Little Rock vs Van Buren: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Little Rock, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,199▲ | $54,965 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.86▲ | $26.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,086 | $42,932▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,772▲ | $48,538 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,824 | $67,193▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,452▲ | $79,444 |
| Total Employed | 640▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Van Buren is $9,234 (16.80%). 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 Little Rock spans $38,366,Van Buren spans $36,512. Little Rock 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 13.58% more than Van Buren ($63,251 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,199/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,452)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,840)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓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 40.5% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$40,030 (2019) → $60,910 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$37,105 (2024) → $52,149 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Little Rock or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Van Buren as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Little Rock vs Van Buren?
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