Overview Salaries

Salaries in Hickory, NC

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
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What is the average salary in Hickory, NC?

The average salary in Hickory, NC is $53,539 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Hickory, NC, showing an average salary of $53,539 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Hickory, NC, showing an average salary of $4,462 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Hickory, NC, showing an average salary of $1,030 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Hickory, NC, showing an average salary of $26 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In Hickory, NC, the average yearly salary is $53,539. This figure reflects the central tendency of incomes across various sectors. Salaries range from $22,000 for entry-level positions to $145,834 for top-tier jobs. This spread allows for diverse opportunities for job seekers with different experience levels.


The distribution of salaries shows that about 21.60% of earners fall below $22,000, while around 25.90% earn between $22,000 and $33,258. As earnings increase, the percentage of workers decreases. Only 0.81% of the workforce earns over $123,319 annually. This data helps job seekers understand the salary landscape and make informed decisions about career paths in Hickory, NC.

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What are the best paying jobs in Hickory, NC?

Job seekers in Hickory, NC, have access to several top-paying positions. The role of a Behavior Analyst leads the way, offering an average salary of $99,854. Other high-paying jobs include CDL Drivers, who make about $90,624 annually, and Traveling Nurses, with an average of $87,065. These roles provide competitive compensation and good career opportunities. Aside from the Behavior Analyst, the list of high-paying jobs includes Outside Sales Representatives, who earn around $86,634 each year. Registered Nurses and General Managers also command strong salaries, at $78,138 and $65,116 respectively. These positions offer stability and the chance for career growth. Social Workers, Hair Stylists, and Electricians also provide solid incomes, making Hickory a good place for job seekers to explore various industries.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Hickory, NC, highlighting Behavior Analyst with the highest at $99,854 and Electrician with the lowest at $56,041.

  1. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $99,854
    Help individuals develop better habits and skills. Work with schools, clinics, and healthcare providers. Top employers include local educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Hickory, NC


  2. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $90,624
    Transport goods and materials. Work for logistics companies and local businesses. CDL training is a plus. Many local companies offer flexible hours.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Hickory, NC


  3. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $87,065
    Provide care in various locations. Work for travel nursing agencies and healthcare facilities. Travel nursing offers great pay and the chance to explore new places.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Hickory, NC


  4. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $86,634
    Sell products to businesses. Work for manufacturing and retail companies. Commission-based pay with potential for bonuses. Local businesses offer a variety of products.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Hickory, NC


  5. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $78,138
    Provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. Work for healthcare facilities and home care agencies. RNs play a crucial role in patient health. Local hospitals have many opportunities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Hickory, NC


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $65,116
    Oversee daily operations of businesses. Work for retail stores, restaurants, and hotels. Leadership and management skills are key. Many local businesses offer growth opportunities.
    Find General Manager jobs in Hickory, NC


  7. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $59,473
    Provide basic patient care. Work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. LPNs support RNs and doctors. Local healthcare facilities offer good benefits.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Hickory, NC


  8. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $57,774
    Help individuals and families with challenges. Work for social service agencies and schools. A degree in social work is needed. Local agencies offer meaningful work.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Hickory, NC


  9. Hair Stylist
    Average Salary: $57,603
    Cut, style, and color hair. Work in salons and spas. Good communication and creativity are important. Many local salons offer training and growth opportunities.
    Find Hair Stylist jobs in Hickory, NC


  10. Electrician
    Average Salary: $56,041
    Install and maintain electrical systems. Work for construction companies and local businesses. Apprenticeships and certifications are helpful. Local contractors offer good pay.
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What are the best paying jobs in Hickory, NC without a degree?

Hickory, NC, offers several opportunities for high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Restaurant managers can earn an average salary of $47,039 annually, making it one of the top-paying roles. Other roles such as groundskeepers and loaders also provide competitive pay, with average salaries around $39,000 and $35,000 respectively. These positions allow job seekers to earn a good income while gaining valuable experience and skills. Positions such as line cooks, servers, and baristas also offer salaries upwards of $28,000 per year. These jobs provide a good starting point for those looking to advance in their careers, offering pathways to higher pay and more responsibility.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Hickory, NC without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $47,039 and To Go Specialist with the lowest at $28,075.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $47,039
    Oversee daily operations and manage staff. Ensure customer satisfaction and smooth workflow. This role involves working with local restaurants and food services.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Hickory, NC


  2. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $38,785
    Maintain outdoor spaces and ensure they look neat. Work with local parks, golf courses, and landscaping companies. Requires attention to detail and physical stamina.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Hickory, NC


  3. Loader
    Average Salary: $35,326
    Load and unload materials. Operate forklifts and other machinery. This job often involves working in warehouses and logistics companies, focusing on safety and efficiency.
    Find Loader jobs in Hickory, NC


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $30,096
    Prepare ingredients and cook food quickly. Work in fast-paced kitchen environments. This role requires teamwork and the ability to handle high-pressure situations.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Hickory, NC


