What is the average salary in Kinston, NC?
Kinston, NC, offers a variety of job opportunities across different industries. The average yearly salary in Kinston stands at $55,172, which can provide a stable income for many workers. The salary distribution varies, with the majority of jobs falling between $20,500 and $79,227 per year.
Some of the key sectors in Kinston include retail, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Here are some highlights:
- 25.21% of jobs pay around $20,500.
- 26.67% of jobs offer salaries near $35,182.
- 12.51% of jobs provide salaries close to $49,864.
- 13.61% of jobs pay about $64,545.
- 9.91% of jobs offer salaries around $79,227.
What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC?

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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $93,528
Helping clients of all ages with speech and language challenges. Working in various healthcare settings, including local hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Ideal for those passionate about communication and improving lives.
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Staff Nurse
Average Salary: $91,880
Providing direct patient care in hospitals and clinics. Coordinating care and working with other healthcare professionals. A critical role in ensuring patients receive the best possible care in the area.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $78,572
Offering comprehensive care to patients in various settings. Performing medical tasks and providing emotional support. Essential in local hospitals and community clinics, focusing on patient health and well-being.
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Technician
Average Salary: $73,036
Specializing in technical support and maintenance. Working with local businesses to ensure technology runs smoothly. A stable and rewarding career for those who enjoy problem-solving and technology.
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Retail Sales Associate
Average Salary: $64,661
Assisting customers with purchases in local stores. Providing excellent customer service and maintaining store appearance. A great entry-level job that also offers room for growth and advancement.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $64,543
Delivering basic medical care under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. Working in various healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics. A rewarding career helping patients in the community.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $61,758
Overseeing daily operations in businesses and restaurants. Managing staff and ensuring customer satisfaction. A leadership role that offers opportunities for career advancement and growth in the area.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $50,117
Ensuring buildings and equipment are in good working order. Performing repairs and preventive maintenance. A practical job that is essential for the smooth operation of various facilities in the community.
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Registered Behavior Technician
Average Salary: $47,246
Helping individuals with behavioral challenges. Implementing behavior intervention plans in schools and homes. A fulfilling role for those passionate about making a difference in people's lives.
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Delivery Driver
Average Salary: $38,620
Transporting goods to customers. Ensuring timely and safe delivery. A job that allows for flexible hours and the opportunity to work independently.
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What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC without a degree?

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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $34,054
This role involves maintaining the outdoor spaces of businesses and properties. Tasks include mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, and ensuring pathways are clear. Companies like local hotels and property management firms hire for this job.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $31,388
Housekeeping staff clean hotel rooms and common areas. They ensure guests have a comfortable place to stay. This position works in hospitality businesses such as hotels and bed and breakfasts. Attention to detail and cleanliness is key.
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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $26,200
This role involves preparing and packaging food for customers to take home. It requires speed and accuracy. Fast food restaurants and local eateries hire for this position. Interaction with customers is a big part of this job.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $23,864
Dishwashers clean dishes, glasses, and utensils. They work in the kitchen of restaurants and cafes. This job needs strong attention to detail and the ability to work quickly. Many local dining spots look for skilled dishwashers.
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Server
Average Salary: $22,384
Servers take orders and deliver food and drinks to customers. They work in a fast-paced environment and need strong communication skills. Restaurants and cafes hire for this position. A friendly attitude is essential.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Kinston, NC?

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Aya Healthcare
Average Salary: $65,782
Aya Healthcare is a national leader in the healthcare staffing industry. They place healthcare professionals in jobs across the country. Aya offers competitive salaries and great benefits.
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UNC Health
Average Salary: $61,338
UNC Health is a not-for-profit medical system. They provide a wide range of services in North Carolina. UNC Health is known for its excellent healthcare services and generous pay for its employees.
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Pactiv Evergreen
Average Salary: $50,947
Pactiv Evergreen is a leading producer of sustainable foodservice and food storage products. They value their employees and offer a competitive salary. The work environment is positive and productive.
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Lenoir Community College
Average Salary: $47,694
Lenoir Community College offers various educational programs. They provide a supportive environment for both students and staff. The college values its employees and offers a good salary.
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Smithfield Foods
Average Salary: $44,397
Smithfield Foods is the world's largest pork producer. They operate many processing plants across the U.S. Smithfield offers a stable job with a good salary.
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City of Kinston
Average Salary: $43,907
The City of Kinston provides essential services to its residents. They offer various job opportunities with competitive pay. Working for the city means being part of a community-focused team.
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Lenoir County Public Schools
Average Salary: $39,703
Lenoir County Public Schools is committed to providing quality education. They offer a range of job opportunities for educators and support staff. The district provides a decent salary and benefits.
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Butterball
Average Salary: $35,626
Butterball is a leading brand of poultry products. They have several processing plants in the U.S. Butterball offers a stable job with a good salary for their workers.
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Allegiance Industries
Average Salary: $34,966
Allegiance Industries is a major manufacturer of industrial packaging products. They offer various job opportunities with competitive pay. The company values its employees and offers a supportive work environment.
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Ruby Tuesday
Average Salary: $31,949
Ruby Tuesday is a popular casual dining restaurant chain. They offer various positions for those interested in the food service industry. The company provides a decent salary and opportunities for growth.
How does the cost of living in Kinston, NC compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Kinston, North Carolina, shows some interesting contrasts when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Kinston's housing index stands at 80, indicating that housing costs are 20% lower than the national average. This could make it more affordable for individuals and families to secure a place to live, potentially freeing up more of their budget for other expenses.
Additionally, Kinston’s groceries index is at 90, which is 10% lower than the nationwide average. This affordability in food costs can be a significant benefit for those looking to manage their household budgets effectively. Utilities in Kinston are priced at 95, just 5% above the national average. Transportation costs in Kinston are also slightly lower, at 85, meaning they are 15% cheaper than the national average. The healthcare index is at 88, which is 12% below the national average, offering another area where costs may be lower. Lastly, the miscellaneous expenses index is 92, indicating a minor 2% increase from the national average. These figures provide a clear picture of Kinston’s cost of living relative to the rest of the country.



