Salaries in Kinston, NC

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Kinston, NC?

The average salary in Kinston, NC is $51,701 per year.

Job seekers in Kinston, NC, can find a range of salary opportunities. The average salary in the area is around $51,701. This figure provides a good benchmark for understanding the earning potential in the region. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and position.


Here are some average salary figures for different job categories in Kinston, NC:

  • Retail: $23,930
  • Healthcare: $25,520
  • Education: $13,420
  • Construction: $9,110
  • Manufacturing: $8,760
  • Food Service: $6,530
  • Administrative: $3,670
  • Sales: $1,390
  • Finance: $0,990
  • IT: $0,730
  • Other: $0,950
These figures show that some sectors offer higher salaries than others. Job seekers should consider these averages when exploring career options in Kinston, NC.

View jobs in Kinston, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC?

Job seekers in Kinston, NC, have several high-paying career options. Among the top-paying jobs are roles in healthcare, such as Staff Nurse, Speech Language Pathologist, and Registered Nurse. These positions offer competitive salaries and are in high demand. Other well-paying jobs in the area include General Manager, Technician, and Maintenance Technician. These roles provide good earning potential and opportunities for career growth. Job seekers with the right skills and qualifications can find rewarding positions in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $96,883 and Delivery Driver with the lowest at $34,763.
  1. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $96,883
    Staff nurses work in hospitals and clinics, providing care to patients. They monitor vital signs and administer medications. Local hospitals offer opportunities for growth and specialization.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $90,412
    These professionals help people with speech and language disorders. They work in schools, clinics, and hospitals. They create treatment plans and work with patients to improve their communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $79,466
    RNs provide essential care in various settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They monitor patients, administer medications, and assist doctors with procedures.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $62,422
    LPNs provide basic patient care under the supervision of doctors and RNs. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They take vital signs, administer medications, and assist with daily activities.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. Technician
    Average Salary: $60,358
    Technicians work in various industries, performing specialized tasks. They may work in manufacturing, maintenance, or IT. They ensure equipment runs smoothly and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
    Find Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $55,875
    General managers oversee daily operations in businesses. They manage staff, handle budgets, and ensure customer satisfaction. They work in retail, hospitality, and other sectors. They play a key role in business success.
    Find General Manager jobs in Kinston, NC


  7. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $49,834
    Maintenance technicians repair and maintain equipment. They work in various industries, including manufacturing and hospitality. They ensure machines run smoothly and fix any issues that arise.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  8. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $47,832
    These professionals work with individuals with developmental disorders. They implement behavior plans and support clients. They work in schools, clinics, and homes. They help clients improve their skills and quality of life.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  9. Medical Assistant
    Average Salary: $36,028
    Medical assistants support doctors and nurses in clinics and hospitals. They perform administrative tasks and assist with patient care. They take vital signs, prepare patients for exams, and handle paperwork.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Kinston, NC


  10. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $34,763
    Delivery drivers transport goods to customers. They work for various companies, including food delivery services and package carriers. They ensure timely and safe deliveries.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Kinston, NC

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

Kinston, North Carolina, offers several job opportunities that pay well without needing a college degree. Among these, groundskeepers earn the highest average annual salary of $34,020. Housekeeping staff, To Go specialists, and kitchen team members also provide competitive wages. These roles allow individuals to earn a solid income while gaining valuable work experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $34,020 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $24,000.
  1. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,020
    Maintains the grounds of properties and facilities. Works for local businesses, parks, and schools. Requires a strong work ethic and attention to detail.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $31,217
    Cleans and maintains rooms in hotels and other lodging facilities. Offers flexible hours and the chance to work with various establishments. Requires reliability and a neat appearance.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $26,725
    Prepares and packages food orders for customers. Works in fast-food restaurants and cafes. Requires good communication skills and the ability to work under pressure.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $25,083
    Assists in food preparation and kitchen duties. Works in restaurants and cafes. Requires teamwork and a willingness to learn quickly.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $24,595
    Takes orders and serves food and drinks to customers. Works in restaurants and cafes. Requires good communication skills and a friendly demeanor.
    Find Server jobs in Kinston, NC


