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What is the average salary in Kinston, NC?

The average salary in Kinston, NC is $54,055 per year.

Kinston, NC, offers a range of salary opportunities across different industries. With an average yearly salary of $54,055, job seekers can find a variety of jobs to match their skills and experience. Here's a look at the salary distribution in Kinston:


Most jobs in Kinston fall within the middle income range. The highest-paying jobs include:

  • Management: 23.74%
  • Business and Financial Operations: 25.27%
  • Computer and Mathematical: 11.99%
  • Architecture and Engineering: 13.99%
  • Life, Physical, and Social Science: 9.48%
  • Community and Social Service: 5.23%
  • Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance: 2.22%
  • Legal: 0.92%
  • Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media: 0.74%
  • Office and Administrative Support: 0.50%
  • Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance: 0.92%

Exploring job opportunities in these sectors can help job seekers find a position that fits their financial goals.

View jobs in Kinston, NC

What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC?

Job seekers in Kinston, NC, can find excellent opportunities in several top-paying roles. High-paying positions include staff nurses and registered nurses, both earning over $79,000 annually. Other well-compensated jobs include speech language pathologists, technicians, and licensed practical nurses, all surpassing $62,000 per year. These roles offer competitive salaries and the chance to work in a variety of settings, from healthcare to retail management. Securing a job in these fields can provide financial stability and professional growth. By pursuing these high-paying roles, individuals can improve their career prospects and quality of life in Kinston.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Staff Nurse with the highest at $91,580 and Delivery Driver with the lowest at $37,037.
  1. Staff Nurse
    Average Salary: $91,580
    Staff Nurses provide care to patients in hospitals and clinics. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals. They ensure patients receive proper care and medication.
    Find Staff Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $90,221
    Speech Language Pathologists help people with speech or language problems. They work in clinics, hospitals, and schools. They create treatment plans to improve communication skills.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $79,016
    Registered Nurses care for patients in various settings. They check vital signs and administer medications. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. Technician
    Average Salary: $71,549
    Technicians handle technical tasks in various industries. They might work in healthcare, IT, or manufacturing. They ensure equipment runs smoothly and troubleshoot any issues.
    Find Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $64,196
    Licensed Practical Nurses provide basic patient care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They monitor patients' health and report any changes to doctors.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Kinston, NC


  6. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $62,568
    Retail Sales Associates help customers find products. They work in stores and guide customers through purchases. They also assist in stocking shelves and handling returns.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Kinston, NC


  7. General Manager
    Average Salary: $58,872
    General Managers oversee daily operations in businesses. They ensure everything runs smoothly. They manage staff, handle customer complaints, and handle budgets.
    Find General Manager jobs in Kinston, NC


  8. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $48,892
    Maintenance Technicians fix and maintain equipment. They work in various industries, like construction or hospitality. They ensure tools and machinery operate efficiently.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  9. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $48,435
    Registered Behavior Technicians help individuals with behavioral issues. They work with clients in homes or schools. They implement behavior plans designed by professionals.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Kinston, NC


  10. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $37,037
    Delivery Drivers transport goods to customers. They ensure packages arrive on time. They navigate routes and handle deliveries efficiently.
    Find Delivery Driver jobs in Kinston, NC

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

In Kinston, NC, several jobs provide good pay without needing a degree. Groundskeepers, for instance, enjoy an average salary of $34,636 a year. Farm laborers also earn a respectable $31,542 annually. Housekeeping staff can expect an average salary of $31,163, while To Go Specialists make around $26,492. Servers and dishwashers are also good options, with average salaries of $22,553 and $23,778 respectively. These jobs offer opportunities for individuals to earn a stable income in Kinston. Each role plays a crucial part in the local economy and provides a chance to gain valuable work experience. Whether in groundskeeping, farm work, or hospitality, these positions are accessible and rewarding.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kinston, NC without a degree, highlighting Groundskeeper with the highest at $34,636 and Server with the lowest at $22,553.
  1. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,636
    This role involves maintaining the grounds of residential or commercial properties. Tasks include lawn mowing, tree trimming, and garden care. Local businesses and properties need such services regularly.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Kinston, NC


  2. Farm Laborer
    Average Salary: $31,542
    Farm laborers work on farms, often handling crops and livestock. Duties may include planting, harvesting, and animal care. Agriculture remains a significant industry in the area.
    Find Farm Laborer jobs in Kinston, NC


