Overview Salaries

Salaries in Hickory, NC

Updated on May 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Hickory, NC?

The average salary in Hickory, NC is $52,351 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Hickory, NC, showing an average salary of $52,351 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Hickory, NC, showing an average salary of $4,363 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Hickory, NC, showing an average salary of $1,007 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Hickory, NC, showing an average salary of $25 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Hickory, NC, offers a variety of job opportunities across different industries, leading to a range of salary levels. The average yearly salary in the area is about $52,351. This number gives job seekers a general idea of what to expect in terms of earnings.

Here are some key salary figures across various industries:

  • Retail: Approximately $22,000 per year
  • Construction: Around $32,777 per year
  • Manufacturing: Close to $43,555 per year
  • Healthcare: About $54,332 per year
  • Finance: Nearly $65,109 per year
  • Technology: Roughly $75,886 per year
  • Education: Close to $86,664 per year
  • Transportation: About $97,441 per year
  • Management: Around $108,218 per year
  • Professional Services: Close to $118,995 per year
  • Science and Research: Approximately $129,773 per year

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What are the best paying jobs in Hickory, NC?

Job seekers in Hickory, NC, looking for top-paying roles have several promising options. The highest-paying jobs in the area include Nurse Practitioner, Behavior Analyst, and Outside Sales Representative. These positions offer competitive salaries and diverse career opportunities. A Nurse Practitioner leads the list with an average salary of $142,574, making it an attractive choice for those in the healthcare field. Professionals in Hickory also find good pay in roles like Behavior Analyst and Outside Sales Representative, with average salaries of $94,633 and $90,931 respectively. These positions require specific skills and qualifications but reward with substantial incomes. Whether one seeks a role in healthcare, sales, or analysis, Hickory offers several high-paying job opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Hickory, NC, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $142,574 and Social Worker with the lowest at $56,540.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $142,574
    Caring for patients of all ages. Working in clinics, hospitals, or private practices. Companies include regional health systems and local clinics.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Hickory, NC


  2. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $94,633
    Helping individuals with behavioral challenges. Often working in schools or therapy centers. Companies like local educational institutions and private therapy practices.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Hickory, NC


  3. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $90,931
    Selling products or services to businesses. Visiting clients and building relationships. Companies include manufacturers and technology firms in the area.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Hickory, NC


  4. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $89,599
    Transporting goods across states. Ensuring timely delivery of products. Companies like logistics firms and freight companies operate here.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Hickory, NC


  5. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $88,461
    Providing care in various locations. Working in hospitals or clinics temporarily. Companies include national staffing agencies and local healthcare facilities.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Hickory, NC


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $77,418
    Caring for patients in hospitals or clinics. Administering treatments and medications. Hospitals and private practices hire many RNs in the area.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Hickory, NC


  7. General Manager
    Average Salary: $64,253
    Overseeing daily operations of a business. Managing staff and ensuring smooth service. Restaurants and retail stores need good managers.
    Find General Manager jobs in Hickory, NC


  8. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $59,114
    Providing basic patient care. Working under the supervision of doctors. Positions available in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Hickory, NC


  9. Hair Stylist
    Average Salary: $57,534
    Cutting, coloring, and styling hair. Working in salons. Local beauty salons hire many stylists for their teams.
    Find Hair Stylist jobs in Hickory, NC


  10. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $56,540
    Helping individuals and families. Providing support and resources. Agencies and community organizations offer many social work positions.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Hickory, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Hickory, NC without a degree?

Job seekers in Hickory, NC, have several opportunities to earn a good income without needing a college degree. High-paying roles like Restaurant Manager and Groundskeeper offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for those seeking stable and lucrative employment. Restaurant Managers can earn an average of $46,934, while Groundskeepers can earn around $38,245 annually. These positions provide valuable experience and the chance to advance within the industry.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Hickory, NC without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $46,934 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $27,559.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $46,934
    Manages the daily operations of a restaurant. Oversees staff, maintains inventory, and ensures customer satisfaction. Works at places like local diners and cafes.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Hickory, NC


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $38,245
    Takes care of the outdoor areas of properties. Includes landscaping, gardening, and maintenance tasks. Finds positions with residential communities and parks.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Hickory, NC


  3. Loader
    Average Salary: $35,052
    Moves materials and supplies within a facility. Loads and unloads trucks and equipment. Often employed by warehouses and logistics companies.
    Find Loader jobs in Hickory, NC


  4. Laundry Presser
    Average Salary: $30,417
    Presses and folds clothes, linens, and garments. Ensures high quality and neat appearance of finished items. Works in laundromats and dry cleaners.
    Find Laundry Presser jobs in Hickory, NC


