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What is the average salary in Kinston, NC?

The average salary in Kinston, NC is $55,172 per year.

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.
This distribution shows a range of salary options, making Kinston a viable place for job seekers looking for various income levels.

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What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC?

Kinston, North Carolina, offers several top-paying job opportunities for those seeking to advance their careers. Speech Language Pathologists, for example, enjoy a high average salary, followed closely by Staff Nurses and Registered Nurses. These roles offer stability and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community. Other well-compensated jobs in Kinston include Technicians, Retail Sales Associates, and Licensed Practical Nurses. These positions provide solid earnings and opportunities to build a rewarding career. Each of these roles contributes significantly to the local economy and offers a chance to develop valuable skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $93,528 and Delivery Driver with the lowest at $38,620.
  1. 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.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. 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.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. 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.
    Find Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. 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.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Kinston, NC


  6. 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.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  7. 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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  8. 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.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  9. 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.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  10. 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.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Kinston, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC without a degree?

Job seekers in Kinston, NC, can find rewarding opportunities without needing a college degree. Among the top-paying positions are Groundskeeper, Housekeeping, and To Go Specialist. These jobs offer good pay and essential skills, making them excellent choices for those seeking stable employment. Groundskeepers in Kinston earn an average salary of $34,054 a year. They maintain and improve the appearance of outdoor spaces. Housekeeping staff can make around $31,388 annually, focusing on keeping areas clean and organized. To Go Specialists, who prepare food for customers to take away, earn approximately $26,200 per year. These positions provide a solid income and valuable work experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $34,054 and Server with the lowest at $22,384.
  1. 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.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. 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.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. 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.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. 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.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. 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.
    Find Server jobs in Kinston, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Kinston, NC?

In Kinston, NC, Aya Healthcare offers the highest average salary among local employers at $65,782. This company provides professional healthcare staffing solutions. UNC Health follows closely, with an average salary of $61,338, offering healthcare services in the region. For those seeking top-paying employers in Kinston, these companies provide competitive salaries. Pactiv Evergreen and Lenoir Community College also offer attractive compensation packages, with average salaries around $51,000 and $47,000, respectively. Smithfield Foods and the City of Kinston offer good earnings as well, with average salaries around $44,000. Other employers, such as Butterball and Allegiance Industries, provide solid income opportunities, though they offer slightly lower average salaries.
Graph displaying company salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Aya Healthcare with the highest at $65,782 and Ruby Tuesday with the lowest at $31,949.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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, NC, stands at 88.33, which is 11.67% below the nationwide average of 100. This means residents in Kinston typically spend less on living expenses compared to the average American. Lower costs in housing, utilities, and transportation significantly contribute to this reduced overall cost of living.
Cost of living comparison graph for Kinston, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 20% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 12% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

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.

There are 290 job openings in Kinston, NC, today!

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City
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Kinston, NC
290 Job Openings