In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive roles earn an average annual salary of $41,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,320, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the region. The specific compensation in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is influenced by the area's unique economic landscape and the concentration of these support roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,540.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area supports a local workforce of 1,240 individuals in administrative assistant roles. With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 8.017 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these essential support functions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-11.3%below the national average.
$20.2
$808
$3,499
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving job responsibilities typically contribute to incremental increases in administrative compensation, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and market competitiveness.
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Administrative Assistants typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries substantially higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the potential for advancement and increased earning power as one moves from junior to senior administrative roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $29,810 | $14.3 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $31,493 | $15.1 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $39,820 | $19.1 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,488 | $25.2 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $54,540 | $26.2 |
Detailed Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $41,990 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of an administrative assistant's salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar lifestyle stability as in other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
1,240
Total Jobs
8.017
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.71x the national average concentration of Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive 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 0.71 for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton indicates that these roles are less concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist and are necessary for the local economy, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering a moderate level of job security for qualified candidates. It also implies that employers might need to recruit from outside the immediate area for specialized or high-demand roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $41,990. This typically ranges from $29,810 for entry-level positions to $54,540 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 11.3% lower than the national median of $47,320.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $41,990 is below the national average of $47,320, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives?
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 ($42,620) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Administrative Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $41,990, which is approximately $5,330 less than the national average of $47,320.
What is the job concentration for Administrative Assistants in this area?
The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that Administrative Assistants are less concentrated in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate presence in the local job market.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the $41,990 salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
What is the total number of Administrative Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton?
There are approximately 1,240 individuals employed as Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,240 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 8.017 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC