Average Machinists Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Machinists in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area earn an average annual salary of $51,560. This figure is slightly below the national average of $57,000, suggesting that local market dynamics and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. While the nominal pay may be lower, the cost of living is on par with the national average, which is a crucial factor for understanding real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,320.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton region supports a local workforce of 340 Machinists, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 2.221. The Location Quotient of 1.15 indicates a slightly higher concentration of Machinists compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally booming, demand for these skilled professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-9.5%below the national average.
$24.8
$992
$4,297
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this localized Machinist role is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for precision manufacturing, and evolving industry standards likely contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in Machinist compensation within the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area.
Machinists Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Salary progression for Machinists typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Machinists with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in complex machinery command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding dedication and skill development within the trade.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,880 | $17.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,670 | $18.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,720 | $22.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,450 | $31 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $68,320 | $32.8 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $51,560 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Machinists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton experience a salary that aligns directly with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their income is comparable to that of a Machinist earning the national average salary in a location with average living expenses.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
2.221
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Machinists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.15 for Machinists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton signifies a job market where this profession is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy presence of Machinist roles and potentially a competitive environment for job seekers, as the local demand is robust enough to support a workforce slightly denser than the national benchmark.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Machinists Salary | $57,170↑ 11% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Machinists Salary | $55,120↑ 7% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Machinists Salary | $53,890↑ 5% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Machinists Salary | $48,370↓ 6% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Machinists Salary | $46,960↓ 9% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $51,560. This typically ranges from $36,880 for entry-level positions to $68,320 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 9.5% lower than the national median of $57,000.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Machinists?
Moderately. The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average.While the average Machinist salary of $51,560 is below the national average, the cost of living index of 100 means your earnings have average purchasing power. The slightly higher concentration of Machinists (LQ 1.15) indicates a stable job market.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Machinists?
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 ($57,170) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Machinist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Machinists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $51,560, which is approximately $5,440 less than the national average of $57,000.
What is the Cost of Living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC for Machinists?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the national average.
How concentrated is the Machinist job market in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Location Quotient (LQ) for Machinists in this area is 1.15, indicating that the profession is 15% more concentrated than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher demand or presence of these roles.
What is the total number of Machinists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
There are approximately 340 Machinists employed in 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 340 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 2.221 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC