Fayetteville vs Springdale: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,829 | $37,406▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.71 | $17.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,886▲ | $28,129 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,388▲ | $30,613 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,924▲ | $45,970 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,428 | $54,647▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Springdale, AR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Springdale is $577 (1.57%). Springdale's median is -21.62% 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,Springdale spans $26,518. Springdale 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, Springdale ($43,045 effective) pays 6.77% 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 Springdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($37,406/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,647)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,045)
- ✓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 20.8% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$29,710 (2019) → $35,338 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$29,708 (2024) → $35,891 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Fayetteville or Springdale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Springdale?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Springdale as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Fayetteville vs Springdale?
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