Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,297 | $45,643▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.37 | $21.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,737 | $35,348▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,304 | $36,108▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,848▲ | $47,064 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,413▲ | $47,564 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $5,346 (13.27%). 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 Fort Smith spans $28,676,Little Rock spans $12,216. Fort Smith 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 10.14% more than Fort Smith ($46,372 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,413)
- ✓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 Fort Smith grew 7.0% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$36,140 (2023) → $38,665 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$33,090 (2019) → $43,795 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
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Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Little Rock as a sterile processing technician?
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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