Fayetteville vs Paragould: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Paragould, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Paragould, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,829 | $38,892▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.71 | $18.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,886▲ | $29,602 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,388▲ | $33,417 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,924 | $48,141▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,428 | $56,865▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Paragould, AR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Paragould is $2,063 (5.60%). Paragould's median is -18.51% 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,Paragould spans $27,263. Paragould 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, Paragould ($44,755 effective) pays 11.01% 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 Paragould if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,892/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,865)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,755)
- ✓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 Paragould over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$29,710 (2019) → $35,338 (2025)
Paragould, AR
$28,863 (2024) → $37,317 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Paragould, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Fayetteville or Paragould?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Paragould?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Paragould as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Fayetteville vs Paragould?
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