Average Speech-Language Pathologists Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The average salary for Speech-Language Pathologistss in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $88,260. 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: $88,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $115,010.
- Outlook: The current demand for Speech-Language Pathologistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Speech-Language Pathologists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-13.2%below the national average.
$42.4
$1,697
$7,355
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Speech-Language Pathologists salaries in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC have remained stable with a modest increase of 1.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Speech-Language Pathologists Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The earning potential for Speech-Language Pathologistss 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 $61,140, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $115,010.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $61,140 | $29.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $66,195 | $31.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $86,290 | $41.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $110,325 | $53 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $115,010 | $55.3 |
Detailed Speech-Language Pathologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$88,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$88,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $88,260 to $88,260.
Job Market Context
130
Total Jobs
0.84
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.72x the national average concentration of Speech-Language Pathologists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
130 people work as Speech-Language Pathologists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC.
Only 0.84 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Speech-Language Pathologists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Speech-Language Pathologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $96,360↑ 9% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $89,080↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $85,730↓ 3% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $84,820↓ 4% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Speech-Language Pathologists Salary | $87,070↓ 1% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Speech-Language Pathologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologists make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Speech-Language Pathologists in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $88,260. This typically ranges from $61,140 for entry-level positions to $115,010 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 13.2% lower than the national median of $101,660.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place for Speech-Language Pathologistss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Speech-Language Pathologists salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $88,260 (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 Speech-Language Pathologists?
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 ($96,360) and Spartanburg, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 130 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 0.84 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Speech-Language Pathologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC