Retail Salespersons Salary in Hickory, NC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC

Median annual salary $28,810 -16.7% vs national
Median hourly $13.85
10th percentile $22,350
90th percentile $45,350
Employed locally 3,840
National median $34,580

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Retail Salespersons
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Hickory, NC
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    In Hickory, NC, a typical retail salesperson earns a median annual salary of $28,810 and a median hourly wage of $13.85. This figure is notably below the national median for retail salespersons, which stands at $34,580 annually. When compared to local economic indicators, retail salespersons in Hickory earn approximately 47.8% of the area's median household income of $60,255. This disparity highlights a significant difference between individual earnings within this occupation and broader household financial benchmarks in the region.

    Entry-level retail salespersons in Hickory tend to earn near the lower end of the salary spectrum, with wages around or below the 10th percentile at approximately $22,350 annually. In contrast, experienced workers can see their earnings rise significantly, reaching up to the 90th percentile where salaries approach $45,350 per year. The primary driver behind this wage gap is often a combination of tenure, skill level, and performance. Experienced employees may receive raises through promotions or bonuses for superior customer service, sales achievements, or additional responsibilities within the store. These factors contribute to the broad range in earnings observed among retail salespersons from entry-level positions to those with significant experience and expertise.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,350
    25th
    $26,360
    50th (median)
    $28,810
    75th
    $35,620
    90th
    $45,350

    Hickory economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $60,255 2023 • Census ACS
    Retail Salespersons salary vs area income 48% Median Retail Salespersons salary is 52% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Retail Salespersons make per hour in Hickory?

    The median hourly wage for Retail Salespersons in Hickory, NC is $13.85, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.97 or more per hour.

    Is Hickory above or below average for Retail Salespersons salaries?

    The median Retail Salespersons salary in Hickory, NC is 16.7% below the national median of $34,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Retail Salespersons in Hickory?

    Entry-level Retail Salespersons (10th percentile) earn around $22,350 per year in Hickory, NC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,360.