Average Recreation Workers Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Recreation Workers in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area earn an average annual salary of $32,330. This figure is notably below the national average of $36,310. Local economic factors and the specific demand within this region contribute to this compensation difference.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,080.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 250 Recreation Workers, the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area demonstrates a modest but stable presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a potentially balanced job market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce.
Salary Overview
The average Recreation Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-11.0%below the national average.
$15.5
$622
$2,694
Recreation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that, similar to national trends, Recreation Worker salaries in this area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for recreational services, and evolving industry standards.
Recreation Workers Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Salary progression for Recreation Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities can expect significantly higher compensation. The variance between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, highlights clear opportunities for career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,280 | $10.2 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $24,248 | $11.7 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $30,300 | $14.6 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $40,413 | $19.4 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $46,080 | $22.2 |
Detailed Recreation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,330 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by more affordable living expenses.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.639
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.82x the national average concentration of Recreation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.82 for Recreation Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton indicates that the job market for this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for Recreation Workers, the competition might be less intense compared to areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering a stable environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Recreation Workers Salary | $34,360↑ 6% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Recreation Workers Salary | $31,240↓ 3% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Recreation Workers Salary | $32,510↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Recreation Workers Salary | $37,580↑ 16% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Recreation Workers Salary | $31,160↓ 4% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Recreation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreation Workers make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Recreation Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $32,330. This typically ranges from $21,280 for entry-level positions to $46,080 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 11.0% lower than the national median of $36,310.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Recreation Workers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $32,330 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Recreation Workers?
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 ($34,360) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
Recreation Workers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton earn approximately $4,000 less annually than the national average, with a salary of $32,330 compared to $36,310.
What is the job market like for Recreation Workers in this area?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.82, suggesting a stable but not overly competitive environment for Recreation Workers.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived salary?
No, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $32,330 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Recreation Workers are there in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
There are approximately 250 Recreation Workers employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 1.639 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Recreation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC