Overview Salaries

Salaries in Kinston, NC

Updated on Sep 11, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Kinston, NC?

The average salary in Kinston, NC is $53,821 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Kinston, NC, showing an average salary of $53,821 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Kinston, NC, showing an average salary of $4,485 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Kinston, NC, showing an average salary of $1,035 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.

Kinston, North Carolina, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Kinston is $53,821. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, providing a good baseline for job seekers.


Salaries in Kinston range widely, with some of the highest earners making over $150,000 annually. The distribution of salaries shows that most jobs fall between $20,850 and $165,000. Here are some key points about the salary distribution:

  • 24.18% of jobs pay around $20,850.
  • 25.55% of jobs pay around $33,955.
  • 13.48% of jobs pay around $47,059.
  • 11.98% of jobs pay around $60,164.
  • 8.62% of jobs pay around $73,268.
  • 5.51% of jobs pay around $86,373.
  • 2.58% of jobs pay around $99,477.
  • 1.02% of jobs pay around $112,582.
  • 0.69% of jobs pay around $125,686.
  • 0.67% of jobs pay around $138,791.
  • 0.69% of jobs pay around $151,895.
  • The highest earners make over $165,000.
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What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC?

Kinston, NC, offers several top-paying jobs that attract many professionals. Among these, Staff Nurses earn the highest average salary of $93,738. Other well-paying roles include Speech Language Pathologists, with an average salary of $90,478, and Registered Nurses, earning $79,074 on average. These positions provide good compensation and opportunities for career growth. Additionally, Technicians and Licensed Practical Nurses also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $69,214 and $63,334, respectively. Retail Sales Associates and General Managers can expect to earn around $60,528 and $57,086 annually. Maintenance Technicians, Registered Behavior Technicians, and Medical Assistants round out the list, with average salaries of $50,217, $48,346, and $36,138, respectively. These jobs provide a range of opportunities for those seeking stable and rewarding careers in Kinston.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $93,738 and Medical Assistant with the lowest at $36,138.

  1. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $93,738
    Staff nurses work in hospitals and clinics, providing care to patients. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals. They ensure patients receive the best care possible.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $90,478
    Speech language pathologists help people with speech and language issues. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. They create treatment plans for patients.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $79,074
    Registered nurses provide care to patients in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals. They ensure patients receive the best care possible.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. Technician
    Average Salary: $69,214
    Technicians work in various industries, including healthcare and manufacturing. They perform maintenance and repairs. They ensure equipment runs smoothly.
    Find Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $63,334
    Licensed practical nurses provide care to patients in hospitals and clinics. They work under the supervision of registered nurses. They ensure patients receive the best care possible.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  6. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $60,528
    Retail sales associates work in stores, helping customers find products. They provide excellent customer service. They ensure customers have a positive shopping experience.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Kinston, NC


  7. General Manager
    Average Salary: $57,086
    General managers oversee the operations of businesses. They manage staff and ensure smooth operations. They ensure customers have a positive experience.
    Find General Manager jobs in Kinston, NC


  8. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $50,217
    Maintenance technicians work in various industries, including healthcare and manufacturing. They perform maintenance and repairs. They ensure equipment runs smoothly.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  9. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $48,346
    Registered behavior technicians work with people with developmental disorders. They create treatment plans. They help patients improve their skills and behaviors.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  10. Medical Assistant
    Average Salary: $36,138
    Medical assistants work in clinics and hospitals. They assist doctors and nurses. They ensure patients receive the best care possible.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Kinston, NC

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

Kinston, NC, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Among these, groundskeepers earn the most, with an average salary of $34,581. Farm laborers also enjoy a good income, averaging $31,500 annually. These roles provide stable and rewarding career options for those seeking employment 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 $26,630 and $25,043, respectively. Dishwashers and servers also offer decent pay, with averages of $24,000 and $23,795. These positions provide good opportunities for those looking to start or advance in their careers without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $34,581 and Server with the lowest at $23,795.