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $31,163
    Housekeepers clean and organize rooms in hotels and motels. They ensure guests have a comfortable and clean stay. Many local accommodations rely on their services.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Kinston, NC


  4. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $26,492
    This position involves preparing orders for customers to take away. Duties include order preparation, packaging, and customer service. Local eateries and restaurants offer such opportunities.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Kinston, NC


  5. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $23,778
    Dishwasher responsibilities include washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, and restocking supplies. Dining establishments need these services to keep operations smooth and hygienic.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Kinston, NC


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $22,553
    Servers take food and drink orders from customers and deliver them to tables. They also provide excellent customer service. Many restaurants and cafes need staff to serve their patrons.
    Find Server jobs in Kinston, NC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Kinston, NC?

Companies in Kinston, NC, offer a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. Aya Healthcare and UNC Health lead the pack, providing average salaries above $60,000. These top-paying employers offer roles that can attract a range of skill sets and career aspirations. In Kinston, professionals can find rewarding careers with Pactiv Evergreen, Lenoir Community College, and Smithfield Foods. These companies offer average salaries between $40,000 and $50,000. These figures make Kinston an attractive location for those seeking stable and potentially lucrative employment options.
Graph displaying company salaries in Kinston, NC, highlighting Aya Healthcare with the highest at $65,782 and Ruby Tuesday with the lowest at $30,408.
  1. Aya Healthcare
    Average Salary: $65,782
    Aya Healthcare offers travel nursing jobs with competitive pay. They provide a variety of opportunities across the nation.


  2. UNC Health
    Average Salary: $61,258
    UNC Health provides health care services across North Carolina. They offer various jobs in nursing, medicine, and support roles.


  3. Pactiv Evergreen
    Average Salary: $49,614
    Pactiv Evergreen focuses on sustainable packaging. They manufacture a wide range of food packaging products.


  4. Lenoir Community College
    Average Salary: $47,507
    Lenoir Community College offers educational services and job opportunities for educators and administrative staff.


  5. Smithfield Foods
    Average Salary: $46,359
    Smithfield Foods is a leading meat processor. They offer positions in production, logistics, and other related fields.


  6. City of Kinston
    Average Salary: $44,071
    The City of Kinston provides various municipal services. They have jobs in public safety, administration, and maintenance.


  7. Lenoir County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $40,026
    Lenoir County Public Schools offer teaching and administrative positions. They focus on providing quality education to students.


  8. Butterball
    Average Salary: $35,261
    Butterball produces turkey products for the holiday season. They provide production and quality assurance jobs.


  9. Little Caesars Pizza
    Average Salary: $30,863
    Little Caesars Pizza is a popular pizza chain. They offer jobs in customer service and kitchen positions.


  10. Ruby Tuesday
    Average Salary: $30,408
    Ruby Tuesday is a casual dining restaurant. They provide opportunities in the food service industry.

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

The cost of living index in Kinston, North Carolina, presents a favorable picture for prospective residents. Overall, the index stands at 88, which is 12% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This reduced cost spans various categories, including housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses. Specifically, the housing index in Kinston is 80, marking a significant 20% decrease compared to the national average. Other sectors like groceries and utilities also show competitive rates, with indices of 92 and 95, respectively, indicating a favorable environment for budget-conscious individuals.
Cost of living comparison graph for Kinston, NC vs. Nationwide: housing 20% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 13% lower, healthcare 11% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

The cost of living in Kinston, North Carolina, is notably lower than the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Kinston stands at 85, compared to the national average of 100. This difference means that overall, residents in Kinston spend 15% less on their living expenses than the average American. For instance, housing costs in Kinston are 20% lower, with an index score of 80.


In Kinston, specific categories such as groceries and utilities also reflect lower costs. Groceries in Kinston cost 8% less, with an index of 92, while utilities are just 5% below the national average at 95. This pattern continues across other areas like transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses, all showing costs around or slightly above the national average but still significantly lower than the baseline index of 100. These lower costs can make Kinston an attractive place for those looking to reduce their living expenses while maintaining a good quality of life.

There are 338 job openings in Kinston, NC, today!

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Kinston, NC
338 Job Openings