Conway vs Fort Smith: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Conway, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Conway, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,835 | $65,232▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.21 | $31.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,258▲ | $42,571 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,140 | $56,537▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,291▲ | $74,739 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,068 | $107,930▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Conway.
The salary gap between Conway and Fort Smith is $2,397 (3.81%). Fort Smith's median is -4.27% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $47,810,Fort Smith spans $65,359. Fort Smith 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, Fort Smith ($75,950 effective) pays 5.04% more than Conway ($72,307 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Conway if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,232/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,930)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,950)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Conway grew 53.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 67.2% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Conway, AR
$38,734 (2024) → $59,616 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$37,010 (2019) → $61,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Conway, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Conway or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Conway and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Conway to Fort Smith as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Conway vs Fort Smith?
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