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $29,668
    Prepare and serve coffee and other drinks. Interact with customers and ensure a pleasant experience. Work in cafes and restaurants, focusing on customer service.
    Find Barista jobs in Hickory, NC


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $29,484
    Take orders and serve food and drinks. Ensure customer satisfaction and a smooth dining experience. This job involves working in local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Hickory, NC


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $29,393
    Clean and maintain rooms. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment. This role often involves working in hotels and hospitality businesses.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Hickory, NC


  8. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $28,556
    Clean dishes and kitchen utensils. Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. This role requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Hickory, NC


  9. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $28,246
    Assist with various kitchen tasks. Support chefs and cooks in preparing food. This job often involves working in restaurants and food service establishments.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Hickory, NC


  10. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $28,075
    Prepare and package food for takeout orders. Ensure orders are accurate and timely. This role requires good communication skills and attention to detail.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Hickory, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Hickory, NC?

Hickory, North Carolina, offers job seekers a range of companies that provide competitive salaries. Among them, Corning stands out as the highest-paying employer with an average salary of $99,330. This is followed by Centra Healthcare Solutions at $75,991, and Fountain Services LLC at $72,476. In Hickory, job seekers will find opportunities at other notable companies as well. Medical Solutions pays an average of $69,099, while Saber Healthcare Group offers $68,089. Frye Regional Medical Center, CVS Health, Performance Foodservice, Walgreens, and BAYADA Home Health Care provide salaries that range from $53,278 to $65,874. These figures highlight the diverse compensation opportunities in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Hickory, NC, highlighting Corning with the highest at $99,330 and BAYADA Home Health Care with the lowest at $53,278.

  1. Corning
    Average Salary: $99,330
    Corning is a global leader in glass and ceramics technology. It produces specialty glass, ceramics, and advanced materials. Many of their products are used in technology, scientific instruments, and industrial applications.


  2. Centra Healthcare Solutions
    Average Salary: $75,991
    Centra Healthcare Solutions offers healthcare staffing and recruitment services. They work with healthcare providers to match them with the right talent. Their goal is to improve patient care and healthcare operations.


  3. Fountain Services LLC
    Average Salary: $72,476
    Fountain Services LLC provides management services for healthcare facilities. They focus on improving the quality of care. Their services include administration, operations, and financial management.


  4. Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $69,099
    Medical Solutions is a leading travel nursing and allied staffing agency. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities. Their mission is to improve patient care by matching the right talent with healthcare facilities.


  5. Saber Healthcare Group
    Average Salary: $68,089
    Saber Healthcare Group manages long-term care facilities. They offer skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and assisted living services. Their goal is to provide high-quality care for elderly and medically fragile residents.


  6. Frye Regional Medical Center
    Average Salary: $65,874
    Frye Regional Medical Center is a healthcare provider offering a range of medical services. They focus on patient care and community health. Services include emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments.


  7. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $59,727
    CVS Health is a health services company. They operate pharmacies, health insurance, and healthcare benefits. They aim to improve health outcomes and lower costs for their customers.


  8. Performance Foodservice
    Average Salary: $56,957
    Performance Foodservice provides food and hospitality services. They serve restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities. Their focus is on delivering quality food and service to their clients.


  9. Walgreens
    Average Salary: $54,554
    Walgreens is one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States. They offer a variety of health and wellness products. Their goal is to improve the health and well-being of their customers.


  10. BAYADA Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $53,278
    BAYADA Home Health Care provides skilled nursing, therapy, and home health aide services. They aim to help people have a safe and fulfilling home life. Their services focus on quality care and patient satisfaction.

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

Hickory, NC, offers a cost of living slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index stands at 92, which is 2% lower than the national benchmark of 100. This lower cost is particularly evident in housing, where costs are 15% below the average. Individuals looking to relocate to Hickory may benefit from lower housing expenses, while other categories like groceries and utilities remain close to the national average. Healthcare and miscellaneous costs also stay at or slightly above the national average, making Hickory an attractive option for those seeking a balanced living situation.
Cost of living comparison graph for Hickory, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 7% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 3% lower, healthcare 11% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

The cost of living index in Hickory, NC, offers valuable insights for professionals considering a move to the area. When comparing housing costs to the nationwide average, Hickory stands at 85, which is 15% below the national average of 100. Job seekers looking for affordable housing may find Hickory particularly appealing, as the lower housing index suggests savings that could be redirected towards other areas of life.


In addition to housing, Hickory's grocery costs are also favorable, with an index of 93. This is 7% below the national average, providing some relief on everyday essentials. Utilities in Hickory index at 95, just 5% above the average, meaning expenses here remain close to the national norm. Transportation costs are slightly above average at 97, reflecting a modest 3% increase. Healthcare costs also remain competitive at 89, showing an 11% decrease from the average, which could be a significant factor for those prioritizing healthcare affordability. Lastly, miscellaneous costs index at 92, which is 8% below the national average, offering further potential savings for those moving to Hickory.

There are 1,026 job openings in Hickory, NC, today!

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Hickory, NC
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