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Average salary by job family in Hickory
| Management | $123,200 |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $95,380 |
| Legal | $93,930 |
| Computer and Mathematical | $92,200 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $88,540 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $78,610 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $75,870 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $74,240 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $56,840 |
| Community and Social Service | $55,140 |
| Construction and Extraction | $51,790 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $47,680 |
| Sales and Related | $47,070 |
| Production | $46,900 |
| Protective Service | $46,580 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $45,230 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $44,140 |
| Healthcare Support | $38,200 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $37,830 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $35,450 |
| Personal Care and Service | $35,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $31,620 |
Highest-paying jobs in Hickory
- Chief Executives$314,070
- Physicians, All Other$288,550
- Family Medicine Physicians$204,790
- Dentists, General$200,480
- Nurse Anesthetists$198,260
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$170,970
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$167,760
- Marketing Managers$160,620
- Natural Sciences Managers$159,780
- Financial Managers$157,250
Most common jobs in Hickory and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 4,850 | $40,660 | $40,240 |
| Retail Salespersons | 4,000 | $33,520 | $30,520 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 3,500 | $39,300 | $38,130 |
| Cashiers | 3,470 | $28,290 | $27,570 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 3,190 | $42,620 | $42,770 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 3,050 | $59,600 | $57,460 |
| Registered Nurses | 3,020 | $84,510 | $80,060 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 2,930 | $28,240 | $27,580 |
| Nursing Assistants | 2,780 | $37,960 | $37,430 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 2,650 | $26,810 | $27,550 |
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Cost of living in Hickory
Prices in the Hickory area are 12% below the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 88.5 for 2024. The average local salary of $54,360 therefore buys what $61,433 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $271,739, 4.5 times the median household income of $60,255.
$271,739typical home value
$60,255median household income
88.5BEA price parity
366,972metro population
Take-home pay in Hickory
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $35,080 | $29,476 | $2,456 |
| Median wage | $45,220 | $37,219 | $3,102 |
| Average wage | $54,360 | $44,198 | $3,683 |
| 75th percentile wage | $60,650 | $49,001 | $4,083 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules).
Salaries for every job in Hickory
Management25 jobs
- Chief Executives$314K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$171K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$168K
- Marketing Managers$161K
- Natural Sciences Managers$160K
- Financial Managers$157K
- Sales Managers$147K
- Purchasing Managers$141K
- Human Resources Managers$135K
- Industrial Production Managers$132K
- Managers, All Other$127K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$125K
- Training and Development Managers$123K
- General and Operations Managers$120K
- Construction Managers$118K
- Facilities Managers$116K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$111K
- Administrative Services Managers$101K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$88K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$86K
- Social and Community Service Managers$82K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$76K
- Food Service Managers$72K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$65K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$57K
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical35 jobs
- Physicians, All Other$289K
- Family Medicine Physicians$205K
- Dentists, General$200K
- Nurse Anesthetists$198K
- Optometrists$142K
- Pharmacists$137K
- Physician Assistants$128K
- Veterinarians$128K
- Nurse Practitioners$126K
- Chiropractors$105K
- Physical Therapists$102K
- Occupational Therapists$96K
- Dental Hygienists$90K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$90K
- Respiratory Therapists$87K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$85K
- Registered Nurses$85K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$83K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$73K
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$71K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$68K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$65K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$64K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$63K
- Surgical Technologists$56K
- Athletic Trainers$56K
- Paramedics$51K
- Opticians, Dispensing$51K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$50K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$48K
- Psychiatric Technicians$44K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$44K
- Medical Records Specialists$44K
- Pharmacy Technicians$43K
- Dietetic Technicians$29K
Legal2 jobs
Computer and Mathematical11 jobs
- Software Developers$129K
- Information Security Analysts$118K
- Computer Network Architects$116K
- Data Scientists$99K
- Computer Systems Analysts$98K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$97K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$91K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$79K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$78K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$77K
- Computer User Support Specialists$56K
Architecture and Engineering13 jobs
- Engineers, All Other$118K
- Electrical Engineers$114K
- Civil Engineers$96K
- Mechanical Engineers$96K
- Industrial Engineers$91K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$76K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$74K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$65K
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$65K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$64K
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$60K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$56K
- Mechanical Drafters$54K
Business and Financial Operations22 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$127K
- Project Management Specialists$98K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$88K
- Accountants and Auditors$87K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$82K
- Loan Officers$81K
- Management Analysts$80K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$79K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$78K
- Logisticians$77K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$75K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$73K
- Human Resources Specialists$70K
- Compliance Officers$70K
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$69K
- Cost Estimators$68K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$66K
- Fundraisers$65K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$62K
- Training and Development Specialists$61K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$56K
- Tax Preparers$53K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media10 jobs
Life, Physical, and Social Science10 jobs
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$108K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$95K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$89K
- Chemists$84K
- Urban and Regional Planners$77K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$73K
- School Psychologists$61K
- Chemical Technicians$55K
- Biological Technicians$52K
- Forest and Conservation Technicians$48K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair23 jobs
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$98K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$78K
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$74K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$69K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$66K
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$64K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$64K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$62K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$61K
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery$60K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$59K
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$56K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$55K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$53K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$52K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$51K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$51K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$51K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$49K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$48K
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$45K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$39K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$35K
Community and Social Service14 jobs
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$61K
- Social Workers, All Other$61K
- Healthcare Social Workers$60K
- Health Education Specialists$58K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$58K
- Clergy$57K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$57K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$56K
- Marriage and Family Therapists$56K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$55K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$53K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$48K
- Community Health Workers$45K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$43K
Construction and Extraction17 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$72K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$67K
- Electricians$56K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$53K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$51K
- Carpenters$50K
- Sheet Metal Workers$50K
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$46K
- Roofers$46K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$45K
- Construction Laborers$44K
- Pipelayers$44K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$42K
- Helpers--Electricians$40K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$39K