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $24,000
    Cleans dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Works in restaurants and cafes. Requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
    Find Dishwasher 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 $64,434, followed closely by UNC Health at $61,623. Signature HealthCARE LLC offers a competitive $60,412, making these top employers attractive for those seeking better pay. Other notable companies include FlyExclusive, Smithfield Foods, and Lambert's Cable Splicing Company, LLC, all offering salaries above $50,000. The City of Kinston, Pactiv Evergreen, and Lenoir County Public Schools also provide solid compensation options. Butterball rounds out the list with an average salary of $36,125. These figures highlight the range of opportunities available for job seekers in Kinston.
Graph displaying company salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Aya Healthcare with the highest at $64,434 and Butterball with the lowest at $36,125.
  1. Aya Healthcare
    Average Salary: $64,434
    Aya Healthcare is a leading healthcare staffing company. They offer travel nursing and allied health jobs. Aya Healthcare values its employees and provides competitive pay.


  2. UNC Health
    Average Salary: $61,623
    UNC Health is a not-for-profit medical system. It operates hospitals and clinics in North Carolina. They offer a range of healthcare services and competitive salaries.


  3. Signature HealthCARE LLC
    Average Salary: $60,412
    Signature HealthCARE LLC is a family-owned business. They provide healthcare services in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They offer good pay and benefits.


  4. FlyExclusive
    Average Salary: $55,211
    FlyExclusive is a private jet charter company. They offer luxury travel services. They provide a competitive salary and benefits package.


  5. Smithfield Foods
    Average Salary: $51,559
    Smithfield Foods is a leading meat producer. They offer jobs in production, processing, and distribution. They provide a good salary and benefits.


  6. Lambert's Cable Splicing Company, LLC
    Average Salary: $51,124
    Lambert's Cable Splicing Company, LLC is a small business. They offer cable splicing services. They provide a competitive salary and benefits.


  7. City of Kinston
    Average Salary: $45,779
    The City of Kinston offers jobs in various departments. They provide public services to the community. They offer a good salary and benefits.


  8. Pactiv Evergreen
    Average Salary: $45,727
    Pactiv Evergreen is a packaging company. They produce sustainable packaging solutions. They offer a good salary and benefits.


  9. Lenoir County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $41,355
    Lenoir County Public Schools offers jobs in education. They provide quality education to students. They offer a good salary and benefits.


  10. Butterball
    Average Salary: $36,125
    Butterball is a well-known turkey brand. They offer jobs in production and processing. They provide a good salary and benefits.

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

Kinston, NC, offers a lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The overall cost of living index in Kinston stands at 87, indicating that residents can expect to spend about 13% less than the national average. This reduction in cost is particularly noticeable in housing, where the index is 78, meaning housing costs are 22% lower than the average. Despite the lower overall cost of living, some areas like groceries and healthcare remain close to the national average, with indices of 90 and 92, respectively. This balance makes Kinston an attractive option for those seeking affordability without significant trade-offs in essential services.
Cost of living comparison graph for Kinston, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 22% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 15% lower.

The cost of living in Kinston, North Carolina, presents a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Kinston stand at 78, indicating that residents can expect to pay 22% less than the national average for housing. This lower cost can be particularly attractive to job seekers looking to maximize their savings or increase their disposable income.


In other areas, Kinston also offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to the average. For instance, groceries cost 90, which is 10% less than the national average. Utilities are slightly higher at 95, but still represent a 5% savings. Transportation costs are at 88, which is 12% below the national average. Healthcare costs are at 92, only 8% above the average, and miscellaneous expenses are at 85, which is 15% lower. Overall, Kinston provides a cost-effective living environment that can benefit those seeking a balance between quality of life and affordability.

There are 482 job openings in Kinston, NC, today!

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

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Kinston, NC
482 Job Openings