16.2% lower than the national median of $51,560.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $43,210 is on par with the national cost of living, it falls significantly below the national average salary for the role. The high concentration of these jobs (LQ 2.85) suggests strong local demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers?
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 ($49,920) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $43,210, which is approximately $8,350 less than the national average of $51,560.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.85 mean for this job title in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
An LQ of 2.85 indicates that the concentration of Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is 2.85 times higher than the national average, suggesting a specialized and in-demand sector within the local economy.
How does the Cost of Living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is at the national average. This means the $43,210 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary has nationwide.
What is the total number of Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
There are approximately 1,690 individuals employed in roles such as Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers 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 1,690 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 10.921 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC