Little Rock vs Springdale: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Little Rock, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,199 | $65,385▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.86 | $31.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,086 | $45,721▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,772 | $54,266▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,824 | $80,729▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,452 | $97,681▲ |
| Total Employed | 640▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Springdale, AR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Springdale is $1,186 (1.85%). Springdale's median is -4.04% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $38,366,Springdale spans $51,960. Springdale 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, Springdale ($75,242 effective) pays 4.74% more than Little Rock ($71,840 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Springdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,385/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,681)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,242)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Little Rock grew 52.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.3% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$40,030 (2019) → $60,910 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$40,193 (2024) → $62,035 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Little Rock or Springdale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Springdale?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Springdale as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Little Rock vs Springdale?
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