What is the average salary in Kinston, NC?
Kinston, North Carolina, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary for workers here is $54,351. This range makes it a good place for many different careers. Salaries can vary depending on the job and industry.
The salary distribution shows how pay varies across different jobs. Here’s a look at some of the most common salaries:
- 23.78% of workers earn around $21,500
- 26.02% earn about $34,200
- 11.93% receive close to $46,900
- 12.31% earn roughly $59,600
- 8.31% make near $72,300
- 6.07% earn about $85,000
- 2.02% receive around $97,700
- 2.11% make about $110,400
- 1.05% earn close to $123,100
- 0.93% make near $135,800
- 0.46% earn about $148,500
- And finally, 1.06% make over $161,200
What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC?

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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $95,936
This role helps individuals with speech and language issues. Local schools and clinics offer many opportunities. This career supports communication in students and patients, making it rewarding.
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Staff Nurse
Average Salary: $83,231
Nurses care for patients in hospitals and clinics. Local healthcare providers need skilled nurses. This job provides direct patient care, offering a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $78,993
RNs work in various settings like hospitals, clinics, and schools. They ensure patients receive proper care. This job involves a lot of responsibility and offers a chance to develop strong patient relationships.
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Retail Sales Associate
Average Salary: $65,093
These associates help customers find products and complete purchases. Local stores offer many opportunities for sales roles. This job involves interacting with customers, making it a great way to develop communication skills.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $65,074
LPNs work under the supervision of doctors and RNs. They provide basic patient care in various settings. This role offers stability and the chance to work closely with patients and medical staff.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $64,472
General managers oversee the daily operations of businesses. Local businesses need effective leaders. This job involves managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and overseeing business performance.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $53,450
Maintenance technicians repair and maintain equipment and facilities. Local businesses and institutions need these skilled workers. This job offers hands-on work and the chance to keep operations running smoothly.
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Registered Behavior Technician
Average Salary: $48,170
These technicians work with individuals who have developmental disorders. Local clinics and schools need their expertise. This role provides the chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
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Delivery Driver
Average Salary: $41,602
Delivery drivers transport goods to customers. Local businesses and services need drivers. This job involves regular routes and offers flexibility, making it a good option for those who like to be on the move.
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Medical Assistant
Average Salary: $36,194
Medical assistants support doctors and nurses in clinics and hospitals. Local healthcare facilities need their help. This role includes both administrative and clinical tasks, providing a chance to work directly with patients.
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What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC without a degree?

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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $35,025
Maintaining the outdoor spaces of parks and recreational areas is the main task. The work may involve gardening, lawn care, and general upkeep. Local golf courses and city parks hire for these positions.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $33,054
Cleaning and organizing guest rooms and common areas in hotels. Tasks include making beds, changing linens, and keeping bathrooms clean. Many hotels and motels in the area need housekeepers.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $29,759
Responsible for mopping and vacuuming floors in commercial spaces. They clean restrooms, stock supplies, and report any necessary repairs. The job is available in local offices, schools, and shopping centers.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $24,604
Prepares food in fast-paced kitchen settings. Tasks include chopping vegetables, grilling meats, and maintaining kitchen equipment. Restaurants and cafes need line cooks to support their chefs.
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Server
Average Salary: $24,578
Interacts with customers to take orders and serve food and drinks. They also clean tables and help with other dining room duties. This role is available in local eateries and dining establishments.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Kinston, NC?

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Signature HealthCARE
Average Salary: $71,130
Signature HealthCARE provides excellent healthcare services. They focus on patient care and offer competitive salaries.
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Aya Healthcare
Average Salary: $65,750
Aya Healthcare connects healthcare professionals with top jobs. They value their staff and offer good salaries.
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UNC Health Care System
Average Salary: $57,065
UNC Health Care System offers a range of medical services. They provide stable jobs and fair salaries.
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Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
Average Salary: $51,529
Pactiv Evergreen Inc. manufactures sustainable packaging. They offer good wages and a supportive work environment.
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Lenoir Community College
Average Salary: $48,508
Lenoir Community College offers various educational services. They provide decent salaries for their staff.
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City of Kinston
Average Salary: $47,318
The City of Kinston manages local government services. They offer good pay and benefits for their employees.
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Sanderson Farms
Average Salary: $44,935
Sanderson Farms is a leading poultry producer. They offer competitive wages in the industry.
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Smithfield Foods
Average Salary: $43,360
Smithfield Foods is a major pork producer. They provide fair salaries for their workers.
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LENOIR COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Average Salary: $36,566
Lenoir County Public Schools manage local education. They offer decent pay for teachers and staff.
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Domino's
Average Salary: $30,806
Domino's is a well-known pizza chain. They offer entry-level positions with competitive wages.
How does the cost of living in Kinston, NC compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Kinston, North Carolina, offers an attractive alternative for those comparing it to the nationwide average. Housing costs are notably lower, with an index of 85, meaning expenses in this area are 15% less than the national average. This makes it a more affordable choice for many job seekers and families.
Additionally, Kinston's grocery costs index stands at 92, slightly above the national average. However, the difference is minimal at 2%, which means the price of groceries remains fairly consistent with the rest of the country. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also reflect a slight decrease compared to the national average, ranging from 85 to 95. These indices suggest that living in Kinston can be a cost-effective option while still providing essential services and amenities comparable to the national standard.



