Hot Springs vs Little Rock: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Hot Springs, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hot Springs, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,955 | $64,199▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.87 | $30.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,900 | $42,086▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,369 | $51,772▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,019▲ | $66,824 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,238▲ | $80,452 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 640▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Hot Springs and Little Rock is $6,244 (10.77%). Little Rock's median is -5.79% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hot Springs spans $42,338,Little Rock spans $38,366. Hot Springs 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, Little Rock ($71,840 effective) pays 7.72% more than Hot Springs ($66,692 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,238)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,199/year)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,840)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Hot Springs grew 40.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 52.2% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Hot Springs, AR
$39,124 (2024) → $54,986 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$40,030 (2019) → $60,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hot Springs, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Hot Springs or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hot Springs and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Hot Springs to Little Rock as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Hot Springs vs 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