What is the average salary in Kinston, NC?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in Kinston, NC?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 jobs with competitive pay. They provide a variety of opportunities across the nation.
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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.
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Pactiv Evergreen
Average Salary: $49,614
Pactiv Evergreen focuses on sustainable packaging. They manufacture a wide range of food packaging products.
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Lenoir Community College
Average Salary: $47,507
Lenoir Community College offers educational services and job opportunities for educators and administrative staff.
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Smithfield Foods
Average Salary: $46,359
Smithfield Foods is a leading meat processor. They offer positions in production, logistics, and other related fields.
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City of Kinston
Average Salary: $44,071
The City of Kinston provides various municipal services. They have jobs in public safety, administration, and maintenance.
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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.
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Butterball
Average Salary: $35,261
Butterball produces turkey products for the holiday season. They provide production and quality assurance jobs.
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Little Caesars Pizza
Average Salary: $30,863
Little Caesars Pizza is a popular pizza chain. They offer jobs in customer service and kitchen positions.
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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 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.



