Sterile Processing Technician Salary in Sherwood, AR: $38,682 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time sterile processing technician in Sherwood, AR earns a median $38,682/year (≈ $18.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9093). Once you factor in Sherwood's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $44,513 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected annual salary for sterile processing technicians in Sherwood, Arkansas, is estimated at $38,682, indicating a notable difference from the national median of $47,724. Local salaries range from $29,095 at the 10th percentile to $56,150 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the potential for variability based on specific roles and qualifications. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and reflect regional cost adjustments, placing Sherwood within the broader context of sterile processing technician pay in AR. The local market for this profession is relatively small, yet the job opportunities remain promising, particularly for those who possess certifications such as CRCST, CIS, or CER—especially with the increasing demand for endoscope reprocessing expertise.
About the Sherwood Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,095 | $13.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,980 | $15.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,682 | $18.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,634 | $22.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,150 | $26.99 |
Median Salary Position
18.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sherwood
In Sherwood, AR, the sterile processing technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,055 (2026 est.). At $38,682, the local median is 18.95% below the national median of $47,724.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sherwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sherwood Sterile Processing Technician Pay Compares
Sherwood median: $38,682/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sherwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $39,797 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $47,724 | -18.95% less |
Sterile Processing Technicians in Sherwood, AR earn a median of $38,682 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.95% lower than the national median of $47,724 and 2.80% below the Arkansas state average of $39,797.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sherwood 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.
Sherwood, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A sterile processing technician earning $38,682 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,513 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,133
2025 BLS Actual
$37,116
2026 Current Est.
$38,682
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Salary Trajectory for Sterile Processing Technicians in Sherwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.22% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,133 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,191 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,739 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,276 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,233 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,707 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,116 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,682 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,315 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sherwood metropolitan area, the median sterile processing technician salary grew 27.4% from $29,133 (2019) to $37,116 (2025). At a 4.22% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,315 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,182 (38.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sherwood 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) | $29,095 – $32,980 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,980 – $38,682 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,682 – $47,634 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,634 – $56,150 |
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 Sherwood
With only seven sterile processing technicians employed locally, the job market in Sherwood can be considered competitive yet niche. The cost of living index sits at 86.9, providing a favorable environment for take-home pay, meaning your earnings can stretch further in this city compared to national averages. Among employers, hospital sterile processing departments typically offer the most competitive wages, while ambulatory surgery centers may provide diverse work experiences and potential for shift differentials. Factors contributing to the pay spectrum include the necessity for specialized credentials, shifts in demand for evening and overnight tray turnover, and the distinction between general surgical centers and trauma centers. To maximize earnings in Sherwood, acquiring additional certifications, pursuing roles in high-demand settings, and seeking supervisory positions can significantly enhance one’s earning potential in the field.
More salary data for Sherwood, 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 $37,116 for sterile processing techniciansin the Sherwood 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 Sherwood 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