Fayetteville vs Jacksonville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Jacksonville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Jacksonville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,378▲ | $58,787 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.95▲ | $28.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,813 | $43,139▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,825▲ | $50,101 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,796▲ | $72,030 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,851 | $86,083▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Jacksonville is $5,591 (9.51%). Fayetteville's median is -5.52% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $37,038,Jacksonville spans $42,944. Jacksonville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($70,472 effective) pays 4.17% more than Jacksonville ($67,649 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,378/year)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,472)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,083)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Fayetteville grew 33.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.5% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$45,830 (2019) → $61,080 (2025)
Jacksonville, AR
$39,685 (2024) → $55,775 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Jacksonville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fayetteville or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Jacksonville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Fayetteville vs Jacksonville?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov