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What is the average salary in Kinston, NC?

The average salary in Kinston, NC is $54,351 per year.

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
View jobs in Kinston, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC?

Kinston, NC, offers several well-paying jobs that can lead to a rewarding career. Among these, Speech Language Pathologists enjoy the highest average salary. This profession requires a strong educational background and a commitment to helping people communicate better. Other high-paying jobs include Staff Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Retail Sales Associates. Nurses can expect a comfortable salary while making a difference in patients' lives. Retail Sales Associates benefit from an industry with strong earning potential. These jobs not only offer good pay but also come with the opportunity for growth and career advancement.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $95,936 and Medical Assistant with the lowest at $36,194.
  1. 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.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. 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.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. 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.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. 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.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. 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.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  6. 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.
    Find General Manager jobs in Kinston, NC


  7. 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.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  8. 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.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  9. 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.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Kinston, NC


  10. 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.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Kinston, NC

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

Kinston, NC, offers several well-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Positions such as groundskeeper and housekeeping provide solid incomes. Average salaries range from $24,578 for servers to $35,025 for groundskeepers, showing good earning potential. Groundskeepers and housekeepers enjoy reliable, steady work with competitive pay. Floor techs, line cooks, and servers also offer attractive pay packages. These jobs provide a chance for people to earn a good living without needing a degree. With these opportunities, job seekers in Kinston can find satisfying work that pays well.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $35,025 and Server with the lowest at $24,578.
  1. 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.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. 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.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. 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.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. 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.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. 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.
    Find Server jobs in Kinston, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Kinston, NC?

Job seekers in Kinston, NC, will find some of the highest paying companies in healthcare and related services. Signature HealthCARE leads with an average salary of $71,130. Aya Healthcare follows closely, offering an average of $65,750. These figures show that healthcare positions are among the best-paying options in the area. In addition to healthcare, the UNC Health Care System also provides competitive salaries with an average of $57,065. Pactiv Evergreen Inc. and Lenoir Community College also stand out, offering average salaries of $51,529 and $48,508, respectively. These companies reflect diverse opportunities for those seeking well-paying jobs in Kinston.
Graph displaying company salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Signature HealthCARE with the highest at $71,130 and Domino's with the lowest at $30,806.
  1. Signature HealthCARE
    Average Salary: $71,130
    Signature HealthCARE provides excellent healthcare services. They focus on patient care and offer competitive salaries.


  2. Aya Healthcare
    Average Salary: $65,750
    Aya Healthcare connects healthcare professionals with top jobs. They value their staff and offer good salaries.


  3. 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.


  4. Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
    Average Salary: $51,529
    Pactiv Evergreen Inc. manufactures sustainable packaging. They offer good wages and a supportive work environment.


  5. Lenoir Community College
    Average Salary: $48,508
    Lenoir Community College offers various educational services. They provide decent salaries for their staff.


  6. City of Kinston
    Average Salary: $47,318
    The City of Kinston manages local government services. They offer good pay and benefits for their employees.


  7. Sanderson Farms
    Average Salary: $44,935
    Sanderson Farms is a leading poultry producer. They offer competitive wages in the industry.


  8. Smithfield Foods
    Average Salary: $43,360
    Smithfield Foods is a major pork producer. They provide fair salaries for their workers.


  9. LENOIR COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
    Average Salary: $36,566
    Lenoir County Public Schools manage local education. They offer decent pay for teachers and staff.


  10. 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?

Kinston, NC, offers a more affordable living experience compared to the nationwide average. The city’s cost of living index stands at 89, which means residents can expect to spend about 11% less on average than the national benchmark of 100. This decrease is primarily due to lower housing costs, although other categories like groceries and utilities remain close to the average, providing a balanced cost structure.
Cost of living comparison graph for Kinston, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 13% lower.

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.

There are 361 job openings in Kinston, NC, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Kinston, NC

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Kinston, NC
361 Job Openings