Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The average salary for a Occupational Therapists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $93,620. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $93,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $115,010.
- Outlook: The current demand for Occupational Therapistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-5.7%below the national average.
$45
$1,800
$7,802
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Occupational Therapists salaries in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC have shown healthy growth of 14.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The earning potential for Occupational Therapistss in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $61,700, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $115,010.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $61,700 | $29.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $70,215 | $33.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $97,840 | $47 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $117,025 | $56.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $115,010 | $55.3 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$93,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$93,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $93,620 to $93,620.
Job Market Context
110
Total Jobs
0.721
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.73x the national average concentration of Occupational Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
110 people work as Occupational Therapists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC.
Only 0.721 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Occupational Therapists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Occupational Therapists Salary | $96,930↑ 4% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Occupational Therapists Salary | $95,590↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $91,570↓ 2% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $89,580↓ 4% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Occupational Therapists Salary | $87,660↓ 6% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $93,620. This typically ranges from $61,700 for entry-level positions to $115,010 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 5.7% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place for Occupational Therapistss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Occupational Therapists salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $93,620 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
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 ($96,930) and Spartanburg, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 0.721 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC