May 2025 · Metropolitan area · BLS OEWS
Salaries in Hickory
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
385 occupations
Across 385 occupations with published wages in Hickory, physicians, all other record the highest median at $313,460 per year.
Highest-paying occupations in Hickory
| # | Occupation | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physicians, All Other | $313,460 | 380 | |
| 2 | Chief Executives | $312,730 | 50 | |
| 3 | Nurse Anesthetists | $213,630 | 120 | |
| 4 | Family Medicine Physicians | $206,360 | 30 | |
| 5 | Dentists, General | $193,320 | 130 | |
| 6 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $170,730 | 200 | |
| 7 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $163,010 | 220 | |
| 8 | Natural Sciences Managers | $162,690 | 40 | |
| 9 | Marketing Managers | $151,190 | 200 | |
| 10 | Financial Managers | $138,150 | 310 | |
| 11 | Pharmacists | $137,180 | 330 | |
| 12 | Optometrists | $136,920 | 40 | |
| 13 | Purchasing Managers | $132,570 | 80 | |
| 14 | Sales Managers | $132,060 | 360 | |
| 15 | Physician Assistants | $127,210 | 190 | |
| 16 | Nurse Practitioners | $126,620 | 300 | |
| 17 | Engineers, All Other | $125,160 | 60 | |
| 18 | Veterinarians | $124,970 | 70 | |
| 19 | Industrial Production Managers | $124,290 | 640 | |
| 20 | Software Developers | $122,540 | 420 | |
| 21 | Sales Engineers | $121,100 | 40 | |
| 22 | Human Resources Managers | $117,950 | 140 | |
| 23 | Information Security Analysts | $115,250 | 40 | |
| 24 | Training and Development Managers | $113,070 | 40 | |
| 25 | Facilities Managers | $111,610 | 110 |
Largest occupations by employment
| Occupation | Jobs | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 4,850 | $40,240 |
| Retail Salespersons | 4,000 | $30,520 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 3,500 | $38,130 |
| Cashiers | 3,470 | $27,570 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 3,190 | $42,770 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 3,050 | $57,460 |
| Registered Nurses | 3,020 | $80,060 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 2,930 | $27,580 |
| Nursing Assistants | 2,780 | $37,430 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 2,650 | $27,550 |
Lowest-paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $24,290 | 420 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $24,480 | 120 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $26,940 | 340 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $27,110 | 390 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $27,550 | 2,650 |
| Cashiers | $27,570 | 3,470 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $27,580 | 2,930 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $27,630 | 890 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $27,680 | 750 |
| Childcare Workers | $28,460 | 250 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.