Nursing Assistants Salary in Hickory, NC

In Hickory, NC, nursing assistants earn a median annual salary of $36,050, which is approximately $3,480 below the national median for this occupation at $39,530. This local salary translates to a median hourly rate of $17.33. When compared to the area's median household income of $60,255, nursing assistants' earnings represent about 59.9% of the typical household income in Hickory. Despite their critical role in healthcare settings, these salaries reflect a broader economic context where local unemployment is relatively low at 3.60%, indicating a competitive job market.

The salary range for nursing assistants in Hickory varies significantly based on experience levels. Entry-level workers tend to earn near or below the 10th percentile of $30,290 annually, while those more experienced can see earnings up to the 90th percentile, reaching as high as $43,810 per year. This disparity is driven by factors such as tenure in the field, additional certifications, and specialized skills that increase a nurse assistant's value. Experienced nursing assistants may also benefit from opportunities for overtime pay or working in facilities with higher patient acuity levels, both of which can contribute to higher earnings compared to their entry-level counterparts.