  1. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,581
    Maintaining the grounds of parks, schools, and businesses. Working with landscaping tools and machinery. Companies like local government and landscape services hire for these roles.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. Farm Laborer
    Average Salary: $31,500
    Assisting in the planting, growing, and harvesting of crops. Working outdoors in various weather conditions. Opportunities with local farms and agricultural companies.
    Find Farm Laborer jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $31,429
    Cleaning and maintaining rooms in hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities. Ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for guests. Positions available with hotels and hospitality companies.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $26,630
    Preparing and packaging food orders for customers. Ensuring orders are accurate and ready for pickup. Working in fast-paced environments at restaurants and cafes.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $25,043
    Assisting in food preparation and cooking. Working in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Opportunities with local restaurants and food service establishments.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Kinston, NC


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $24,000
    Cleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensuring a clean and sanitary kitchen environment. Positions available with restaurants and cafes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Kinston, NC


  7. Server
    Average Salary: $23,795
    Taking orders and serving food and drinks to customers. Providing excellent customer service. Working in a bustling dining environment. Opportunities with local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Kinston, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Kinston, NC?

Job seekers in Kinston, NC, can find competitive salaries at several companies. Aya Healthcare leads with an average salary of $65,701, followed by UNC Health at $62,069. These companies offer attractive compensation packages, making them top choices for job seekers. Other notable employers include FlyExclusive, Signature HealthCARE LLC, and Smithfield Foods. FlyExclusive offers an average salary of $59,798, while Signature HealthCARE LLC and Smithfield Foods offer $59,244 and $49,840, respectively. These companies also provide good earning potential for those looking to advance their careers in Kinston.
Graph displaying company salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Aya Healthcare with the highest at $65,701 and Butterball with the lowest at $36,014.

  1. Aya Healthcare
    Average Salary: $65,701
    Aya Healthcare offers healthcare jobs with competitive pay. They provide travel nursing, allied health, and therapy jobs.


  2. UNC Health
    Average Salary: $62,069
    UNC Health is a large healthcare system. They offer many job opportunities with good salaries and benefits.


  3. FlyExclusive
    Average Salary: $59,798
    FlyExclusive is a private jet charter service. They offer jobs with good pay and benefits for experienced professionals.


  4. Signature HealthCARE LLC
    Average Salary: $59,244
    Signature HealthCARE LLC provides healthcare services. They offer jobs with competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.


  5. Smithfield Foods
    Average Salary: $49,840
    Smithfield Foods is a leading meat producer. They offer jobs with good pay and opportunities for career growth.


  6. Pactiv Evergreen
    Average Salary: $49,066
    Pactiv Evergreen makes sustainable packaging. They offer jobs with good salaries and a focus on sustainability.


  7. Lenoir Community College
    Average Salary: $47,251
    Lenoir Community College offers education jobs. They provide good salaries and a chance to make a difference in students' lives.


  8. City of Kinston
    Average Salary: $45,527
    The City of Kinston provides public services. They offer jobs with good salaries and benefits for city employees.


  9. Lenoir County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $40,188
    Lenoir County Public Schools offers education jobs. They provide good salaries and a chance to impact young minds.


  10. Butterball
    Average Salary: $36,014
    Butterball is a turkey producer. They offer jobs with good pay and a chance to work in the food industry.

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

The cost of living index in Kinston, NC, is notably lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Specifically, Kinston's overall cost of living is 88, reflecting a 12% reduction compared to the national average. This lower cost is particularly evident in housing and transportation, both at 85, and healthcare, at 80. Despite some categories, like groceries and utilities, being close to the national average, the overall reduced cost of living makes Kinston an attractive option for job seekers.
Cost of living comparison graph for Kinston, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 20% 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. Housing costs in Kinston stand at 85, which is 15% lower than the national average. This suggests that residents may find housing more affordable compared to the rest of the country. Similarly, transportation costs are also 15% below the national average at 85, offering potential savings for those who rely on personal vehicles.


When it comes to groceries, Kinston's cost of living index is 95, which is 5% higher than the national average. This indicates that while housing and transportation remain relatively affordable, grocery expenses are slightly more than the average. Utilities and healthcare in Kinston are also below the national average, with indices of 90 and 80, respectively. This means that residents can expect to spend less on these essential services compared to the nationwide figures. Overall, Kinston presents a balanced cost of living with some areas offering savings and others slightly higher than average.

There are 384 job openings in Kinston, NC, today!

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Kinston, NC
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