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Registered Nurse Salary in Hickory, NC

How much does a registered nurse make in Hickory? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Hickory's cost of living.

Median Salary
$61,679
per year in Hickory
Entry Level
$43,716
Starting salary
Senior Level
$85,842
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
84
16% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how registered nurse salaries break down across different pay periods in Hickory.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$43,716$61,679$85,842
Monthly$3,643$5,140$7,154
Biweekly$1,681$2,372$3,302
Weekly$841$1,186$1,651
Hourly$21$30$41

Hickory vs National Average

How Hickory's registered nurse salaries compare to national figures.

Hickory Salary
$61,679
COL Index: 84
National Average
$83,440
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$21,761
Lower in Hickory

Cost of Living in Hickory

1-Bedroom Rent
$780
per month
Median Income
$41,821
per year
Population
43,490
residents
Rent % of Income
22.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 84 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Hickory have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Registered Nurse

Overview

Provide patient care and coordinate treatment in hospitals and clinical settings.

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing; RN license required

Key Skills

Patient CareMedical KnowledgeCommunicationClinical Assessment

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Registered Nurse Salary

See Registered Nurse salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$113,490
+84%
Los Angeles, CA
$133,440
+116%
Chicago, IL
$96,480
+56%
Houston, TX
$97,810
+59%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,160
+59%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Registered Nurse Salary in Hickory, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a registered nurse in Hickory, NC is $61,679 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Hickory's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level registered nurse professionals in Hickory can expect to earn around $43,716 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level registered nurses earning approximately $85,842 per year. This represents a 96% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Hickory's cost of living index of 84 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Hickory are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $83,440, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a registered nurse's salary in Hickory typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $780 per month, housing represents about 15.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Registered Nurses are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Hickory, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.