Sterile Processing Tech Salary

Jonesboro vs Springdale: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)

Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Jonesboro, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jonesboro, AR
$40,359
$19.41/hr
Springdale, AR
$37,406
$17.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJonesboro, ARSpringdale, AR
Median Salary$40,359$37,406
Hourly Rate$19.41$17.99
Entry Level (P10)$30,887$28,129
25th Percentile$33,433$30,613
75th Percentile$50,004$45,970
Top Earner (P90)$59,634$54,647
Total Employed2114
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jonesboro ($40,359) and Springdale ($37,406) sterile processing technician salaries.JonesboroSpringdaleMedian Salary$40,359$37,406Entry Level (P10)$30,887$28,129Top Earner (P90)$59,634$54,647US Median $47,724

Verdict

Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Springdale.

The salary gap between Jonesboro and Springdale is $2,953 (7.89%). Jonesboro's median is -15.43% compared to the US national median of $47,724.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jonesboro spans $28,747,Springdale spans $26,518. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jonesboro
P10 (Entry)$30,887
P25$33,433
Median$40,359
P75$50,004
P90 (Top)$59,634
Springdale
P10 (Entry)$28,129
P25$30,613
Median$37,406
P75$45,970
P90 (Top)$54,647

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($46,443 effective) pays 7.89% more than Springdale ($43,045 effective).

Jonesboro
Nominal: $40,359
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $46,443
Springdale
Nominal: $37,406
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $43,045

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jonesboro if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,359/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,634)
  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,443)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Springdale if…

  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Jonesboro grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Springdale over the same period.

Jonesboro, AR

+29.3%

$29,951 (2024) → $38,725 (2025)

Springdale, AR

+20.8%

$29,708 (2024) → $35,891 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Jonesboro or Springdale?

Jonesboro has a higher median sterile processing technician salary at $40,359/year, compared to Springdale at $37,406/year — a difference of $2,953 (7.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jonesboro and Springdale?

Jonesboro sterile processing technicians earn $19.41/hr while Springdale hygienists earn $17.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jonesboro to Springdale as a sterile processing technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jonesboro and Springdale. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jonesboro = $46,443, Springdale = $43,045), job availability (21 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Jonesboro vs Springdale?

Entry-level (10th percentile) sterile processing technicians earn $30,887 in Jonesboro and $28,129 in Springdale. The Jonesboro area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Kim, CSTData verified by Maya Lopez, CSPDT

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