The average salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $43,780. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,360.
- Outlook: The current demand for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-25.7%below the national average.
$21.1
$842
$3,648
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 1 years, Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salaries in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC have seen a slight adjustment of -7.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The earning potential for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss 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 $37,390, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $53,360.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,390 | $18 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,835 | $15.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $40,010 | $19.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,725 | $26.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $53,360 | $25.7 |
Detailed Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $43,780 to $43,780.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.209
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.71x the national average concentration of Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
30 people work as Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC.
Only 0.209 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $48,610↑ 11% | 45 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $44,870↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $45,640↑ 4% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary | $46,810↑ 7% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $43,780. This typically ranges from $37,390 for entry-level positions to $53,360 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 25.7% lower than the national median of $58,900.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operatorss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $43,780 (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 Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?
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 ($48,610) and Winston-Salem, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 0.209 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC