The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is an essential employment center in North Carolina, experiencing steady growth in its labor market and attracting a diverse range of industries. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the civilian workforce in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA totaled approximately 150,000 as of May 2018. This figure reflects civilian employment, excluding self-employed individuals and household workers. Over the decade from 2008 to 2018, the region’s labor market expanded by roughly 12.5%, showcasing a favorable environment for employment growth compared to the national employment growth rate of 7.06% during the same period.
The employment distribution in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area demonstrates the diversity and specialization within the labor market. The 2018 breakdown of the workforce is as follows:
- Management occupations: Approximately 7,500 workers, or 5% of the total workforce, are engaged in management roles, overseeing operations in both public and private sectors across industries.
- Business and financial operations occupations: Around 9,100 employees, or 6.1%, work in business and finance, reflecting the area’s demand for financial planning, analysis, and consulting services.
- Computer and mathematical occupations: Though a smaller portion at 5.2%, or about 7,800 workers, this sector represents a growing segment, especially with the increased integration of technology in manufacturing and business processes.
- Architecture and engineering occupations: Approximately 4,800 individuals (3.2%) are involved in architecture and engineering fields, supporting the area’s industrial and construction sectors.
- Life, physical, and social science occupations: Representing 1.3% of employment, or about 2,000 workers, this sector is vital for research and environmental assessment within the region’s forestry and agricultural sectors.
- Community and social service occupations: About 1,500 employees, or 1%, work in community and social services, helping to address public health and social needs within Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton.
- Legal occupations: The area has approximately 1,000 legal professionals (0.7%), providing legal services across various specialties.
- Education, training, and library occupations: Approximately 10,000 individuals (6.7%) are employed in this sector, reflecting the community’s investment in education and workforce development.
- Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations: Around 1,400 individuals, or 0.9%, work in creative and media roles, contributing to cultural and recreational activities.
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations: About 8,500 individuals (5.6%) serve in healthcare professions, meeting the medical needs of a diverse population.
- Healthcare support occupations: Approximately 3,800 workers, or 2.5%, support the healthcare system in essential roles within clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
- Protective service occupations: Roughly 2,500 employees (1.7%) work in protective services, including law enforcement, fire protection, and security services.
- Food preparation and serving-related occupations: This sector employs about 18,000 individuals (12%), supporting the hospitality and tourism industries in the area.
- Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations: Around 5,000 individuals, or 3.3%, maintain essential facilities and support operations in hospitality and public services.
- Personal care and service occupations: Representing 4%, or about 6,000 employees, this segment includes workers in personal care services, a growing field driven by demand for senior care and wellness services.
- Sales and related occupations: Approximately 20,000 employees (13.3%) work in sales, serving a robust retail sector in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton.
- Office and administrative support occupations: Around 24,000 workers, or 16%, are engaged in administrative roles, supporting businesses, schools, and government institutions.
- Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations: Although smaller in number, with about 500 workers (0.3%), this sector remains significant due to the region’s agricultural activities.
- Construction and extraction occupations: Employing around 6,700 workers (4.5%), construction and extraction are essential for ongoing infrastructure and residential projects.
- Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations: Around 5,800 individuals (3.9%) work in this sector, supporting industrial operations and residential services.
- Production occupations: This sector employs 10,000 individuals (6.7%), a vital segment due to the region’s industrial and manufacturing heritage.
- Transportation and material moving occupations: Approximately 7,600 workers (5.1%) support the logistics and distribution needs of the region’s businesses.
The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area is home to several major employers spanning diverse industries, contributing to the stability and growth of the regional economy. Key employers include:
- Frye Regional Medical Center: A leading healthcare provider with over 3,500 employees, it offers comprehensive medical services to the region.
- Catawba Valley Medical Center: Employing more than 2,800 individuals, it is another significant healthcare employer, meeting regional healthcare demands.
- CommScope: A major player in the technology and manufacturing sector, CommScope employs approximately 2,500 people, specializing in network infrastructure.
- Corning Optical Communications: With around 2,300 employees, Corning supports technological advances through its fiber optic solutions.
- Furniture Manufacturing Facilities: Given the area’s history in furniture production, companies like Bernhardt Furniture and Bassett Furniture each employ between 1,500 and 2,000 workers, maintaining Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton’s legacy in high-quality furniture manufacturing.
- Hickory Public Schools and Catawba County Schools: Together, they employ about 4,500 people, supporting education across the MSA.
- Publix and Wal-Mart Stores: Retail giants with a significant presence in the area, each employing between 1,200 and 1,500 workers.
- Food Lion: Employing around 1,000 individuals, Food Lion is a staple in the local grocery retail sector.
The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA’s diversified labor market provides a strong foundation for vocational rehabilitation and career consulting services. With the expertise of professionals like Dr. Hankins, individuals and businesses alike can leverage insights into the local economy to make informed decisions. Dr. Hankins’ understanding of Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton’s employment landscape is invaluable for clients seeking vocational counseling or expert witness services in cases involving vocational disability and economic loss.
In clinical applications, Dr. Hankins offers personalized vocational guidance that helps individuals identify suitable employment goals and develop actionable rehabilitation plans. This holistic approach is critical for individuals recovering from injury or facing career transitions, providing a clear path toward achieving their professional aspirations.
In forensic contexts, Dr. Hankins’ services encompass thorough, independent vocational evaluations that produce reliable conclusions about an individual’s vocational potential and earning capacity. His comprehensive assessments are instrumental in cases involving vocational disabilities, offering a credible foundation for determining the economic impact of injuries or other significant incidents.
The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area, with its stable labor market and robust network of employers, provides a promising environment for job seekers and businesses. Whether one is returning to the workforce, transitioning careers, or facing vocational challenges due to injury, Hankins & Hankins Vocational Consulting is committed to supporting individuals and companies with reliable and informed vocational rehabilitation and consulting services.
For those seeking expert guidance in navigating the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton labor market, Hankins & Hankins Vocational Consulting offers specialized knowledge and an evidence-based approach to vocational assessment and career planning. Contact Hankins & Hankins today to learn more about how we can support your employment and rehabilitation goals.