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$39K
- Fence Erectors$38K
Educational Instruction and Library29 jobs
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$70K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$69K
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$67K
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$65K
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$65K
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$62K
- Instructional Coordinators$62K
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$62K
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$60K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$60K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$58K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$56K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$54K
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$54K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$54K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$53K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$52K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$52K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$52K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$52K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$51K
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$44K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$44K
- Tutors$42K
- Library Technicians$40K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$40K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$34K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$33K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$29K
Sales and Related12 jobs
- Sales Engineers$119K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$116K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$105K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$78K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$75K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$71K
- Insurance Sales Agents$64K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$52K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$43K
- Parts Salespersons$37K
- Retail Salespersons$34K
- Cashiers$28K
Production51 jobs
- Power Plant Operators$97K
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$69K
- Tool and Die Makers$61K
- Upholsterers$58K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$58K
- Prepress Technicians and Workers$54K
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$53K
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand$52K
- Dental Laboratory Technicians$51K
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers$50K
- Printing Press Operators$50K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$50K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$49K
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$48K
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$48K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$48K
- Machinists$47K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$47K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$46K
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$46K
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46K
- Food Batchmakers$46K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$46K
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$46K
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$45K
- Sewing Machine Operators$45K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$45K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$44K
- Furniture Finishers$43K
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$43K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$43K
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$42K
- Production Workers, All Other$42K
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$41K
- Helpers--Production Workers$41K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$40K
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$40K
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders$39K
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other$39K
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers$39K
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$38K
- Food Processing Workers, All Other$38K
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$37K
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$37K
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$36K
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders$35K
- Bakers$35K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$32K
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$30K
Protective Service10 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$77K
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$58K
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$58K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$56K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$55K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$48K
- Private Detectives and Investigators$47K
- Firefighters$37K
- Security Guards$36K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$24K
Office and Administrative Support37 jobs
- Postal Service Clerks$66K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$64K
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$61K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$61K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$54K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$54K
- Cargo and Freight Agents$52K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$52K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$51K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$50K
- New Accounts Clerks$48K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$48K
- Procurement Clerks$47K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$46K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$46K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$45K
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$45K
- Bill and Account Collectors$45K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$45K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$44K
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$44K
- Order Clerks$44K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$44K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$44K
- Tellers$43K
- Office Clerks, General$41K
- Customer Service Representatives$41K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$41K
- Data Entry Keyers$40K
- File Clerks$40K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$38K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$38K
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$36K
- Couriers and Messengers$36K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$34K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$32K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$31K
Transportation and Material Moving16 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$63K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$60K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$43K
- Light Truck Drivers$42K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$41K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$39K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$37K
- Driver/Sales Workers$37K
- Bus Drivers, School$37K
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers$36K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$36K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$34K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$33K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$33K
- Parking Attendants$31K
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$26K
Healthcare Support12 jobs
- Physical Therapist Assistants$66K
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$65K
- Dental Assistants$48K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$45K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$44K
- Physical Therapist Aides$42K
- Medical Assistants$42K
- Phlebotomists$40K
- Nursing Assistants$38K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$36K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$31K
- Pharmacy Aides$30K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry2 jobs
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance6 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$53K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$45K
- Pest Control Workers$43K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$38K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$33K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$32K
Personal Care and Service13 jobs
- Skincare Specialists$56K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$50K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$48K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$42K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$40K
- Manicurists and Pedicurists$40K
- Residential Advisors$38K
- Funeral Attendants$35K
- Recreation Workers$34K
- Animal Caretakers$33K
- Childcare Workers$31K
- Concierges$30K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$25K
Food Preparation and Serving Related15 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$60K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$44K
- Bartenders$38K
- Waiters and Waitresses$34K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$34K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$33K
- Cooks, Restaurant$33K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$30K
- Cooks, Short Order$29K
- Food Preparation Workers$29K
- Dishwashers$29K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$28K
- Cooks, Fast Food$27K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$26K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$26K
Average salary in nearby cities
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Salary in Hickory: questions
What is a good salary in Hickory?
Half of all workers in the Hickory metro earn less than $45,220 and the average is $54,360. Earning more than $60,650 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in Hickory to match a $70,751 salary elsewhere?
About $62,605, because prices here are 12% below the U.S. average (BEA price parity 88.5).
What are the highest-paying jobs in Hickory?
Chief Executives ($314,070), Physicians, All Other ($288,550), Family Medicine Physicians ($204,790).
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC (25860), all occupations and 385 individual jobs.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules).
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