In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders earn an average annual salary of $43,530. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $43,630, indicating a stable and competitive compensation landscape. Local economic factors and the specific demands of the manufacturing sector within this region play a significant role in aligning these wages with national benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 57.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $52,050.
- Outlook: The job market for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 850 individuals. The location quotient of 2.21 signifies a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized industry presence within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-0.2%below the national average.
$20.9
$837
$3,628
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend would likely mirror broader economic improvements and increased demand for manufactured goods, leading to incremental salary adjustments to retain skilled labor.
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $33,390 | $16.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,648 | $15.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $41,100 | $19.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,413 | $26.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $52,050 | $25 |
Detailed Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,530 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that relocating professionals can expect their earnings to cover standard living expenses without significant strain.
Job Market Context
850
Total Jobs
5.495
Per 1K Jobs
2.21
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 2.2x the national concentration of Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a location quotient of 2.21, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers may actively seek out talent, and the presence of a larger workforce suggests a well-established industry cluster.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $43,530. This typically ranges from $33,390 for entry-level positions to $52,050 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 0.2% lower than the national median of $43,630.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenderss?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.The average salary of $43,530 is on par with the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a financially stable location for these professionals.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders?
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 ($42,940) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 850 suggests a significant pool of experienced individuals, which can indicate both a stable job market and potential competition for roles.
What does a location quotient of 2.21 mean for this role?
A location quotient of 2.21 means that Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders are more than twice as concentrated in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, compared to the national average, signaling strong local industry demand.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of the salary?
With a cost of living index of 100, the national average, the $43,530 salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering good financial stability.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience in this area?
Yes, as with most roles, experience levels typically correlate with salary. Entry-level operators will earn less than senior operators with extensive skills and a proven track record.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 850 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 5.495 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC