Fayetteville vs Jonesboro: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,829 | $40,359▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.71 | $19.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,886▲ | $30,887 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,388▲ | $33,433 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,924 | $50,004▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,428 | $59,634▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Jonesboro is $3,530 (9.58%). Jonesboro's median is -15.43% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $22,542,Jonesboro spans $28,747. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($46,443 effective) pays 15.20% more than Fayetteville ($40,315 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,359/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,634)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,443)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Fayetteville grew 18.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$29,710 (2019) → $35,338 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$29,951 (2024) → $38,725 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Fayetteville or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Jonesboro as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Fayetteville vs Jonesboro?
Written by Amina Patel, CCSVP
Career Analyst
Amina has 8 years of experience in sterile processing. She specialized in instrument sterilization techniques in a large hospital. Amina analyzes career trends for sterile processing technicians.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov