Bentonville vs Fayetteville: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Bentonville, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bentonville, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,332▲ | $36,829 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.91▲ | $17.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,459 | $31,886▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,711 | $36,388▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,560▲ | $46,924 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,963▲ | $54,428 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Bentonville, AR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Fayetteville is $2,503 (6.80%). Bentonville's median is -17.58% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $27,504,Fayetteville spans $22,542. Bentonville 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, Bentonville ($45,261 effective) pays 12.27% more than Fayetteville ($40,315 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bentonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,332/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,963)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,261)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Bentonville grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$29,189 (2024) → $37,739 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$29,710 (2019) → $35,338 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Bentonville or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bentonville and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Bentonville to Fayetteville as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Bentonville vs Fayetteville?
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