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $30,236
    Prepares food to be served in a restaurant. Works in a fast-paced kitchen setting. Cooks for local eateries and chain restaurants.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Hickory, NC


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $29,805
    Takes orders, serves food and beverages, and ensures customers have a pleasant dining experience. Works in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Hickory, NC


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $29,613
    Prepares and serves coffee and other beverages. Interacts with customers and maintains the coffee station. Employed by coffee shops.
    Find Barista jobs in Hickory, NC


  8. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $29,324
    Cleans and maintains rooms in hotels, motels, or other lodging facilities. Ensures a tidy environment for guests. Works at local hotels.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Hickory, NC


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $28,286
    Cleans dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensures cleanliness and efficiency in the kitchen. Works in various dining establishments.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Hickory, NC


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $27,559
    Assists in food preparation, cooking, and kitchen maintenance. Works alongside chefs and cooks. Available in busy restaurants.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Hickory, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Hickory, NC?

Central Healthcare Solutions stands out as the best-paying company in Hickory, North Carolina, with an average salary of $75,991. This company offers competitive pay in the region, making it an attractive option for job seekers. Other top-paying employers include Medical Solutions, Fountain Services LLC, and Saber Healthcare Group, which offer average salaries above $60,000. Job seekers looking for higher compensation should consider these companies for their next opportunity.
Graph displaying company salaries in Hickory, NC, highlighting Centra Healthcare Solutions with the highest at $75,991 and BAYADA Home Health Care with the lowest at $52,875.

  1. Centra Healthcare Solutions
    Average Salary: $75,991
    Centra Healthcare Solutions offers jobs in healthcare staffing. The company provides a wide range of services for hospitals and other healthcare facilities.


  2. Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $71,855
    Medical Solutions is a healthcare staffing agency. They connect healthcare professionals with various healthcare facilities. The company has a strong reputation in the industry.


  3. Fountain Services LLC
    Average Salary: $70,952
    Fountain Services LLC focuses on providing food services and hospitality solutions. They work with a variety of clients, including schools and hospitals.


  4. Saber Healthcare Group
    Average Salary: $68,224
    Saber Healthcare Group is involved in the healthcare industry. They offer various services and have a strong presence in multiple locations.


  5. Frye Regional Medical Center
    Average Salary: $63,640
    Frye Regional Medical Center is a healthcare facility that provides a range of medical services. They are dedicated to patient care and have a skilled staff.


  6. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $60,019
    CVS Health is a leading health solutions company. They offer a variety of services, from pharmacy to healthcare management. They are a trusted name in the industry.


  7. ProStaffing
    Average Salary: $57,826
    ProStaffing specializes in staffing solutions. They provide temporary and permanent staffing services to businesses across various industries.


  8. Performance Foodservice
    Average Salary: $56,998
    Performance Foodservice offers food service management. They serve a wide range of clients, including schools and healthcare facilities. The company is known for its quality services.


  9. Partners Behavioral Health Management
    Average Salary: $53,666
    Partners Behavioral Health Management focuses on behavioral health services. They provide support and services to individuals with mental health needs.


  10. BAYADA Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $52,875
    BAYADA Home Health Care provides in-home healthcare services. They offer a variety of care options to help people stay in their homes. The company is known for its compassionate care.

How does the cost of living in Hickory, NC compare to the national average?

Hickory, NC, has a cost of living index that is below the nationwide average of 100. The overall index stands at 90, indicating that residents typically spend 10% less on living expenses compared to the national average. This lower cost is particularly noticeable in housing, where the index is 85. Other categories such as groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also reflect lower costs. Groceries cost 95% of the nationwide price, utilities are 90%, transportation is 92%, healthcare is 93%, and miscellaneous items are 88%. Job seekers may find these figures beneficial when considering relocation to Hickory.
Cost of living comparison graph for Hickory, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 7% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Hickory, North Carolina, presents a cost of living slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Hickory stands at 89, which is 11% lower than the national average of 100. This reduction is largely due to the housing sector, where the cost index is at 85, reflecting a 15% decrease from the average.


Individuals moving to Hickory can expect to find more affordable housing compared to the national average. The grocery cost index in Hickory is 95, only 5% lower than the national average. Utilities and transportation costs are also slightly lower, at 90 and 92, respectively. Health care costs in Hickory are close to the national average at 93, making it a viable option for those needing medical care without a significant financial burden. Miscellaneous costs, including entertainment and personal care, are at 88, which is 12% lower than average. This data shows that Hickory offers a favorable cost of living for those seeking an affordable lifestyle.

There are 950 job openings in Hickory, NC, today!

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Hickory, NC
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