Little Rock vs Springdale: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Little Rock, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,643▲ | $37,406 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.94▲ | $17.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,348▲ | $28,129 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,108▲ | $30,613 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,064▲ | $45,970 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,564 | $54,647▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springdale.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Springdale is $8,237 (22.02%). 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 Little Rock spans $12,216,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, Little Rock ($51,075 effective) pays 18.66% more than Springdale ($43,045 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Springdale if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,647)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Little Rock grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$33,090 (2019) → $43,795 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$29,708 (2024) → $35,891 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Little Rock or Springdale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Springdale?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Springdale as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Little Rock 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