Fort Smith vs Rogers: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Rogers, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Rogers, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,297▲ | $37,432 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.37▲ | $18.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,737▲ | $28,192 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,304▲ | $30,667 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,848▲ | $46,035 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,413▲ | $54,739 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rogers.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Rogers is $2,865 (7.65%). Fort Smith's median is -15.56% 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,Rogers spans $26,547. 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, Fort Smith ($46,372 effective) pays 7.65% more than Rogers ($43,075 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,297/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,413)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,372)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Rogers if…
- ✓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 20.8% growth in Rogers over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$36,140 (2023) → $38,665 (2025)
Rogers, AR
$29,729 (2024) → $35,916 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Rogers, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Fort Smith or Rogers?
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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