Average Nursing Assistants Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Nursing Assistants in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area earn an average annual salary of $36,530. This figure is notably below the national average of $41,050, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this region. Understanding these regional pay scales is crucial for healthcare professionals seeking employment in this specific North Carolina locale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,810.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area supports a substantial workforce of 3,010 Nursing Assistants, indicating a significant presence of this profession. With a Location Quotient of 2.15, the concentration of Nursing Assistants is more than double the national average, signaling robust demand and a specialized labor market for these essential healthcare providers.
Salary Overview
The average Nursing Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-11.0%below the national average.
$17.6
$703
$3,044
Nursing Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Nursing Assistants nationwide have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare needs and a growing elderly population. This trend likely extends to the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton region, with local compensation potentially mirroring or adapting to broader market increases.
Nursing Assistants Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Salary progression for Nursing Assistants typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton workforce signify these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,290 | $14.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,398 | $13.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,050 | $17.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $45,663 | $22 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $43,810 | $21.1 |
Detailed Nursing Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Nursing Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is $36,530. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary's purchasing power is directly comparable to the national standard. Therefore, the take-home pay for a Nursing Assistant in this area will align with the typical cost of goods and services experienced across the United States.
Job Market Context
3,010
Total Jobs
19.397
Per 1K Jobs
2.15
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 2.1x the national concentration of Nursing Assistants 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 2.15 for Nursing Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton strongly indicates a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for Nursing Assistants in this region is significantly higher relative to the national average, making it a potentially favorable environment for job seekers in this field, as employers may compete for talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Nursing Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Nursing Assistants Salary | $39,820↑ 9% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Nursing Assistants Salary | $37,290↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Nursing Assistants Salary | $37,710↑ 3% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Nursing Assistants Salary | $39,520↑ 8% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Nursing Assistants Salary | $36,820↑ 1% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Nursing Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistants make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $36,530. This typically ranges from $30,290 for entry-level positions to $43,810 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 11.0% lower than the national median of $41,050.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Nursing Assistants?
No, not compared to the national average.While the concentration of jobs is high, the average salary of $36,530 is below the national average of $41,050, and the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Nursing Assistants?
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 ($39,820) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
Nursing Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton earn approximately $4,520 less annually than the national average, with an average salary of $36,530 compared to $41,050.
Is there high demand for Nursing Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 2.15 indicates a demand more than double the national average, suggesting a strong job market for this profession in the area.
What is the cost of living like for Nursing Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
The cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is exactly at the national average (100), meaning your salary of $36,530 will have the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How many Nursing Assistants work in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
There are approximately 3,010 Nursing Assistants employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton 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 3,010 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 19.397 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Nursing Assistants 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 Nursing Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC