Average Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, Social and Human Service Assistants earn an average annual salary of $41,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $45,460, a common occurrence in regions with a lower concentration of these specialized roles. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the community contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,880.
- Outlook: The job market for Social and Human Service Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, shows a modest presence, with a total local workforce of 230 individuals in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.55 indicates that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. With 1.5 jobs per 1,000 workers, the outlook points to consistent opportunities rather than explosive growth.
Salary Overview
The average Social and Human Service Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-7.8%below the national average.
$20.2
$806
$3,492
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Social and Human Service Assistants over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, increased awareness of social services, and inflation typically drive modest annual salary increases across most professions, including this vital sector.
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Social and Human Service Assistants typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, leading to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $30,340 | $14.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $31,425 | $15.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $38,940 | $18.7 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $52,375 | $25.2 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $53,880 | $25.9 |
Detailed Social and Human Service Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,900 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for professionals in this role when relocating to the area.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
1.5
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.55x the national average concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.55, the job market for Social and Human Service Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field is not as saturated as in other parts of the country. This could imply a more competitive landscape for securing positions, or conversely, a steady demand that outpaces the local supply of qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Social and Human Service Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $43,920↑ 5% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $38,200↓ 9% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $43,570↑ 4% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $42,860↑ 2% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $37,460↓ 11% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social and Human Service Assistants make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Social and Human Service Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $41,900. This typically ranges from $30,340 for entry-level positions to $53,880 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 7.8% lower than the national median of $45,460.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Social and Human Service Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $41,900 is below the national average of $45,460, and the job market concentration is lower than the national benchmark.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Social and Human Service Assistants?
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 ($43,920) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Social and Human Service Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $41,900, which is approximately $3,560 less than the national average of $45,460.
What is the job concentration for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Location Quotient is 0.55, indicating that Social and Human Service Assistants are less concentrated in this area compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $41,900 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the cost of living does not significantly inflate or deflate the perceived value of the salary.
How many Social and Human Service Assistant jobs are there per 1,000 workers locally?
There are 1.5 Social and Human Service Assistant jobs per 1,000 workers 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 230 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 1.5 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Social and Human Service Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC