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
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. Whatโs surprising isn't the pay; it's the sheer purchasing power you get with it.
With a cost of living index of 101.0, youโre paying about 1% more than the national average. Thatโs 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 youโll find solid work in medical tech at places like United Regional. The city isn't chasing flashy tech booms; itโs built on stable, good-paying jobs that anchor the community.
Hereโs my honest take: the catch isn't the cost of living. Itโs 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. Itโs 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.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Wichita Falls
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
๐ 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.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Wichita Falls
๐งฎ 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
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๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Worth It?
Hereโs my honest take: Wichita Falls wonโt 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 prosโsteady demand, reasonable hours, and your money goes far. Tech is growing but still finding its footing. If youโre considering the move, donโt just chase the salaryโvisit first, talk to locals, and make sure the slower pace fits your life. Itโs a solid pick if you value balance over buzz.