Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $68,100. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within this metropolitan area. The local compensation structure is influenced by the concentration of these roles and the overall economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,930.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, shows a moderate presence, with 5.373 jobs per 1,000 workers. The total local workforce in this sector comprises 830 individuals. While the Location Quotient of 0.57 indicates a lower concentration compared to the national average, the steady number of jobs suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-25.8%below the national average.
$32.7
$1,310
$5,675
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries across most professional sectors, including Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by inflation, increased demand for specialized skills, and evolving industry standards, suggesting that the $68,100 average may see incremental increases in the coming years.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Salary progression for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions often start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive practical experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities and the value placed on expertise and specialized knowledge within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $38,960 | $18.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $51,075 | $24.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $61,480 | $29.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $85,125 | $40.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $104,930 | $50.4 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $68,100 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas. Residents can maintain a comparable standard of living to the national average with their earnings.
Job Market Context
830
Total Jobs
5.373
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.57x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations 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 0.57, the job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field is not as dominant a sector compared to national trends. Professionals may find a less competitive environment but potentially fewer specialized roles compared to larger metropolitan hubs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $85,530↑ 26% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $82,510↑ 21% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,250↑ 12% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $83,990↑ 23% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $78,290↑ 15% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $68,100. This typically ranges from $38,960 for entry-level positions to $104,930 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 25.8% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $68,100 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 ($85,530) and Spartanburg, SC.
What is the average salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $68,100.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton ($68,100) is considerably lower than the national average of $91,840 for these occupations.
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 equivalent to the national average.
How concentrated are Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
These occupations are less concentrated in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, with a Location Quotient of 0.57, indicating a lower presence compared to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 5.373 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC