Fayetteville vs Little Rock: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,829 | $45,643▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.71 | $21.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,886 | $35,348▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,388▲ | $36,108 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,924 | $47,064▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,428▲ | $47,564 |
| Total Employed | 90 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Little Rock is $8,814 (23.93%). Little Rock's median is -4.36% 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,Little Rock spans $12,216. Fayetteville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($51,075 effective) pays 26.69% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,428)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,643/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,075)
- ✓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 32.4% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$29,710 (2019) → $35,338 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$33,090 (2019) → $43,795 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Fayetteville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Little Rock as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Fayetteville vs Little Rock?
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