Average Production Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, professionals in Production Occupations earn an average annual salary of $46,080. This figure is slightly below the national average of $49,710, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and industry concentration significantly influence compensation levels within this specific metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,740.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area boasts a substantial total workforce of 27,830, with Production Occupations representing a significant segment. The Location Quotient of 3.17 indicates a strong concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a well-established presence of manufacturing and production industries within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Production Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-7.3%below the national average.
$22.2
$886
$3,840
Production Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Production Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, inflation, and evolving industry demands typically drive upward adjustments in compensation for skilled labor in manufacturing and production sectors.
Production Occupations Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression within Production Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, requiring specialized skills and extensive experience, can command salaries considerably higher than the average. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial career advancement opportunities available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,710 | $15.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,560 | $16.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,260 | $21.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,600 | $27.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $62,740 | $30.2 |
Detailed Production Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,080 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
27,830
Total Jobs
179.503
Per 1K Jobs
3.17
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 3.2x the national concentration of Production Occupations 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 3.17, Production Occupations are significantly more concentrated in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton than the national average. This high concentration suggests a specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek skilled production talent, and employees benefit from a strong industry presence.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Production Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Production Occupations Salary | $48,840↑ 6% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Production Occupations Salary | $52,360↑ 14% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Production Occupations Salary | $46,110↑ 0% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Production Occupations Salary | $47,500↑ 3% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Production Occupations Salary | $43,890↓ 5% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Production Occupations make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Production Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $46,080. This typically ranges from $31,710 for entry-level positions to $62,740 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 7.3% lower than the national median of $49,710.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Production Occupationss?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a financially stable location. The high concentration of production jobs indicates strong local demand.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Production Occupations?
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 ($48,840) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Production Occupations in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is $46,080, which is slightly lower than the national average of $49,710.
What does the Location Quotient of 3.17 mean for Production Occupations?
A Location Quotient of 3.17 signifies that Production Occupations are over three times more concentrated in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton compared to the national average, indicating a strong industry presence and demand.
How does the Cost of Living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average, the $46,080 salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating good value.
What is the total workforce size for Production Occupations in this area?
The total local workforce in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is 27,830, with Production Occupations being a significant component of this employment base.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 27,830 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 179.503 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Production Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC