Overview Salaries

Salaries in Kinston, NC

Updated on Nov 10, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Kinston, NC?

The average salary in Kinston, NC is $54,078 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Kinston, NC, showing an average salary of $54,078 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Kinston, NC, showing an average salary of $4,506 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Kinston, NC, showing an average salary of $1,040 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Kinston, NC, showing an average salary of $26 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Kinston, NC, can expect a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $54,078. This figure provides a good benchmark for understanding the earning potential in the region. Salaries vary based on the industry and the specific role.


The salary distribution shows a mix of lower and higher-paying jobs. The most common salaries fall between $20,750 and $165,000. Here is a breakdown of the salary distribution:

  • 24.05% of jobs pay around $20,750
  • 24.82% of jobs pay around $33,864
  • 13.53% of jobs pay around $46,977
  • 12.45% of jobs pay around $60,091
  • 9.07% of jobs pay around $73,205
  • 5.52% of jobs pay around $86,318
  • 2.61% of jobs pay around $99,432
  • 0.87% of jobs pay around $112,545
  • 0.75% of jobs pay around $125,659
  • 0.52% of jobs pay around $138,773
  • 0.82% of jobs pay around $151,886
  • 0.00% of jobs pay around $165,000
This range offers a variety of options for job seekers, depending on their skills and career goals.

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What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC?

Kinston, NC, offers several high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying jobs are roles such as Staff Nurse, Speech Language Pathologist, and Registered Nurse. These positions provide competitive salaries and are in high demand, offering job seekers a chance to secure a stable and rewarding career. In Kinston, Technicians and Licensed Practical Nurses also enjoy good compensation. These roles are essential in the healthcare sector and provide opportunities for career growth. Retail Sales Associates and General Managers can find good earning potential in the retail and management sectors. Maintenance Technicians and Registered Behavior Technicians also offer decent salaries, with opportunities for advancement in their respective fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $92,627 and Medical Assistant with the lowest at $36,179.

  1. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $92,627
    Staff nurses provide care in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare staff. They monitor patients and administer treatments. Hospitals and clinics hire staff nurses.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $90,542
    Speech language pathologists help people with speech and language issues. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. They create treatment plans and work with patients. Local healthcare facilities hire speech language pathologists.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $78,811
    Registered nurses provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare staff. They monitor patients and administer treatments. Hospitals and clinics hire registered nurses.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. Technician
    Average Salary: $69,528
    Technicians work in various fields, including IT, automotive, and medical. They perform maintenance and repairs. They use tools and equipment to fix problems. Companies and organizations hire technicians.
    Find Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $63,711
    Licensed practical nurses provide basic patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They monitor patients and administer treatments. They work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. Hospitals and clinics hire licensed practical nurses.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  6. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $62,162
    Retail sales associates help customers find products. They work in stores and malls. They provide information and assist with purchases. They handle transactions and provide customer service. Retail stores hire sales associates.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Kinston, NC


  7. General Manager
    Average Salary: $58,603
    General managers oversee store operations. They manage staff and ensure smooth operations. They handle sales and customer service. They work in retail, hospitality, and other industries. Companies hire general managers.
    Find General Manager jobs in Kinston, NC


  8. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $50,557
    Maintenance technicians perform repairs and maintenance. They work in various settings, including schools and offices. They fix equipment and ensure everything runs smoothly. Companies and organizations hire maintenance technicians.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  9. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $48,473
    Registered behavior technicians work with individuals with developmental disorders. They implement behavior plans and track progress. They work in schools and clinics. They collaborate with therapists and other professionals. Schools and clinics hire registered behavior technicians.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  10. Medical Assistant
    Average Salary: $36,179
    Medical assistants support doctors and nurses. They perform administrative tasks and assist with patient care. They take vital signs and prepare patients for exams. They work in clinics and hospitals. Clinics and hospitals hire medical assistants.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Kinston, NC

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

Job seekers in Kinston, NC, can find high-paying roles without needing a degree. Groundskeepers earn an average of $34,576 annually, making them the top earners. Farm laborers also enjoy a solid income, averaging $31,500 per year. These positions offer good pay and are accessible to those without a college degree. Other well-paying jobs include housekeeping, where the average salary is $31,429. To Go specialists and kitchen team members earn around $26,568 and $24,905, respectively. Dishwashers and servers round out the list with average earnings of $23,800 and $23,127. These roles provide opportunities for stable and respectable incomes.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $34,576 and Server with the lowest at $23,127.

  1. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,576
    Maintaining the grounds of local parks and properties. Working with local government and landscape companies. Requires physical stamina and attention to detail.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. Farm Laborer
    Average Salary: $31,500
    Assisting with crop planting and harvesting. Working on local farms. Involves long hours and physical labor, but offers a connection to nature.
    Find Farm Laborer jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $31,429
    Cleaning and maintaining rooms in hotels and motels. Working with hospitality companies. Requires cleanliness and a friendly attitude.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $26,568
    Preparing and packaging food for customers. Working in local restaurants. Involves fast-paced work and customer service skills.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $24,905
    Assisting in food preparation and cooking. Working in local eateries. Requires teamwork and a willingness to learn quickly.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Kinston, NC


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $23,800
    Cleaning dishes and maintaining kitchen areas. Working in restaurants and cafes. Involves repetitive tasks and attention to cleanliness.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Kinston, NC


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $23,127
    Taking orders and serving food to customers. Working in local dining establishments. Requires good communication and customer service skills.
    Find Server jobs in Kinston, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Kinston, NC?

Job seekers in Kinston, NC, have several companies to consider for higher salaries. Aya Healthcare leads with an average salary of $65,782, followed closely by UNC Health at $61,298. These companies offer competitive pay, making them attractive options for those seeking better financial rewards. Other notable companies in Kinston include FlyExclusive, Pactiv Evergreen, and Smithfield Foods, all offering average salaries above $48,000. Lenoir Community College, City of Kinston, and Lenoir County Public Schools also provide solid compensation packages. Butterball and Little Caesars Pizza, while offering lower average salaries, still present opportunities for those entering the workforce or looking for entry-level positions.
Graph displaying company salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Aya Healthcare with the highest at $65,782 and Little Caesars Pizza with the lowest at $30,863.

  1. Aya Healthcare
    Average Salary: $65,782
    Aya Healthcare offers travel nursing and allied health jobs. They provide competitive pay and benefits.


  2. UNC Health
    Average Salary: $61,298
    UNC Health is a large healthcare system. They offer a range of jobs in medical care and support.


  3. FlyExclusive
    Average Salary: $60,072
    FlyExclusive provides private jet charter services. They offer good pay and benefits for their staff.


  4. Pactiv Evergreen
    Average Salary: $49,322
    Pactiv Evergreen makes foodservice and packaging products. They offer stable jobs with decent pay.


  5. Smithfield Foods
    Average Salary: $48,041
    Smithfield Foods is a major meat producer. They offer jobs in production and processing with good salaries.


  6. Lenoir Community College
    Average Salary: $46,903
    Lenoir Community College offers education and training. They provide jobs for teachers and support staff.


  7. City of Kinston
    Average Salary: $44,875
    The City of Kinston provides municipal services. They offer jobs in various departments with good benefits.


  8. Lenoir County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $39,919
    Lenoir County Public Schools offers education services. They provide jobs for teachers and school staff.


  9. Butterball
    Average Salary: $35,460
    Butterball is a turkey producer. They offer jobs in production and processing with decent pay.


  10. Little Caesars Pizza
    Average Salary: $30,863
    Little Caesars Pizza is a popular pizza chain. They offer jobs in restaurants with competitive pay.

How does the cost of living in Kinston, NC compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Kinston, NC, shows a generally favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Kinston are 15% lower than the national average, while utilities are 8% lower. Groceries, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are slightly above the national average, with 96%, 98%, and 90% respectively. Transportation costs are 16% lower, making Kinston a more affordable place to live in these categories.
Cost of living comparison graph for Kinston, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 4% lower, utilities 8% lower, transportation 16% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

The cost of living index in Kinston, North Carolina, shows a mixed picture when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The housing index in Kinston stands at 85, indicating that housing costs are 15% lower than the national average. This makes it a more affordable option for those looking to settle in Kinston, making it easier for job seekers to find housing that fits their budget.


In other areas, Kinston's cost of living remains close to the national average. Groceries, for example, have an index of 96, meaning they are only 4% cheaper than the average. Utilities are slightly lower at 92, which is 8% below the national average. Transportation costs are at 84, which is 16% lower than the average, offering savings for those who need to commute. Healthcare costs are slightly higher, with an index of 98, indicating a 2% increase. Miscellaneous expenses also show a minor increase, with an index of 90, which is 10% below the national average. Overall, Kinston provides a balanced cost of living with some areas offering savings and others being close to the national average.

There are 385 job openings in Kinston, NC, today!

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Kinston, NC
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