Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The average salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $67,310. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,620.
- Outlook: The current demand for Occupational Therapy Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-2.9%below the national average.
$32.4
$1,294
$5,609
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Occupational Therapy Assistants salaries in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC have shown healthy growth of 10.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The earning potential for Occupational Therapy Assistantss 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 $58,540, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $77,620.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $58,540 | $28.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $50,483 | $24.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $65,170 | $31.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $84,138 | $40.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $77,620 | $37.3 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $67,310 to $67,310.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.333
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
50 people work as Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC.
Only 0.333 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Occupational Therapy Assistants roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $71,670↑ 6% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $72,560↑ 8% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $68,570↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $70,470↑ 5% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $64,840↓ 4% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $67,310. This typically ranges from $58,540 for entry-level positions to $77,620 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 2.9% lower than the national median of $69,310.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place for Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Occupational Therapy Assistants salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $67,310 (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 Therapy 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 ($71,670) 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 50 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 0.333 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 Therapy Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC