Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, earn an average annual salary of $60,300. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,450, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local healthcare sector. While the nominal salary may be lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,650.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area supports a local workforce of approximately 600 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and established presence in the region's healthcare landscape. The rate of 3.894 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these essential roles.
Salary Overview
The average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-6.4%below the national average.
$29
$1,160
$5,025
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing healthcare needs, and the ongoing demand for skilled nursing professionals.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Salary progression for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the nursing field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $48,920 | $23.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $45,225 | $21.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $61,310 | $29.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $75,375 | $36.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $70,650 | $34 |
Detailed Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,300 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton 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 environment for residents.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
3.894
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.95x the national average concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 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 0.95 indicates that the concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of nurses is generally aligned with the demand, making it neither overly saturated nor exceptionally competitive for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $64,060↑ 6% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $60,270↓ 0% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $60,280↓ 0% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $62,230↑ 3% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $49,720↓ 18% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $60,300. This typically ranges from $48,920 for entry-level positions to $70,650 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 6.4% lower than the national median of $64,450.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary is competitive within the local context, the average annual pay of $60,300 is below the national average of $64,450. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is equivalent.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
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 ($64,060) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton LPN/LVN salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is $60,300, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,450.
What is the cost of living like for LPNs/LVNs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100. This means your salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national average.
How concentrated is the LPN/LVN job market in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
The job market concentration is nearly at the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.95. This suggests a stable and well-established presence of these roles in the local healthcare system.
What is the total number of LPNs/LVNs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
There are approximately 600 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses working in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 3.894 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC