Bryant vs Fayetteville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bryant, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bryant, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,954 | $64,378▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.90 | $30.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,573 | $42,813▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,178 | $51,825▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,324 | $77,796▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,314 | $79,851▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bryant.
The salary gap between Bryant and Fayetteville is $8,424 (15.06%). 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 Bryant spans $36,741,Fayetteville spans $37,038. Fayetteville 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 9.45% more than Bryant ($64,389 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bryant if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,378/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,851)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,472)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bryant grew 40.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Bryant, AR
$37,772 (2024) → $53,087 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$45,830 (2019) → $61,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bryant, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bryant or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bryant and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Bryant to Fayetteville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bryant vs Fayetteville?
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