Fayetteville vs North Little Rock: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and North Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | North Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,378▲ | $63,252 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.95▲ | $30.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,813 | $45,954▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,825 | $53,984▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,796 | $79,582▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,851 | $96,973▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and North Little Rock is $1,126 (1.78%). 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,North Little Rock spans $51,019. North Little Rock 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, North Little Rock ($72,787 effective) pays 3.29% more than Fayetteville ($70,472 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)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,973)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,787)
- ✓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 53.9% growth in North Little Rock over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$45,830 (2019) → $61,080 (2025)
North Little Rock, AR
$38,990 (2024) → $60,011 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
North Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fayetteville or North Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and North Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to North Little Rock as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Fayetteville vs North Little Rock?
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