Fort Smith vs Sherwood: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Sherwood, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Sherwood, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,232▲ | $57,533 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.37▲ | $27.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,571▲ | $40,146 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,537▲ | $49,728 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,739▲ | $71,168 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,930▲ | $85,354 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sherwood.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Sherwood is $7,699 (13.38%). 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 Fort Smith spans $65,359,Sherwood spans $45,208. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($75,950 effective) pays 14.72% more than Sherwood ($66,206 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Sherwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Fort Smith grew 67.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.5% growth in Sherwood over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$37,010 (2019) → $61,890 (2025)
Sherwood, AR
$38,838 (2024) → $54,585 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Sherwood, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fort Smith or Sherwood?
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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