What is the average salary in Kinston, NC?
In Kinston, NC, the job market offers a range of salaries that cater to various career levels. The average yearly salary stands at 53,871. This average is a good starting point for understanding what different job sectors pay.
When looking at specific industries, the data reveals a broad salary distribution. For instance, the lowest-paying jobs make around 20,400 annually, while the highest-paying positions can reach up to 165,000 per year. This diversity in earnings reflects the different skill sets and responsibilities required across professions.
Some of the most common salary ranges include:
- 22.57% of jobs pay around 20,400
- 26.94% of jobs pay around 33,545
- 11.70% of jobs pay around 46,691
- 13.50% of jobs pay around 59,836
- 9.53% of jobs pay around 72,982
What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC?

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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $92,543
Help people with speech and language difficulties. Work in healthcare and educational settings. Common employers include local clinics and schools.
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Staff Nurse
Average Salary: $91,615
Provide care to patients. Work in hospitals and outpatient care centers. Key employers are local hospitals and healthcare facilities.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $78,681
Manage patient care and health education. Work in hospitals and clinics. You will find jobs with hospitals and healthcare providers.
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Technician
Average Salary: $71,995
Operate and maintain technical equipment. Work in various industries like manufacturing and healthcare. Common employers include local manufacturing firms and tech companies.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $64,150
Provide basic patient care. Work in hospitals and nursing homes. Employers include local hospitals and care facilities.
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Retail Sales Associate
Average Salary: $63,278
Help customers find products and complete sales. Work in retail stores. You can find jobs at local stores and big box retailers.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $60,241
Oversee daily operations in businesses. Work in retail, hospitality, and food service. Common employers are local restaurants and retail chains.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $49,816
Perform repairs and maintenance on equipment. Work in various settings. Employers include local businesses and maintenance companies.
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Registered Behavior Technician
Average Salary: $48,567
Work with individuals to improve behaviors. Typically work in schools and clinics. Employers include local schools and behavioral health companies.
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Delivery Driver
Average Salary: $37,987
Deliver packages and goods. Work for delivery services. Common employers include local delivery companies and e-commerce firms.
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What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC without a degree?

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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $34,576
This role involves maintaining parks and other outdoor spaces. Tasks include landscaping, gardening, and cleaning areas. Local parks and landscaping companies offer these opportunities.
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Farm Laborer
Average Salary: $31,542
Farm laborers work on farms, handling crops and livestock. Duties involve planting, harvesting, and caring for animals. Local farms and agricultural companies provide these jobs.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $31,388
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, and similar facilities. They ensure a tidy and welcoming environment for guests. Local hotels and resorts hire for these positions.
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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $26,397
To Go specialists prepare and package food orders for customers. They work in fast food or casual dining restaurants. Local eateries and fast food chains offer these roles.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $23,733
Dishwasher clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in restaurants, cafes, and other food service places. Local dining establishments hire for these positions.
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Server
Average Salary: $22,487
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They must provide good service and ensure customers have a pleasant experience. Local restaurants and cafes offer these jobs.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Kinston, NC?

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Aya Healthcare
Average Salary: $65,782
Aya Healthcare offers travel nursing, therapy, allied, and locum tenens jobs. Their team focuses on building strong relationships with healthcare professionals.
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UNC Health
Average Salary: $61,125
UNC Health provides various healthcare services. It is a not-for-profit integrated health care system, owned by the state of North Carolina.
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Pactiv Evergreen
Average Salary: $51,643
Pactiv Evergreen focuses on making sustainable foodservice and food packaging. They use recycled materials to make their products.
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Lenoir Community College
Average Salary: $48,079
This community college offers many programs and courses. It helps people get ready for their future jobs.
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Smithfield Foods
Average Salary: $44,744
Smithfield Foods is a meat processing company. They make many different kinds of pork, beef, and chicken products.
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City of Kinston
Average Salary: $42,547
The City of Kinston offers various jobs in government. Workers help run the city and keep it running smoothly.
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Lenoir County Public Schools
Average Salary: $39,628
Lenoir County Public Schools provides education for students. They have many schools and teachers to help kids learn.
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Butterball
Average Salary: $35,426
Butterball is a company that makes turkey and other poultry products. They supply many stores and restaurants.
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Allegiance Industries
Average Salary: $34,841
Allegiance Industries makes products for the foodservice and packaging industries. They make things like paper plates and cups.
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Little Caesars Pizza
Average Salary: $30,863
Little Caesars Pizza is a fast-food chain. They sell pizza, breadsticks, and other tasty items to people everywhere.
How does the cost of living in Kinston, NC compare to the national average?

Kinston, NC, presents a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Kinston stand at 78, reflecting a 22% decrease from the national figure. This makes it a more affordable option for those looking to buy or rent homes. Additionally, groceries cost 94 in Kinston, which is only 6% lower than the national average. This small difference means that everyday food expenses are nearly on par with the rest of the country.
Utilities in Kinston also follow this trend, with an index of 94, just 6% below the national average. This ensures that residents do not face significant increases in their utility bills. Transportation costs are at 90, which is 10% lower than the national average, offering savings for those commuting or needing regular transportation. Healthcare, at 88, is 12% below the national average, suggesting potential savings in medical expenses. Lastly, miscellaneous expenses are at 85, indicating a 15% reduction compared to the national average. Overall, Kinston provides a cost of living that is more affordable in most categories, making it an attractive option for those seeking to minimize their expenses.



