Surgical Technologist in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Arkansas employs 1,640 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $57,400 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $57,400 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,750
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $63,400
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $75,460
- Employed in Arkansas
- 1,640
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Arkansas markets:
- Fort Smith
- $61,890 (170 employed)
- Memphis
- $61,150 (630 employed)
- Fayetteville
- $61,080 (290 employed)
- Little Rock
- $60,910 (640 employed)
- Jonesboro
- $49,590 (140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas
Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $57,400 median stretches to roughly $66,053 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +13.6%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 120 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Arkansas state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Arkansas does not license surgical technologists.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program (~1–2 years).
- Earn the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential — the hiring standard.
Official requirements: No Arkansas state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Arkansas
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:
- Arkansas Northeastern College — Certificate / Associate
- Arkansas State University — Certificate / Associate
- Arkansas State University Mid-South — Certificate / Associate
- Arkansas State University-Beebe — Certificate / Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Arkansas
Real Arkansas surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Premier Surgery Center — Little Rock
- Bentonville Endoscopy Center — Bentonville
- Fianna Hills Surgery Center, Inc — Fort Smith
- Baxter Health Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC — Harrison
- Arkansas Surgery Center — Batesville
- Bentonville Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC — Bentonville
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Focused people who like structured clinical environments and precise routines.
Think twice if: Blood, surgery, standing for long cases, or high-pressure teams are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
First Steps
Look for accredited surgical technology programs and clinical placement details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Arkansas?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Arkansas is $57,400 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,750, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,460. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Arkansas?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Arkansas state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Arkansas does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Arkansas?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Arkansas metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Arkansas metro areas, Fort Smith leads at $61,890, followed by Memphis ($61,150), Fayetteville ($61,080). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Surgical Technologist in Arkansas?
Real Arkansas options include Arkansas Northeastern College, Arkansas State University, Arkansas State University Mid-South. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects surgical technologists employment to change +13.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 120 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Arkansas state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.