Fort Smith vs North Little Rock: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Fort Smith, AR and North Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | North Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,297 | $44,970▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.37 | $21.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,737 | $35,043▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,304 | $37,861▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,848 | $56,325▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,413 | $67,461▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 15 |
Verdict
North Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and North Little Rock is $4,673 (11.60%). North Little Rock's median is -5.77% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $28,676,North Little Rock spans $32,418. North Little Rock 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, North Little Rock ($51,749 effective) pays 11.60% more than Fort Smith ($46,372 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,970/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,461)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,749)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Fort Smith grew 7.0% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 49.7% growth in North Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$36,140 (2023) → $38,665 (2025)
North Little Rock, AR
$28,819 (2024) → $43,149 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
North Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Fort Smith or North Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and North Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to North Little Rock as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Fort Smith vs North Little Rock?
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