๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 101 โ€” Near Avg Cost

Salaries in Wichita Falls, TX

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$67,769
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$67,098
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Marketing Manager
$152,371
1BR Rent
$843
median monthly

You might assume a city with a median income just over $60,000 is struggling. But in Wichita Falls, that number tells only half the story. Whatโ€™s surprising isn't the pay; it's the sheer purchasing power you get with it.

With a cost of living index of 101.0, youโ€™re paying about 1% more than the national average. Thatโ€™s noise. The real story is your rent: a one-bedroom averages just $843 a month. On that median household income, housing eats up less than 17% of your pre-tax pay, a near-mythical ratio in 2026. Your dollar stretches further here, period.

This isn't a corporate hub, but it's steady. The economy leans on healthcare, manufacturing, and the Air Force base. Sheppard Air Force Base is a massive employer, and youโ€™ll find solid work in medical tech at places like United Regional. The city isn't chasing flashy tech booms; itโ€™s built on stable, good-paying jobs that anchor the community.

Hereโ€™s my honest take: the catch isn't the cost of living. Itโ€™s the wage growth. Salaries here are respectable, but they haven't been rocketing up like in Austin or Dallas. You won't get rich quick, but you can build a very comfortable life without the financial stress. Itโ€™s ideal for skilled trades, healthcare workers, and anyone in project management who values stability over a lottery-ticket startup.

The data below breaks it all down, from top-paying roles to what your salary really buys you on the ground.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Wichita Falls

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ -3% vs national

Marketing Manager

$152,371
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $150,862
โฑ Hourly $73.26/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 205
๐Ÿฅˆ -3% vs national

Pharmacist

$131,500
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $130,198
โฑ Hourly $63.22/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth -3.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 205
๐Ÿฅ‰ -3% vs national

Software Developer

$123,022
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $121,804
โฑ Hourly $59.15/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 616
4๏ธโƒฃ -3% vs national

Construction Manager

$104,606
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $103,570
โฑ Hourly $50.29/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 205
5๏ธโƒฃ -3% vs national

Project Manager

$97,907
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $96,938
โฑ Hourly $47.07/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 205

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 40 Occupations in Wichita Falls

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (101/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Marketing Manager $152,371
2 Pharmacist $131,500
3 Software Developer $123,022
4 Construction Manager $104,606
5 Project Manager $97,907
6 Physical Therapist $96,389
7 Financial Analyst $95,712
8 Web Developer $89,661
9 Dental Hygienist $84,615
10 Accountant $83,213
11 Registered Nurse $83,203
12 Data Analyst $80,584
13 Police Officer $72,415
14 Human Resources Specialist $65,397
15 Elementary School Teacher $61,549
16 Plumber $61,240
17 Paralegal $60,660
18 Electrician $59,500
19 Real Estate Agent $59,432
20 Graphic Designer $59,297
21 Firefighter $55,217
22 Carpenter $55,024
23 HVAC Technician $53,816
24 Heavy Truck Driver $51,322
25 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $50,149
26 Insurance Agent $50,149
27 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $50,149
28 Veterinary Technician $50,149
29 Dental Assistant $50,149
30 Loan Officer $50,149
31 Nail Technician $50,149
32 Cosmetologist $50,149
33 Personal Trainer $50,149
34 Chef/Head Cook $50,149
35 Auto Mechanic $50,149
36 Social Worker $50,149
37 Pharmacy Technician $50,149
38 Welder $47,938
39 Medical Assistant $36,995
40 Security Guard $36,248

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Wichita Falls

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$843/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,037/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$189,900
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
4.0%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$60,772
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
27%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
40/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
101
Near Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Wichita Falls?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Wichita Falls. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Wichita Falls Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Wichita Falls, TX?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Wichita Falls is $67,769. This figure is slightly above the national average, given the city's Cost of Living Index of 101.0. The median household income is $60,772, which is lower than the average salary.

What jobs pay the most in Wichita Falls?

โ–ผ
The highest-paying role in Wichita Falls is Marketing Manager, with an average salary of $152,371. This is more than double the city's average salary of $67,769. Such high salaries are uncommon in the area's broader job market.

Is Wichita Falls affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Marketing Manager salary of $152,371 is highly affordable in Wichita Falls. The average 1BR rent is $843/month, which would be only about 6.7% of the monthly take-home pay from this salary. This leaves a substantial amount for other expenses and savings.

How does Wichita Falls's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Wichita Falls has a Cost of Living Index of 101.0, meaning it is 1% more expensive than the national average. This slightly reduces the purchasing power of your paycheck compared to a city with an index of 100. However, the impact is minimal due to the low index value.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Wichita Falls?

โ–ผ
A salary of $67,769 (the city average) provides a comfortable living, as it is above the median household income of $60,772. With a 1BR rent of $843/month, housing costs are very manageable at this income level. For a more luxurious lifestyle, targeting a salary near the highest-paying job ($152,371) would be ideal.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Worth It?

Hereโ€™s my honest take: Wichita Falls wonโ€™t make you rich overnight, but it stretches a paycheck. With a cost-of-living index just over 100 and rent around $843, that $67,769 average feels livable. Marketing Managers take the crown at $152,371 (and $150,862 after COL), but the real winners here are skilled trades and healthcare prosโ€”steady demand, reasonable hours, and your money goes far. Tech is growing but still finding its footing. If youโ€™re considering the move, donโ€™t just chase the salaryโ€”visit first, talk to locals, and make sure the slower pace fits your life. Itโ€™s a solid pick if you value balance over buzz.

Explore Wichita Falls Further