Sterile Processing Technician Salary in North Little Rock, AR: $44,970 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in North Little Rock, AR earns a median $44,970/year (≈ $21.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in North Little Rock's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $51,749 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.0% above the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, sterile processing technicians in North Little Rock are projected to earn a median annual salary of $44,970, falling slightly below the national median of $47,724. The salary range within the area spans from $35,043 at the 10th percentile to $67,461 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, which account for local economic conditions and average costs of living. As the demand for qualified sterile processing professionals rises in North Little Rock due to increased surgical procedures, especially during evening and overnight shifts, the market offers opportunities for those eager to navigate this rewarding career path.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,043 | $16.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,861 | $18.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,970 | $21.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,325 | $27.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,461 | $32.43 |
Median Salary Position
5.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Little Rock
In North Little Rock, AR, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,418 (2026 est.). At $44,970, the local median is 5.77% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Little Rock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Little Rock Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
North Little Rock median: $44,970/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Little Rock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $39,796 | +13.00% more |
| National Average | $47,724 | -5.77% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $44,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 13.00% above the Arkansas state average of $39,796.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Little Rock has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Little Rock, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $44,970 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,749 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,868
2025 BLS Actual
$43,149
2026 Current Est.
$44,970
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,868 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,098 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,573 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,522 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,819 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,149 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,970 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,868 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Little Rock metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $33,868 (2019) to $43,149 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,868 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,000 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Little Rock metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.22% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,043 – $37,861 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,861 – $44,970 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,970 – $56,325 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,325 – $67,461 |
SPT, CRCST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual sterile processing technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Sterile Processing Technician Job Market in North Little Rock
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 15 sterile processing technicians employed in the North Little Rock area. The cost-of-living index stands at 86.9, indicating a relatively affordable living situation for residents, which enhances the purchasing power of their salaries. Among local employers, hospital sterile processing departments and trauma centers typically offer the highest pay, partly due to the specialized nature of their services and the demanding shift differentials for evening and overnight surgical tray turnovers. To maximize pay in this competitive landscape, technicians should consider pursuing additional certifications, such as the CIS and CER, and aim for roles in facilities that pay premiums for those credentials. Staying informed about evolving state registration laws and trends in endoscope reprocessing can also position individuals favorably in this growing field.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $43,149 for sterile processing techniciansin the North Little Rock metropolitan area. A 4.22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Little Rock is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.22%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for sterile processing technicians (SOC 31-9093).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov